As cat owners, we know that the cost of owning a cat also means dealing with a lot of crazy and inexplicable behavior. But that's why we love our cats. Most likely, at some point you have encountered a cat biting your legs.
Now you are here, reading this article and looking for answers. We can probably understand why cats chase our fingers and hands, but our feet may seem a little strange. We will do our best to study this strange and at the same time quite cute behavior.
We'll look at six reasons why we think cats like to bite our feet. We will also discuss methods that can help prevent this from happening.
Kitten bites
If a kitten bites, then most likely it is scratching its teeth. When little kittens start teething, they develop the urge to bite. Your little pet may bite your pants or cling to your socks, and this is quite natural for his age. But for the owner, you need to remember one thing: if you don’t teach your kitten to bite at an early age, he will continue to bite your legs even when he grows up.
To avoid this, immediate re-education should begin.
Buy a rubber ball or a soft mouse for your baby so that your pet can chew on it when he wants to bite. As soon as your pet starts biting you, distract him with a toy, focusing his attention on it.
Parenting with bites
We use the carrot and stick method when raising our children. A cat does the same thing. But nature gave her much less time for feeding and raising her offspring. Usually after 2-3 months the mother will be ready to bear kittens again, and in such a short period of time she must teach the cubs to survive in the harsh world. Therefore, the cat sometimes uses not only biting kittens, but also hits them with her paw. In this way, the mother tries to instill in the children the rules of conduct, teaches how not to behave. At such moments, she can bite the kitten without causing injury until he understands what is required of him. The cat always makes sure that all children are in her field of vision, in the nest and do not try to leave it. And when her most nimble and curious child shows disobedience, she forces him to obey. Sometimes the mother accustoms her cubs to the tray. And in this case, she also bites them and does not allow them to leave until they do the wet job.
Biting as an educational measure occurs when the cat gets tired, wants to sleep, and children climb on it like on a playground. She calms annoying and nimble children in this way. By the way, if dad lives next to his mother cat, then he can raise his offspring in the same way. This is how daddy cat demonstrates his authority and dominance.
There are always various dangers awaiting kittens on the street. Therefore, the mother is obliged to teach them to fight back the enemy. Even if the cat is domesticated and does not encounter serious predators, at the genetic level the mother is trying to teach her offspring self-defense skills. When she bites children on the neck, she shows them the most vulnerable place in a fight with an opponent - this is how she teaches them to avoid attacks from strangers.
Typically, cat self-defense lessons are played in a playful way. The mother bites the cubs lightly, pinching their skin. The skills acquired from her help the young to survive, defend themselves, their territory, and fight back against the offender.
Hunting instincts
Cats by nature are hunters. They have well developed hunting instincts. A mother can teach her cubs the wisdom of hunting when they are already grown up. She bites them, demonstrating how to capture and hold prey. Sometimes you can see how the mother cat grabs the baby with her front paws, beats him with her hind paws and bites him on the neck. So she teaches him basic hunting skills.
After such lessons, children can hone their skills on each other. And all this happens under the control of the mother. When they play too much, the cat intervenes and bites their neck, letting them know that it’s time to stop.
Cat diseases
Unfortunately, such an effect on the offspring can also be a symptom of the disease. If the cat’s birth was difficult, she is exhausted, then it is difficult for her to control her behavior. She perceives the cubs as irritants. In such cases, the bites are no longer sedative. The cat bites quite aggressively and persistently.
The most common reason for this dangerous behavior of a mother cat is postpartum eclampsia (milk fever). It is the result of a lack of calcium in the body. Its deficiency provokes inappropriate mental behavior of the mother. Sometimes even convulsions occur.
In such situations, there is no way to do without veterinary help. After all, a cat can simply die from depression of the respiratory center. For eclampsia, the doctor administers calcium gluconate intramuscularly. And kittens must be isolated from their mother during the treatment period, otherwise they are at risk of injury.
An adult cat is bored
An adult cat may bite out of boredom. If a pet wants to attract your attention, it will jump out from around the corner, bite your legs and run away. The solution to this small problem will depend only on the owner. You can buy or make a new toy for your animal that he will like.
In addition, you should pay attention to your pet. A domestic cat is not part of the interior, it is a full-fledged member of the family that also needs attention.
Why does my cat attack my legs?
“The number one reason why furry friends bite their feet is very simple - they are carnivorous animals,” says Jackson Galaxy, a renowned expert on feline behavior and health, a guest of the reality show “My Cat From Hell” on the Animal Planet channel. and one of the best-selling New York Times published authors. Since cats are predators by nature, they have the desire to hunt, climb, scratch, and often do this for pleasure. “Movement under the blanket awakens the “wild cat” in the animal, that primal creature that lives inside the pet,” Galaxy explains. “It’s built into their nervous system, and if something starts moving like prey, it kicks in the DNA.” As the expert comments, for the same reason the “little panther” can grab onto the ankles of a passing owner. The specialist explains that at this moment she does not attack the person, but perceives his legs as prey or a toy.
According to Jackson Galaxy, another reason why animals can't resist pouncing is because they're involved in play. Cats are amused by the response - a movement or sound that appears. The expert mentions differences in the actions of domestic animals depending on their individual characteristics, but considers “hunting” to be a common behavior of young animals.
The reason for such activity may also be boredom. “If a cat doesn't have enough opportunities to play, she will likely start looking for an outlet for pent-up energy; One option is to attack your feet,” says Jennifer Coates, an advisory board member for the online resource Cat Life Today. According to the expert, a pet can also express its affection by attacking its owner’s legs.
Some cats pounce on human limbs to get attention. “It could be that their bowl is empty or the place they want to go is blocked,” says Sarah Okoa, a veterinarian practicing in Texas and a consultant for Doglab.com. In an attempt to stop boring communication with the owner, the animal can attack any part of his body. “If your furry friend bites your feet after playing together and then runs away, this could be a way of telling him to leave him alone,” Dr. Okoa explains. “Some cats will lash out due to excessive attention or if they are tired from playing.”
The reason for a pet's attack on the owner's legs is often hidden in his physiology. This kind of pranks can be prompted by the early removal of a kitten from its mother or the lack of punishment on her part for biting in childhood. Dr. Shelley Zacharias, vice president of Medical Affairs, explains that medical problems such as hyperthyroidism also contribute to this type of behavior. When finding out the reasons, the specialist advises first of all to look for the source in the state of health.
Stress or fear
Frequent leg biting can be caused by stress or fear. If a pet is afraid of something or doesn’t like something, then it will protest in such a way as to attract your attention. This often happens due to frequent changes of place of residence, the appearance of a new animal in the house, or due to the arrival of strangers in the apartment.
In this case, it is necessary to minimize stress in your animal. Show more affection, spend more time together and play more often. The cat should feel that you love it and are completely safe.
Host actions
So, we have found out why the cat rushes to his feet and bites, now we will find out what to do in such a situation - how to wean him from this habit. Remember, whatever the reason for strange behavior, there is no need to justify it and let things take their course. Aggressive intentions must be stopped at the very beginning.
Take the advice of experienced breeders and take measures that are suitable specifically for your case:
give a little fluffy dog with itchy teeth a rubber toy that attracts attention (the same method can work with a spoiled, harmful cat); if the problem is a lack of vitamins, review your pet’s diet and supplement it with special supplements; in the event of a sudden “attack”, when not only teeth, but also claws are used, contact a veterinarian - most likely the cat is experiencing attacks of pain associated with the development of some internal diseases; If your pet is walking and mating is not possible, then castrate or neuter him to solve the problem once and for all.
But still, the main reason why a cat bites its owner or owner on the legs is most often the inattentive attitude of breeders towards their pets.
It is necessary to play with the animal and caress it not only while it remains a cute kitten: adult felines need this no less. Spend time with your pets, play with domesticated predators, monitor their health and upbringing - and coping with manifestations of aggression will not be difficult.
Hunting instinct
The feline can bite the owner's legs due to the hunting instinct. A cat is a predator by nature, and this behavior is typical for it. She can hide under a table or chair and watch your leg for a long time, waiting and choosing the best moment to attack. When you get closer, she may jump out and grab your leg.
Hunting instincts can also manifest themselves when a cat eats food.
If she eats something tasty, a piece of meat or fish, and then you appear next to the bowl. The pet may begin to growl, indicating to you that this is its prey. If the owner does not pay attention to this, he may be bitten directly on the leg. Sometimes it’s impossible to wean yourself off of this. You just have to get used to the hunting nature of your pet and find a peaceful solution to common coexistence.
What if a stimulating environment and play are not enough to stop your cat from attacking his legs?
Shadi Delshad, animal behavior expert and founder of National Kitty magazine, recommends having more than one animal. “For some cats, regular play sessions combined with appropriate positive punishment prevent unwanted behavior,” she explains. – However, this is not enough for overly violent individuals. They need a companion to release their emotions. A second cat is the best way to ensure that pent-up energy is released during regular playtime together.” Delshad also mentions the presence of fewer behavioral problems in animals that live in pairs with a conspecific.
Based on materials from www.popsugar.com
The cat has grown up and reached puberty
Aggression towards your legs can occur in a cat as a result of puberty. When a pet develops desire for the opposite sex, he may become irritable and nervous. If the animal is lying on the floor and you are looming in front of it, then it is possible that you will be bitten or scratched on the leg.
In this case, during the “hot-hunters”, you can move the cat into a separate room, where no one will disturb her and will not get on her nerves. If you want to permanently rid your pet of aggression during this period of time, then you should go to the veterinary clinic for sterilization or castration.
Physiological reasons
A cat does not always bite due to improper handling or the need to defend itself from a threat. There are also physiological factors that cause this behavior. A pet may bite if:
- there are pain sensations;
- feels irritated;
- protects offspring;
- is in euphoria;
- teeth are cutting through;
- there is a hormonal imbalance;
- have a serious illness.
Under the thick fur, the wound may not be noticed. But when a cat is petted, it feels pain. In this case, by biting, she tries to show the sensations she is experiencing and explains that she is unpleasant. Not all pets like prolonged stroking and touching. Even caressing them can cause irritation. A cat may bite to stop excessive pestering and excessive stroking.
The aggressive behavior of a cat when she has small kittens is understandable. Protecting offspring is a duty dictated by nature. There is no need to disturb the animal during this period if it is too jealous of its babies.
Bites are sometimes an expression of a surging feeling of great love for the owner. This behavior can be observed during stroking, affectionate words spoken to the pet. Don't be surprised if your cat bites while playing. These pets are gambling, they forget about the rules during active fun.
Little kittens often bite because their gums become itchy while teething. Cats can behave aggressively, cats after castration, sterilization, during sexual arousal. During these periods, there is a hormonal imbalance, which leads to a change in character.
Bites and attacks may be the result of infection with a serious infectious disease. The greatest danger is rabies.
It is necessary to take into account that each pet has an individual character. Aggression may be one of the personal traits. Such representatives are found both among people and among animals.
Unreasonable aggression
If a cat shows unreasonable aggression every day, what should you do? It bites the legs of you, your children and your guests. Then you should think about whether your pet is in pain. In addition, aggression may be the result of a more serious illness such as rabies.
Therefore, do not delay your visit to the doctor; bites from an infected cat are dangerous for your entire family.
And the best thing is to teach your cat from early childhood that legs are not a toy. But if you still made such a mistake, then immediately begin re-education. Of course, it won't be easy, but hard work will pay off.
What to do?
Basic methods of weaning:
To solve the problem, switching your pet's attention to a toy may be enough.
- It is necessary to provide sufficient physical activity and pay attention to the cat.
- Under no circumstances should you hit or shout at an animal. It’s better to just push away, go to another room, ignore. Then the cat will understand that he did something bad.
- Good behavior should be rewarded.
- You need to train your cat to bite toys. To do this, it is recommended to buy more so that you have something to occupy your teeth.
- If your pet suddenly develops aggression, you should consult a doctor.
- There is no need to specifically tease or shuffle your feet on the floor.
Readiness to attack - how to recognize
Cats don't bite without warning. They always give a person a chance to change his behavior. Signs that indicate an imminent attack are as follows:
- the animal's posture changes;
- the cat's body tenses;
- the purring stops;
- ears flatten;
- the pupils dilate, anger appears in the gaze;
- the sounds the cat makes become threatening;
- the expression on the face becomes angry;
- tail twitches.
A cat, ready to attack, changes its behavior.
Such signs indicate that the pet is in an aggressive mood, that it has begun to get angry. You should not ignore them, but it is better to leave the cat alone for a while so that he calms down.
Diseases
Why cats rush to their feet in order to bite becomes clear when it comes to the health of the pet. This is the worst case scenario when the cause of this behavior is a disease of the cat's brain, such as a tumor.
This type of pet health problem can turn the sweetest little kitten into a crazy beast. Aggression caused by illness does not appear suddenly. Changes occur slowly as the disease progresses.
Not only brain diseases can negatively affect a cat’s behavior. Other diseases also have similar effects. Especially those for whom it is long and debilitating.
When sick, a cat may experience discomfort and show aggression. The best solution in this case is to visit a veterinarian, make an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Health conditions may cause aggressive behavior in your pet
Bedbug as a threat
If adult inhabitants of the house or children are bitten by a bug at night, characteristic marks remain on the body, which are quite difficult to confuse with any other skin lesions. The track of marks predominantly on the back, thighs, and buttocks causes severe itching and becomes a source of irritation. In addition, during its life, the pest emits a very specific odor, by which the appearance of bedbugs can also be detected over time.
It is important to understand: without the use of modern means and technologies for disinfestation, it is impossible to get rid of insects. The life activity of bedbugs does not suggest the possibility of poisoning them through food or water
Blood-sucking insects easily hide under wallpaper, inside furniture, household appliances, and can live in children's plush toys, upholstery, and mattresses. The further the situation progresses, the more difficult it will be to completely get rid of pests. And only professionals have available drugs and technical means that can radically change the situation.
Conclusion
Exactly what methods and means to stop kittens from biting is a personal matter for each owner. It is only important to remember that cats are touchy and capricious by nature, so any excess can cause psychological trauma to the pet, and this is not a joke! Treat the problem with understanding and find out the cause of its occurrence.
Now comes the hard part: be patient and show all your ingenuity to become not only a strict “pack leader” for your pet, but also a loving friend.
Shakes his tail
The tail of cats is a communication organ. If you learn to read its movements, you can understand what your pet wants to tell you.
- If your pet purrs and the very tip of its tail twitches slightly, it indicates its satisfaction.
- If the tail movements are nervous and horizontal, then the cat is irritated and is preparing to attack. This is how an animal behaves during a hunt.
- When a cat is in doubt, it can shake its tail, making chaotic movements in different directions.
- The cat's curiosity is revealed by uniform, calm movements of the tail.
- Slashes on the floor are a signal to a person that the cat is tired of petting or playing. We need to stop them!
- Pain and stress can be expressed through small, frequent movements of the tail.
What are mosquitoes afraid of?
Having determined who might bite in bed at night, you can proceed to active action. If mosquitoes are the source of painful bites in your home or apartment, you can easily solve the problem using a wide range of tools and methods. The most “long-lasting” is the use of ultrasonic electronic repellers. Unlike fumigators, the device can be used throughout the night and does not affect human health.
Simpler and more affordable means are no less popular. Fumigation devices can be designed for use with plates or liquids evaporating from a container. But it is not recommended to leave such a device plugged in for a long time. In addition, you will have to refuse ventilation at night.
