Quote Originally Posted by Maya & Inka's mommy
My newbie Snoopy has the habbit to bite when you scratch her tummy or chin. It doesn't hurt a bit, but it will when she groes up and keeps doing this . I am trying to learn her not to bite, but I am not sure how.
Now I tap softly on her nose while saying firmly "NO !!!".
Any advize on this?
They bite like that for various reasons: like they just want to play with you and nipping can be play for them since they probably did it with their siblings...or she may be trying to tell you to touch her more gently or not scratch her tummy or chin. Or when you stop and she nips she could be saying, "More, please." And she could also be saying, "no more, please." Anyway, it is good to nip the nipping in the bud, so to speak, before she gets much older and it becomes an ingrained habit. Sounds like you are doing the right thing in your reaction and she should get the message that this is not acceptable behavior for her to be biting.

For two years I have had an adopted stray [three years old](from a rescue shelter) who did this frequently when we first got her, and still does every so often. I have always let her know that this is not acceptable in the same way you are doing. I also watch how I pet her. She likes to be patted rather than rubbed. And if I approach to make sure she is watching me first...like no surprises for her! With her I have to watch that I don't pick her up unless absolutely necessary, but she'll come up to me when she is ready for a lap session or just a little pat or stroke. My other two cats don't mind being carried at all and never nip when they are held, stroked, or rubbed especially under the chin. Each is so different.

Good luck...