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My cat bites and scratches when I pet him. Is this normal play?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Scottish Fold | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 7 days old

Hi, I tend to play with Offa often, I rub his chin, pet him and he enjoys it at times. However at times, he bites, scratches and sometimes hisses. When he bites and scratches my arm, It doesn't hurt much and I continue rubbing him while he does so to my arm continuously, assuming that this is how he plays/what he enjoys, I only leave him alone when he hisses. Is this assumption correct or should I refrain from doing so when he starts biting and scratching.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2017

I recommend to not continue play behavior when he starts biting and scratching. This is because that encourages that type of behavior and as he gets older it could lead to aggression and other issues. You may try playing with toys instead that stimulate prey for Offa such as feathers on a stick toys for him to "attack."

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    Answered By Harrah White

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Cats are very sensitive when it comes to touch and will let you know why they like and dislike. The scratching,biting, and hissing are him telling you to stop. Most times cats will elicits for affection first (usually they will rub your hand with their face) at that point he is giving you the ok gently pet him for short/shorter periods of times. if though your begin to see any warning signs that he is getting over stimulated or aggravated it is important to stop. Some of these signs can include tail wagging and flattening of his ears and of course the hissing, swatting and biting For more interaction and play time with him I would recommend purchasing or utilizing toys for cats that are interactive to make him run and chase things (wand toys)

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