How do I stop my cat from.....

How do I stop my cat from nipping at me and my hubby? She doesn't do it all the time but when you don't pay enought attention to her she will try to nip at you. She also does it if you pet her to much while she is on your lap. I have no idea why she does this. Can anyone tell me why?

You said she is a kitten ? Well kittens and some cats are very quick over stimulated and then they eather scratch or bite you . The best would be to look for the signs she is giving you you , like her tail is starting to swing or shake or twitch and her ears going back . The best would be just to pet her a little and then just let her be . Also don't play with your hands as a toy with her , always use a toy to play with your kitten/cat it is much saver for your hands .

Originally Posted by PurrfectCatlove

You said she is a kitten ? Well kittens and some cats are very quick over stimulated and then they eather scratch or bite you . The best would be to look for the signs she is giving you you , like her tail is starting to swing or shake or twitch and her ears going back . The best would be just to pet her a little and then just let her be . Also don't play with your hands as a toy with her , always use a toy to play with your kitten/cat it is much saver for your hands

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Nope she is an adult cat. 6 years old and very loving. I only giver her back scratches when she asks. She is funny..

Hey KittyMom...some cats get overstimulated and after a while do not want to be pet..the point is to look for signs that your cat has had "enough" of being pet and stop before the biting begins. As far as the nipping for attention...I have found for my own cats, the best way to deal with that..is simply to ignore her...I know that sounds counterproductive...but she has learned that by nipping, she can get your attention. What you want to do is reward her with attention when she doesn't nip at you. Maybe you can set up some special time when you provide her attention (and perhaps even a treat) but then...if she nips at you...then you simply walk away. Do not "correct" her...as this will be perceived as attention...and that is what you are trying to work on. Also..do not expect this to be an immediate fix...it will take some time for her to adjust to your new reactions...so give it time. I'm sure Hissy or some of the other members will have suggestions as well. Good Luck.

Katie

There's also dominance-related aggression. The cat orders you around, using language you understand (ie nip = give attention). It's typical for a dominant cat to ask (or demand) petting, then bite while you're petting it. Perhaps this is it in your case.

The ignoring will work well with this. If there are situations where you can't ignore her (ie at the dinner table, you still need to eat!), keep her out of the room for the time being. Teach her "sit," or even just to come to her food bowl, and make her do this before you set her food down. Pet her when you want to, not when she demands it, avoid petting along the spine, stop when you decide to but watch out for signals that she may want to bite.

Weatherlight,

That is something that I didn't know about the petting on the spine. She loves to be scratched there and she also loves tummy rubs. Yes I do ignore her when she is being overdemanding or trying to order me around. This advice y'all have given is very helpfull. She doesn't do it all the time but now I know what to look for when she does want to nip.

Thank you..
Jo