Biting Cat

adymarie

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Hello! My mother-in-law's youngest cat is doing something strange. She will be sitting and watching TV when suddenly her 8 month old male neutered cat will come up and bite down on her right hand with out warning and not let go. It doesn't appear to be an attention grabbing stunt, but normally she is not paying attention to him when he does this - she says it is normally when she watches TV. There are 2 older cats in the house, but he appears to be the dominant cat. During these times she is not playing with the other cats. Any idea how to stop this or even why it is happening? My mother-in-law wants me to add that she plays with Rascal constantly. She adopted him at about 6-8 wks old and he was a feral cat when adopted. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 

sandie

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Is she petting him or is her hand still? It could either be a pet agression thing or it could just be play behavior.
 
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adymarie

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When he bites her, she is just watching TV and not touching him. He bites the hand she normally throws his toys with. He plays fetch with her. He gets alot of attention from her every day.
 

sandie

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I would have to say it's good ole fashion playing. When cats do that they are treating thier humans as if they were a sibling or playmate. Us people don't find it very amusing most of the time, but you can work with them to get them to stop. Usually the easiest way to do it is to say ouch in a very high pitched voice and then put them down facing away from you. It takes repitition, but it usually pays off.
 
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adymarie

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Thanks Sandie!

I thought it was a play behaviour myself. He is such an energetic little bundle. He fetches as well as a dog does & just loves playing. I'll pass on the re-training method.

Thanks
 
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