[Written by a Veterinarian] Why Cats Bite and Scratch, and How to Deal with It Correctly

Has your cat ever suddenly bitten or scratched you? Cats bite and scratch to defend themselves or when they're playing. This article explains why cats bite and scratch.

What are the real reasons cats bite and scratch?

Extension of play (common in kittens and young cats)

Especially with kittens and young cats, biting and scratching often occur as an extension of play. Cat play is a simulated hunting practice, so biting and scratching during play is an instinctive behavior. Initially, they may only nip gently or not extend their claws, but if they get overexcited, they might bite or scratch forcefully.

Play is not just for practicing hunting; it also helps them expend excess energy and relieve stress. Instead of playing with your hands, use toys. If undesirable behaviors become frequent, it may be necessary to stop playing and let them cool down.

Stress/Anxiety

When a cat experiences strong stress or anxiety, it may suddenly attack its owner. Causes of stress and anxiety include sudden visitors, construction, loud home appliances (washing machines, vacuum cleaners), and an increase or decrease in family members (both human and animal). Sudden changes from their usual environment can cause significant stress. While it varies by cat, they tend to dislike small children, so measures such as evacuating them to another room when children visit may be necessary.

In multi-cat households, relationships can suddenly deteriorate without prior issues. If the power balance of their established territory changes, stress among the cats can intensify, leading them to attack each other.

Signs of pain or illness

If a cat has pain or discomfort due to illness, touching that area can make them aggressive. Their bites in such situations are often serious, and if you touch their body and are bitten hard, it's highly likely they are experiencing pain. Senior cats, in particular, may be in pain due to arthritis or tumors. Additionally, senior cats can develop hyperthyroidism, where an overproduction of thyroid hormones can make their personality aggressive.

If you observe symptoms such as being bitten forcefully when touched, feeling an unusual sensation when touching a specific spot, a change in personality, or rapid weight loss, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Correct ways to handle cat biting and scratching

Do not scold or swat their paws

If a cat bites or scratches, a strong reaction might overexcite them and lead to further aggression. Avoid scolding them or swatting their paws. If you are bitten, silently move the cat away, create distance, and wait for them to calm down.

Release energy through proper play

Kittens and young cats may bite if they don't get enough play. It's important to incorporate play and ensure they get sufficient exercise. Aim for 2-3 play sessions a day, each lasting 5-10 minutes. Use cat toys, moving them sideways like prey, shaking them gently, or hiding them to make it fun for your cat. If you play with your hands, they will learn to bite your hands. Never play with your hands. Also, don't let cats play by themselves; they'll quickly get bored.

Scratching countermeasures: "scratching post environment" and "movement paths"

Scratching is a form of aggression, but it also serves as a marking behavior to leave their scent. When a cat scratches your pants, it's for marking purposes.

Allowing sufficient scratching can reduce scratching behavior towards people and objects. Cats often try to scratch higher surfaces than other cats to assert their territory. Therefore, it is advisable to provide both vertical and horizontal scratching posts. Since cats tend to scratch furniture and pillar corners, place a vertical scratching post there or protect the area with claw-resistant sheets. Sofas are also prone to scratching damage. Take measures such as covering your sofa.

In multi-cat households, each cat may have different scratching areas. Therefore, you need to provide more scratching posts and locations. Observe where each cat scratches and set up posts accordingly.

What if it just won't stop?

Even with these measures, biting and scratching may not stop. If it's due to pain or illness, treatment often improves the situation, so it's essential to investigate the cause first. If the biting is due to stress, then reducing stress is necessary.

To reduce stress, you need to review their living environment. In multi-cat households, check if the relationships between cats have deteriorated. Even if they've been friendly, relationships can suddenly worsen. Even with a single cat, changes in the living environment (construction, new appliances, family changes) can cause significant stress. Provide hiding places and relaxing spots. You might also consider using feline pheromone products (Feliway®).

If measures don't improve the situation, anti-anxiety medication may be necessary. Consult a veterinarian specializing in animal behavior or a veterinary behaviorist.

Creating a "no biting, no scratching" environment where cats can live with peace of mind

Increase "safe spaces" for cats

To help your cat live peacefully, provide "safe spaces." Set up a cat tree and several hiding spots. Hiding spots should be places that are not easily visible to people or are elevated. A simple cardboard box that the cat can fit into is fine for a hiding spot. Placing the cat's cushion or toys inside, or covering it with a towel, can help them feel secure. If placing it high up, take precautions to prevent falls.

"Distance" is paramount in multi-cat households

In multi-cat households, if cats are too close to each other, conflicts are more likely to occur. It's especially important to ensure that cats who already have a strained relationship don't get unnecessarily close.

Problem areas often include feeding spots, litter boxes, and sleeping areas. First, feeding spots should be arranged so that cats are not crowded together. For cats with poor relationships, it may be necessary to separate their feeding areas or even put them in different rooms.

It is advisable to provide one litter box per cat plus one additional box. Having easily accessible litter boxes not only reduces stress but also helps prevent urinary tract diseases like cystitis and urinary stones. Moreover, litter boxes should not be placed in the same spot but rather spaced out.

Sleeping and hiding spots are also common sources of trouble. It's essential to provide separate resting places for each cat.

Physical contact when the cat wants it

Not all cats enjoy physical contact; some dislike being touched. Some cats may withdraw if approached too actively. Engage in physical contact only when the cat desires it. Also, be mindful of where you touch them. While cats often enjoy being petted on the head and face, avoid sensitive areas like the belly, which is a vulnerable spot, and their paws. Be careful not to over-pet. Cats can exhibit "petting-induced aggression," where they suddenly become aggressive if petted too much. This often starts unexpectedly, but signs like their ears flattening backward, tail thumping, or body stiffening indicate they might be about to attack. If you observe such signs, stop touching them and leave them alone.

Q&A for when biting and scratching behavior becomes a problem

Q1: Why does my cat bite when sleepy?

If your cat is nipping gently when sleepy, it's likely a sign of affection. If they're biting hard out of excitement, they might be bothered by stimulation. In that case, stop touching them and create some distance.

Q2: My child was scratched. What should I do?

Cats tend to dislike children, often because children move suddenly, make loud noises, or grab them unexpectedly. Also, children may not know how to be gentle when touching cats, applying too much force. In such situations, cats might scratch seriously. First, it's necessary to separate the child and the cat. It's best to move the cat to a quiet room or a hiding place where it can calm down. Never scold either the cat or the child. If the child is old enough to understand, establish rules like "don't touch the cat if its ears are flattened back" or "only touch for a short time." If the child is younger, an adult should always supervise and ensure the child and cat are not left alone together.

Q3: My cat suddenly started biting.

If a cat suddenly starts biting, it could be due to pain or illness. You should consult a veterinarian immediately. In addition, severe mental stress can also cause a change in personality. In such cases, home care can be difficult, and medication to alleviate anxiety may be necessary. A visit to the vet is still required.

Summary: Biting and scratching behavior can definitely be reduced with understanding of "reasons and solutions"

Cats bite and scratch as instinctive behaviors for self-defense or practicing hunting. They also scratch to mark their territory. Beyond that, these behaviors can also be symptoms of pain or illness.

Biting and scratching caused by stress will subside by playing to release stress and providing a relaxing environment. Scolding will only make it worse, so address it with solutions rather than punishment. If measures don't lead to improvement, there's a possibility of pain, illness, or severe stress. We strongly recommend consulting a veterinarian.