Article: « Pourquoi mon chat me mordille? » (Sciences et Avenir, 2019)
Response:
Chats may gently bite or nibble on their owners for several reasons:
1. As a sign of affection: Kittens use their teeth to show love and play, and adult cats may retain this behavior.
2. As a response to petting: Some cats become overstimulated by petting and may bite as a way to signal they’ve had enough.
3. To seek attention: A gentle bite may be a cat’s way of getting your attention or interacting with you.
It’s crucial to differentiate between playful, gentle bites and aggressive behavior. To discourage unwanted biting, the article suggests the following techniques:
1. Offer appropriate toys for playtime instead of hands or feet.
2. Redirect the cat’s attention when biting begins.
3. Provide a calm, safe environment.
4. Consider consulting a behaviorist or veterinarian if the problem persists.