Why does she bite me?

[Kevalin]

My boy, Jordan, only nips like that when he's wanting something, usually food. My other cat, Buzz, used to do it as well, and for the same reason.

Mind, they don't seem to have to be really hungry; the emphasis is definitely on "wants" food, not needs it.

[BarbPond]

My 7mth old kitten Michael not only "nips" at me but he also tries to comb my hair with his claws! Normally when I am sleeping. The problem I have with that is that my skin is really thin and cant handle it well. I just use "liquid bandage" or "new skin" (has antiseptic in it) on the small nicks and he hates the smell of it! That has slowed him down some.

[dehlers43]

Chelsea will gently nip at whatever exposed body part of mine she can find when she thinks I need to get out of bed and attend to her needs. Usually it means she wants her water freshened or that she can see the bottom of the food bowl, known here as "The Bottom of the Food Bowl Blues"....

[Too Many Cats]

My Herky is a relentless biter and is probably the reason why he was dropped off at the Humane Society. He bites whenever he is near your face and it's a hard quick bite....and then he starts to purr, lol! Night time is especially difficult with him because he'll lay right above my head and zoom into my face as close as he can without disturbing me and then bites. And this goes on for hours and usually ends up with me putting him out of the bedroom. It had gotten to the point that I couldn't pick him up or have him on my lap because of the constant biting which drew blood 75% of the time. I've had to really work with him on when it's okay to bite and when it's not and he's getting a little better. I dont mind the occasional little love bite, but I do mind when it becomes a demanding and obsessive behavior problem like that.

[thawks120]

I used to work at a shelter and fostered and eventually adopted a 27 pound Tuxie. He had been adopted and returned 3 times due to his "Love Biting" a bit to hard before I took him home to see what was up with him. Some kitties just get over stimulated when they love their human and many mammals tend to nip or bite or like human babies put things in their mouths.

If your kitty bits too hard, its usually best not to react too much, a little tap on the nose, and the verbal use of the same words each time such as "OUCH THAT'S TOO HARD" or some similar thing in a firm but not angry voice will get the point across. Cat are very smart and understand a lot of what we say to them if you use the same words or phrases each time for things.

One other thing to remember that's VERY important is that while your cat is on your lap AVOID the full head to tail stroking when you pet them, as this tends to over stimulate them and their affection. Try just rubbing or massaging the back of kitties neck gently. This worked for my Tuxie within about a week he stopped biting. He's been the best lover boy since and now gives endless head butts and noses (nose to nose rubs) now, and I've had the pleasure of being his human for 9 years now, he's 15 years old and plays with his brothers and sister like a kitten. He's totally a joy to have around.

[moosmom]

kb2yjx is right. It sounds like over stimulation. Look for body language. Airplane ears (ears go flat), pupils dilated. If she does bite you, that's when you put her down and say "NO!!!" very firmly. You can teach her not to bite. If you play with her, use a toy, do NOT use your hands as that will tell her it's acceptable behavior. She won't understand the difference, and it will confuse her.