Friendly bite leads to a serious one

by Won

My tabby is a year and two months old. I got her from local humane society when she was a 6 month old kitty. As I'm waking with her she would hop and hug my leg. Lately, she would do that but once in a while add a bite to my leg. What makes her do that?


That is kissing, as long as it's just a nip


Also, as she lays next to me, I'd stroke her and occasionally she'd bite my hand. What makes her in the biting mode?

I chase her around the house and we play hide and seek. She loves when I do this. Sometimes, she'd see me and will get in a defensive mode. I'd chase her then. She loves being on her cat tree. When she is in a feisty mood, she'd paw me as I'm walking past her. I'd paw her back, and we start a game until she comes down the tree and wants to attack my ankle. I have to let her get a last bite and she'll leave me alone.

By playing aggressively with her, you are making her play aggressively back with you. This can lead to serious aggression with strangers, kids and other animals. I suggest you use a tickler wand instead of your hands. Get her trained to the toy, and to stop biting you. The bites are kisses, from what you say, but this kind of behavior can get really out of hand - fast! ~ Morgen