Scratching and biting?

How typical is it for you to get scratched or bitten by your cat(s)? Im just curious if they are generally friendly and occasionally just get crabby and go at you or are they commonly aggressive? Ive gotten scratched a few times by Abby and shes attempted to bite me once so far, kind of freaks me out. But Morgan hasnt shown one ounce of aggression at all, and hasnt scratched or anything at all. Im wondering if this is just typical temperment or if Abby doesnt like me so much? Do you just go on about your business after getting scratched or is there a good way to deal with it? All Ive done so far is quickly get away, say No Abby and leave her alone.

When you are bitten or scratched what are you doing with the cat?
Are you picking the cat up?
Playing?
Petting?
What signs does your cat show that it doesn't waant to be bothered right then?
Are the ears back?
Growling/rumbling? Hissing?
Is it just rough play?
Was the cat trying to leave?
Hide?
Sleeping?
Some cats are only friendly on their terms and cannot be forced to be sociable.
They will come to you and get petted and should be left alone the rest of the time.

Put yourself in your cats place. Would you want to be petted if you are trying to sleep or on your way to the litter box?
Each cat has it's own personality and needs. If you respect it's boundrys it will repay you with years of companionship.

The only times we get scratched or bitten are accidental. I've gotten some nasty scratches from klutzy cats falling off the windowsill over the bed onto me while I am asleep. Sasha bit my finger by mistake when I tried to stop him from eating the new IKEA catalog, he went for the book and my hand was there instead; not his fault.

The only time we're in danger of being deliberately bitten or scratched is when we try to groom the mats out of Tillie's fur. She HATES being held or picked up, and swats at you if you even try to touch her flanks when you pet her. We're going to get her a lion cut as soon as my next paycheck comes in; it will be less traumatic for her than us trying repeatedly to brush her, as we get out only about half a mat per brushing attempt.

Zoey is a brat. She will be so sweet and loving one minute, rubbing on my legs, hands, purring and meowing, rolling over on her back.. and then all of a sudden her ears go back and she lunges for my arm Bites me, but not skin breaking. She thinks she's playing but it hurts! She is not mean or aggressive, I am just still working on breaking her biting habit. It's gotten better over the past couple months but once in awhile she will still enjoy using my arm as a cat toy.

As for scratching, luckily she never ever scratches me. She paws me, but doesnt use her nails. I cant decide if biting or scraching hurts more..

Dragon Lady, I havent really pinpointed her reasons yet. 2 of the times it was after she had catnip so Im cutting her off. No more of it for her The second time after catnip was when she tried to bite me. She was rolling around on the floor after playing with it and I reached down to pet her. She flipped on to her back and scratched as she tried to bite. It wasnt pretty! Its possible it could have been rough play

Otherwise, I dont think Ive ever irritated her or anything. We're learning boundaries with her still and Im pretty careful around her in that way. Especially with my daughter, she doesnt approach her but waits for Abby to come to her so that works.

Is it common for cats to act that way after catnip? Morgan is normal, just excited I guess. But Abby gets rough.

Some cats get aggressive from catnip and others just act silly.

Some cats just prefer not to be touched, unless they instigate contact. It sounds to me like this Aby loves you, but she would love you more if you didn't pet her. Petting is a response we need more than they do. I would just back off of her for awhile, and let her just have her alone time. If you stop trying to pet her, you won't get scratched or bit and perhaps she will miss the contact and come to you and beg for the pets you so want to give her.

My kitten is almost 7 weeks. He treats my hands and feet as playing toys...i dont know how to break this habbit. Does anyone know?

It has been a long time since I had a kitten but I do remember that they are full of energy. Try to only play with him using toys. Most cats love the wand type toys. Also waded up paper balls, furry mice, etc..  If you pet him and he starts to get too excited just stop petting him and remove your hand. Don't pull it away too fast or he may just clamp down it it and cause you more harm.  Also, most cats don't like their belly rubbed. Hopefully he will learn to play with the toys and not your hand.

 Good luck with your kitty.

Thank you! mishicats He likes to play with wand, but sometimes he loves to jump on me and bite my hand... Mostly I pull back fast(natual reflect...cuz it hurts) and say no, but he thinks Im playing with him so he does it again. Ill try pull back slowly next time and see if it works... thank you again.