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Why does my cat bite my ankle after petting? Is it normal play?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

Our cat likes to be petted but sometimes after I pet her and I try to leave, she's gonna grab my ankle with her claw and bite me but not in a hurtful way. Why does she do that?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 9th, 2018

This is normal playing behavior for many cats. If it is all the time, or if it gets really aggressive, definitely talk to your vet about anxiety. Another option is to play, then picking her up and putting her say in a cat tree or shelf that she likes, then leave the room. Hope this helps and best of luck!

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