Why does my cat bite me when I pet her? How can I make her nicer?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I do not understand why my cat is so mean. When I pet her she bites me. She will not let me pick her up or anyone else but I have noticed she loves me..She will always follow me through out the house.She sleeps at the foot of my bed and meows when I get home. How can i get her to be nicer to me when I want to pet her?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 13th, 2017
Cats are naturally independent and defensive and it is important to understand their body language and needs in order for you both to enjoy the best of each others company. It is unlikely that your cat is being mean but more that she is feeling uncertain as to how to deal with the situation - many cats feel intimidated by being picked up as this removes their ability to escape if they need to and many cats are very defensive if petted under their belly or behind the chest/shoulder area. Watch closely for her cues of swishing the tail or putting back her ears which indicate she is unhappy and allow her to jump up to you when she is ready. Icatcare (international cat care) website has some very interesting articles on cat behavior in the house and are worth a read to better understand her behaviors
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on March 11th, 2018
Yes, she should grow out of this phase. You are doing a good job of not encouraging this behavior. Play toss with her or have a toy on a fishing pole. A laser pointer if fun for them to chase also. Some cats don’t like to be picked up so I would let her come to you instead. Most cats have places they don’t like to be touched and they will bite if you pet them there. My cat likes being pet under the chin, but not too much on his head. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Nala.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My cat (6 months) has been having a strange biting behavior lately. He’s been meowing to get our attention and when we pet him he starts purring and liking it but he always ends up biting us. It’s not like a nibble it’s more on the harder side. I was
My 3 yr. old cat puts his teeth on me but doesn't bit down when I am sitting on the couch watching tv. Also when I pet him, after a short time he will swat me with his paws. What can I do to avoid being scratched or bit?
My cat is not spoiled like other cats and when invited kidding copies angry and biting, this is what disturbed copies? how to order copies can be spoiled? 3. Copi seemed to like new things, especially if there are new copies always wanted to meet. If
how can i teach my cat to be more social with me. he is very aloof and scratches and bites when i try to pet him.
So here is the situation: I would be petting my cat, she then bites me. I stop petting her. I bring my hand close to her so she smells me and know that this is me and that everything is okay. She stares at me (no fear stance or backward ears, its a n
How can I know if my cats skin is sensitive? I’ve had my cat for around 8 months now and she follows me everywhere and sleeps on my bed and beside me but she never ever ever allows me to pet her. I can only pet her head for a few seconds. If I try pe
Lily is 4 months old and tries to bite me and scratch me when she is purring how do I stop her from biting and scratching me? Lily is the white cat with patches
Sophie was a stray when we adopted her from a shelter. At first she was shy but loving. After a few weeks she would not let us pet her, giving us small bites. She is now 6 months old and still will not be petted and does not show any affection and he
We have a cat who is almost 2 years old. She is very sweet but she is a biter. She seems to bite when she wants your attention but also when she doesn't want it!
My cat has recently started biting my hand. I had broke her of the habit of “hunting” feet at night, but now she will rub against my hand like she wants to be pet and then start biting and clawing at it. She has done little nibbles before, but this i
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
