How to Train A Cat Not to Bite Your Hand or Skin

(Last Updated On: April 16, 2021)

How to train a cat not to bite? Cats and kittens naturally bite, pounce and claw, it is not always because of their aggressiveness, rather it’s their natural instinct. Cats are felines and by-born predators bite and scratch. It is the cat’s biological habit to explore their world by biting things. Therefore, biting does always not mean their aggressiveness and attacking attitude. Rather you will find playfulness and affection in many cases.

Why do cats bite?

Biting comes naturally in the case of kittens as they explore their world by mouth, just like kids in many other species, including humans. However, this habit decreases significantly up to the age of one year. Yet, the change of attitude is very common in cats, and they often turn aggressive while petting, and start biting and clawing. As a pet owner, you must learn the body language of the cat well.

Cats bite when they feel frightened and mingled up with other kittens or cats. The past record of the cat is important in that case. Sometimes, biting is related to attention-grabbing or a way of communication. In the case of adoption, you need to check the history of the cats, which should have learned the etiquette and manner earlier. If not, it is your urgency to train them up.

How to train a cat not to bite

Yet, it’s risky in many cases for the human and kids to adjust with the biting tendency of the felines. Cats and kittens are playful and affectionate with their biting and clawing, yet it will not be safe every time for the human. The bite and claw may be dangerous and infectious for you and your family, or even a guest who has just come home.

In this article, I am going to discuss how to train a cat not to bite.

When do cats bite?

Cats bite in different situations subject to the change of mood and the situation they think is risky and scary. There are some particular types of cat biting, the most common types are aggressive biting and playful biting.

Cats undergo aggressive biting with force and when it feels anger, afraid, or fury. The bite turns very aggressive and at the deep with bleeding and scratch. On the other hand, a playful bite doesn’t penetrate mush or cause much harm.

Yet, the risk factors include a sudden change of the cat’s mood to transform the playful bite into an aggressive one. Whatever the situation it is not a good deal to allow cats to bite.

Even for the aggressive situation, you must take precautions to retard the cat from it. Avoid stimulators, triggers, or situations that might cause your cat to be aggressive. Situations like being rude to the cat, confronting any danger or other cats, or teasing the cat indiscriminately.

Give your cat a reward and appreciation in every case it avoids its biting tendencies. Biting out of playing tendencies is common to the cat. The playful mood of the cat keeps its biting habits.

The animal behavior counselor at Nirvana Trails in New York City, Mary Molloy says, “Playtime with littermates helps to teach a kitten bite inhibition, which means if you bite your sibling too hard, you’ll be avoided at best—or bitten right back at worst”.

What to do when the cat bites?

Shout politely to make the cat clear that it’s painful. Slowly get your hand out of the cat’s mouth and redirect it with another sort of play. Make your cat clear that biting is not a play and you dislike it.

Be consistent with your attitude and apply the same procedure in case the cat bites every time. Reward it for not biting. Give them new toys to play with. Using some code word like “AHH” or “OW” or “UHH” in every bite, your cat will get a signal that means he should stop it, or let it go.

You always have to be patient to deal with the cat’s biting. If you go with physical punishment or a harsh scold, the cat might be frightened.

What else to train the cat?

Be careful to give your cat such toys and type of play with the cat. Don’t use your body part as a jumping and catch toy for the cat. Bouncing and punching toys is better than playing with your hand. You can give the cat wand toys for biting and scratching, instead of your body part. Invent some safe and fun plays for the cat.

Always maintain zero tolerance in case the cat bints humans. Your discouragement will gradually discourage your dog from getting out of it. For not biting, you may offer treats and rewards.

Every member of the family, friends as well as guests have to maintain this procedure in order to give the cat the same signal against biting. In case of different reactions from different people, you won’t be able to control the situation as the cat will be confused, what to follow, and what to avoid.

Don’t encourage your cat with your empty hand or finger. Make it clear to the cat that hands or body parts are not a thing to play with. Make sure every member of your family maintains the same rule. Rather, provide the cat with many other toys to play with. Adequate toys will not make the cat bored. Keep them busy with toys, 2, 3, or 4.

Encouraging your cat to play with soft paws (claws withheld) or a soft mouth with you, family members, or other cats. Give the cat a reward for maintaining this habit. Gradually the cat will be able to be habituated. Help your cat to distinguish between your skin and clothes, by providing the cat with clots to bite.

Provide your cat with rewards and treats to make it learn to sit down when you enter the room. It will encourage your cat to adjust behavior.

Keep the training on a continuous basis to infuse learning in the cat. Have patience and be lenient with the pet, instead of being rude and aggressive. Rewarding is the best way for bringing training outcomes.

I hope this article on how to train a cat not to bite was worthy to you.