Mood swings

[ChloeLove]

I have two cats, Clara and Dozer, and they are really great cats. But, if we go to pet them sometimes, they will put their teeth on us, sometimes a little but harder than other times, but then they will lick us right where they bit us and do it all over again. (It is mostly Dozer who does this) Sorry if this makes no sense, but does this mean anything in kitty talk? Sorry I sound so clueless!

[L. Wayne]

chloelove, how old are your cats? It sounds as though they are not too old, perhaps less than 1 year. Generally, a pet cat can be taught not to bite, but it requires some patience and time. I notice with mine that when they bite, usually when playing or if they are new to the pride, that if I allow whatever it is that they bite, to go limp, they usually get the message. Also, if I verbally protest their biting they will usually stop it. The only one who hasn't learned not to bite when I pet him is Fawn, a mostly Abyssinian, but he doesn't bite as hard as he did in the past.

[aguu]

My kitty Mishka does this when he is feeling extra, extra affectionate (usually about 3am) he will purr and lick me and every now and then give me a gentle bite. I call them love bites - they usually very gentle, he just kind of "gums" me. I think it's just another sign of affection. If that's what your kitties do, it's okay- just make sure that you show them it's not okay do do it harder. A loud NO and stopping your "lovies" session will usually do the trick!

[ChloeLove]

Oh, phew, lol...I hate to say it but I do not know too much about kitties. (They are both 4-5 years old )

[L. Wayne]

I am also becoming aware of early morning lovies, kisses, and bites can be a sign of them being hungry. Although I leave out a tray of food for all to eat out of, sometimes they want more than just dry food. Then I have to get up (usually have to anyway) and get them, especially Tiger, some canned food to mix in with their tray of dry. Usually after eating, as well as my own apetite being taken care of, we can go back to sleep.

[wolflady]

My cat Sergei is a biter. Have your cats always done this? There could be various reasons. For my cat, he seems to bite the most when he is playing or overstimulated. Some cats bite to get attention, love bites, or simply to be left alone, for instance during a "petting session", the cat may be contentedly purring then WHAM! He/she turns around and bites ya. In that instance, it's overstimulation which is the cat's way of saying "ok, that's enough". Do your cats typically bite or nip you during play or petting? Like Wayne mentioned, it should be a pretty easy thing to get them to stop. I've only had Sergei for a short time, but he has greatly improved with the biting behavior. Good luck!