Why does a cat bite its owner's legs?

Expert advice: How to explain to your cat that your feet are not a toy.

Almost every pet owner has found themselves in a situation where, while relaxing under the covers, they suddenly feel claws and teeth digging into their legs. Sometimes an attack can be predicted, in other cases an unexpected attack can be shocking (especially during sleep). A person’s response, as a rule, is to join a joint game or remove the furry impudent person from the bed; the last option is the most common.

If you've ever tried to stop a wild animal, you know how difficult it is to do so. No matter how charming your pet is or what level of world domination he thinks he has achieved, sudden attacks are annoying and painful.

But why does this cheeky fluffy behave this way? And how to influence his behavior? Experts in the field of pet behavior will help you understand the motives that push most felines to such activity, as well as correct their predatory actions towards your feet.

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.

How to act

There are several guidelines that need to be studied and used depending on the circumstances. The first step is to exclude the possibility of rabies, this is a fatal disease that can also infect humans:

The games of a kitten can be perceived with affection, but for the time being. It is better to accustom your pet to toys , otherwise in the future his attacks on the legs of his owners will become a problem.
The pet should be observed; perhaps the cat is in pain, irritated, and therefore rushes at people passing by.
A cat may simply be hunting, but it considers moving objects to be prey. You just have to be prepared for an attack and stop it.
If the claws of a cat are trimmed, the only weapon of this “predator” will be its teeth. This animal does not like to feel defenseless, so it can show its teeth and bite.

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.

Painful condition of the pet

Does the cat attack your legs or bite? Perhaps her aggressiveness is related to the pain that her body feels. An animal cannot rid itself of pain and cannot talk about it. If he feels bad, and someone else catches him with his foot, the reaction can be quite aggressive. In this case, you need to go to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

A specialist will determine what is causing the irritation. The manifestation of aggression cannot be ignored, especially if it is repeated. Many cat diseases cannot be diagnosed by cat owners themselves. Moreover, it is impossible to treat your pet independently; this can only aggravate the situation.

Now in every locality there are practicing veterinarians, they will examine the animal and determine the cause of the attack on the person. And finding out the cause will allow you to eliminate the symptom.

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.

Discomfort

If your cat starts biting, first check to see if she is healthy. When a pet purr feels unwell or is seriously ill, it tries to draw the attention of its owners to its problems through biting, because it is looking for help.

Another option is also possible. The cat lay calmly on your legs, and you needed to get up. Of course, this caused some discomfort to the comfortably settled animal, so she may bite in revenge.

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.

How to stop a cat from attacking your legs

Dr. Coates believes that the best way to correct cat behavior is to ignore the animal and distance itself during negative actions. In her opinion, you can also use slippers or thick socks. “If you can’t ignore it, try to slip out of your furry household’s sight and close the door,” the expert advises. “When everyone is calm, start playing with your pet, teasing with a feather wand or throwing a toy that he can attack.”

Galaxy emphasizes the importance of consistency in behavior regarding leg biting. “We don't like this behavior at 6 a.m. when we wake up, but we approve of it during the day because cats look so cute when they get ready to attack and attack,” says the expert. – If you reward such activity once, your pet will repeat it regardless of the time of day, because... will be perceived as a game.” To rid an animal of a bad habit, you should completely ignore unwanted actions. “No squealing or toe wagging; don’t give them hope that a fun game might be possible.”

Dr. Zacharius agrees with the previous expert that remaining still during an attack is the best deterrent for a cat waiting for action from its potential victim. “The response is to bend down and gently push the animal away; a safer way is to clap quietly or make another sound to attract attention and say “no,” the specialist advises. Zacharius also draws attention to the undesirability of punishing a cat, which can only frighten it and cause an aggressive reaction.

Curious why your pet looks like a monster with glowing eyes? We turned to veterinarians for clarification.

“It is important to avoid direct influence on the animal, for example, physically preventing an attack on the legs. Open pressure can provoke further aggression from the cat, says Jamie Richardson of Small Door Veterinary. According to the expert, it is much more effective to use “substitution”: having noticed the first signs of an impending attack, offer the pet his favorite toy or treat. Indicators of an upcoming attack may include a ducking of the body, an intense gaze, and a slight swaying motion that precedes the jump. Perhaps the cat's attention will switch to the proposed object, and she will abandon the initial idea concerning the owner's feet.

Creating a play schedule or maintaining a stimulating environment can also help curb your cat's urge to scratch and bite. “Be sure to provide her with these opportunities several times a day,” advises D. Rawlinson (Wallis Annenberg PetSpace employee). – If cats play for only 5-10 minutes a day, their mental activity is sufficiently stimulated that they feel tired; the remaining time the animals will rest.” The expert also recommends using toys that mimic the cat's prey, offering entertainment at different times to keep the cat active and excited, and providing climbing areas.

Jackson Galaxy advises setting a specific type of regime for the animal. “Feed your pet at the same time every day,” he says. – Make sure he plays enough before eating, because... this reproduces the “hunt-catch-kill-eat” chain. One of the specialist’s recommendations is to place a bird feeder outside the window and a place nearby to fully stimulate the cat’s activity. “If your window is lucky enough to face where there are a lot of birds in the morning, hang a bird feeder and make sure your furry household has front-row access,” says Galaxy.

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.

What you can do and what you can’t do

Even if an animal attacks its legs and bites, it cannot be beaten or physically punished in any other way:

We must remember that this is still not a person, but an animal that cannot always control its behavior. If a kitten plays like this, you need to give him interesting toys . If aggression manifests itself due to pain, you need to take it to a good veterinarian.
If the cat gets angry and does not allow passage, you need to push him away carefully. You can go to another room. It is important to make it clear that the game will not be continued.
No need to provoke the cat . While he is small, some owners amuse themselves by waving their hand or leg in front of his eyes.

The pet’s natural reaction is to jump on a moving object, because the hunting instinct is triggered. Then this form of play becomes a habit for the animal; he does not understand why a person gets angry at jumping and biting.

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.

Causes of unpleasant behavior

Hunting instincts

Cats are hunters by nature. In some of them, the hunting reflex has weakened, but there are individuals who believe that their master’s legs are prey. The animal will hide somewhere quietly, hide under a chair or bed, and wait for the right moment. And when the owner passes by, the cat rushes to his feet. This behavior is understandable, but it should not be encouraged. It is important to teach your pet that instincts must be shown in relation to toys.

A cat can bite if the owner interferes with eating or takes away food.

Aggression in a cat: what to do about it?

Causes of aggressive behavior:

Sometimes males after castration not only rush at the owner, but also hiss at him.

Manifestation of education, games, instincts, due to the development of diseases. Cats have a well-developed maternal instinct; when a cat bites a kitten, it must be weaned off, otherwise there is a risk of injury to the baby. Typically, a cat easily bites the neck when being trained or annoying, and bites strongly when sick. The mother cat bites the kittens carefully, biting them on the head in order to stop them.
The pet's passion for play, as a result of which it rushes at the owner. If during games the cat rushes to his feet and bites his hands, you need to turn your attention to the toy.
Irritation. The cat attacks and bites, scratches his legs when something does not like him, for example, if he is held in his arms for too long and does not let go. These animals do not like being forced to sit on your lap or being petted for a long time. Cats are independent and only jump on your lap when they want to. Children should also be taught simple rules for handling a pet.
The emergence of sexual desire and desire. Aggression is possible in a sexually mature individual. These are natural instincts and cannot be blamed for them. Usually castration and sterilization helps, but the opposite can also happen. A castrated cat begins to jump on his feet, grabs his hands, constantly gnaws at them, hisses, and becomes a real aggressor. Some breeds are vindictive and can attack at night while the owner is sleeping.
Peculiarities of behavior by age. An older cat may become aggressive, pawing and lunging at the owner.

Reaction to pain

Often an animal reacts this way when a child grabs its tail.
The cat is in pain or the owner stepped on a paw while passing by. As a result of the reaction to painful stimuli, the animal attacks the legs of its owners, hits with its paws, and hisses. If the cat is sick, then aggression can arise from the slightest stroking. Then it is better to take him to a veterinarian. A small child, unknowingly, pulls on a pet's tail and ears. The cat may not like this, she will not understand that the baby is playing, and will bite and scratch.

The cat is afraid

Quite often the pet experiences fear. The reason may be moving to another house or apartment, the arrival of another stranger or animal. In this case, the cat bites the legs or hides for a while. To calm your pet, you need to pay enough attention to it, play more with the cat, and entertain each other more often.

Why do kittens bite?

A young kitten is jumping on his feet because he is teething. During this period, babies need to chew on something. Sometimes they grab their legs due to excessive playfulness. They don't see the difference between play and aggression. If all your pet's teeth have come out, then you need to wean the kitten from biting. This will help avoid parenting problems in the future. It is easier to teach discipline at a young age.

Diseases

An additional sign of a dangerous disease in an animal is drooling.
Rabies is a serious and incurable disease that causes aggressive behavior. It is dangerous for animals and people. The virus enters another body through saliva during a bite. A rabid cat shows unreasonable aggression if it was previously friendly. Those animals that were angry before the disease, on the contrary, come up to the person and caress. Behavior changes: apathy, inadequacy, hydrophobia, and drooling appear. A pet attacks a person or other animal without warning, possibly even at night. There is a craving for inedible objects. At the last stage, the cat is depressed and drags its hind legs. There is no cure.

Vaccination plays an important role in the prevention of rabies and should be carried out every year.

How dangerous can a cat bite be?

Different animals cause different injuries, and also different injuries from a bite or claw. The area of the cat's bite will be small, but the wound will be deep and closed. Such wounds do not heal very quickly, including bacteria that enter the wound along with the cat’s saliva. Such bacteria and microbes cause internal inflammation, and a scar or scar may also appear at the site of the cat’s bite.

It is also worth separately considering the damage caused by an animal that is sick, this is doubly dangerous. If you are bitten by a sick cat, measures must be taken with double passion. Treatment of the wound must be done immediately. Rinse the damaged area under running water, sometimes you can use regular soap, depending on the severity of the damage. Treat the wound with chlorhexidine or something disinfectant. If the wound is bleeding, allow it to remain that way until the bleeding stops on its own. In this way, everything associated with bacteria and microbes possibly introduced by the animal will be washed out of the wound. If the bleeding is not weak, but pronounced, apply a pressure bandage. Bandage the wound and fill the edges with brilliant green or iodine, without filling the wound itself.

A bite wound should not be sealed; it will take longer and more difficult to heal. If the inflammatory process continues, it is better to consult a doctor. It is also better to consult a doctor immediately if the area of the lesion is extensive or the bleeding cannot be stopped or you feel very unwell. If you have been bitten by a cat from the street and you do not know whether it has been vaccinated, it is also recommended to see a doctor.

What to do if a kitten bites: wean it quickly!

A cute little furball in the house is always associated with comfort and warmth, and when he greets you at the door, it is always touchingly pleasant. However, a cat baby, being active, inevitably scratches and bites, and not only when playing.

He, of course, does not do this out of malice, but the animal should be weaned from such behavior from childhood, because an adult animal cannot be retrained. A cat is a predator, it has sharp claws and strong jaws, and it can cause serious injury, which should not be forgotten.

Types of aggression in cats

There are several types of aggression that can develop in a pet:

Intraspecific - occurs when there is enmity between two animals. Two pets find themselves close to each other without having time to get to know each other at a distance. The result is a struggle for status and territory.
Redirected - happens when some irritating action constantly occurs near the pet. So, an animal may see another cat outside the window, but not be able to drive it away from the territory - aggression is taken out on the owner.
The answer to affection is that the cat does not want to be petted. Often a person does not notice the warning signs - the pet twitches its tail, the body is tense, and there is no rumbling heard. If the owner continues to pet the irritated animal, the attack will not be long in coming.
Reaction to fear - the pet is driven into a corner, he sees no other way out but to attack the offender. Visual signs of fear in a cat are a tail tucked under the body and a closed, compressed posture. Children often become aggressors - they frighten the animal with loud sounds and annoying actions.
Protecting territory – a cat often bites and scratches when its personal boundaries are violated. She hisses, takes fighting stances, raising his fur.
Pain is the main stimulus for a cat to show aggression. If some place hurts, it is better not to touch her. Often the owner is unaware of the pet's health problem. These could be diseases or injuries.
Excitement in the game - often young cats or kittens painfully bite the owner’s legs and arms during the game. The reason lies in upbringing. If a kitten is orphaned early or separated from its mother, aggression develops.

Attention! Aggression in three- and eight-month-old kittens is often caused by changing teeth.

Do cats really get underfoot on purpose?

Contents hide

Do cats really get underfoot on purpose?

Calling all cat lovers. Tell me, have you ever tripped over your pet? Did you come across him in the dark? Have you heard an irritated “meow” or even a menacing hiss in response? Something tells us - yes, and more than once. For some, it all ended sadly: one of our readers was going down a dark and narrow staircase, and a cat threw itself at his feet. Out of surprise, he fell, and unfortunately, he suffered a broken arm and leg. “It feels like she wants me to die quickly,” our respondent says indignantly. But no and no again! As we know, cats always follow their own logic! And they need their owner alive and healthy!

Marking. As our regular readers know, cats have special glands on the sides of their faces that release unique scents. When a purr “butts” or rubs against you, it leaves these very scents - that is, it “marks” you, making you its property. Cats generally love it when everything around them emits smells that are familiar to them. That's why they try to apply them everywhere, especially where they live.

Pay attention to how the cat behaves as soon as you bring a new thing or object into the house. At first, everything new will be greeted with caution and wariness.

But after a couple of minutes the animal “butts” him with its head - that’s it, it’s mine now.

You return home from the street, carrying thousands of unfamiliar and at the same time frightening aromas. The cat is shocked - is it you or not? But it will take just a couple of minutes before she gets her bearings and starts actively rubbing against you and “butting” you, restoring the status quo.

Attachment. However, cats can throw themselves under your feet for other reasons. For example, when they desire attention to their person. Or they will want to remind you of something. At least about your own presence. And that it would be nice to cuddle and caress.

What is typical: the tailed one will follow you until it gets what it wants. Alternatively, until you trip over it and curse. Choose what is closest to you!

Feed me! Well, what is so important to remind you of other than delicious food! The aromas of cooking food are very attractive to furry pets.

Pay attention to what the cat does when, for example, you are preparing dinner in the kitchen. That's right - it curls around your feet

This is such a polite reminder. Are you preparing something tasty? Share, don't skimp!

Commitment to research. For cats, touch and any tactile sensations are incredibly valuable. This is how they explore the world. The cat touches you with its body. Whiskers also play an important role - they help to sense the boundaries of space and determine the proximity of an object. You stroke a cat - this is also a pleasant feeling, a feeling of touch.

And now the situation. You are doing something interesting, but you are not paying any attention to your pet. At the same time, the cat is tormented by curiosity - what is happening now? She solves the problem radically - she approaches the owner, presses her whole body and... explores, receiving those same tactile sensations. Of course, there will be some confusion and fuss, but all this will benefit your cat!

And just observation mixed with steadfastness! So, we have established that everyone trips over cats. Isn't it true? But cats never trip over us – that’s also a fait accompli. Just imagine what a commotion there would be!

Why is that? We humans are much more than cats, and the tailed ones understand this well. Therefore, they do not forget to constantly keep us in their field of vision. Simply put, spy on us. This is why cats assess events soberly and never make mistakes. Tailed animals have well-developed internal “navigators”. They calculate all our movements one, two or three steps ahead. Plus, they are well aware that when moving, you and I prefer to look forward and not at our feet.

They don't get offended when an accident occurs. Well, they hardly take offense. Now you already know why cats make such “sacrifices”.

Maybe you can ask the author for advice on how to avoid such collisions? Alas, friends, we have no such advice. Cats have their own logic of behavior! But we wrote the article for a reason. Now you know something about the peculiarities of cat logic. And you are quite able to predict some things. And even warn!

Photo: vashipitomcy.ru (from open sources).

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.

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.

Possible complications

What complications can there be from a cat bite? The worst option is rabies and tetanus. There may be infections of an infectious nature, including staphylococci or streptococci. Such infections can lead to serious complications and consequences. There may be inflammatory processes, infection of bones or soft tissues, tendons, and blood poisoning. If the immune system is weakened, then infection is more likely; in the case of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or kidney disease, it is better not to self-medicate the liver, but to consult a doctor immediately.

Useful video

How to stop a cat from biting, scratching and hissing

Having decided to start raising a pet, the owner must monitor the condition of his pet.

It is advisable to stop aggressive behavior if possible:

shout loudly at the cat;
make a sharp, ringing noise with a handy object;
make a clap with your hands.

Sharp sounds will scare away the animal, forcing it to stop trying to bite the owner's hand.

You can also use a spray bottle of water, sprinkling it on the cat when biting. When trying to scratch your hand or furniture, it is recommended to use a towel or rag. You should throw a cloth over the enraged cat, thereby catching it by surprise.

Secrets of raising cats at home

Cats are known for their high intelligence and understanding, good adaptability and ability to adapt to living conditions. Raising a kitten is a lot of work, which the pet needs along with proper care and good nutrition. Proper upbringing is the key to a comfortable and harmonious life together with a cat.

When raising a pet, cat or dog at home, it is necessary to avoid force, shouting and assault. Cruelty and abuse of animals is strictly prohibited!

How to stop your kitten from biting or scratching people:

Education begins from the first days of a kitten’s life; this is the only way to develop the correct life skills and habits in the animal.
The age of 2.5-3 months is considered optimal to take a kitten home. If you take a kitten that is too small, it will be difficult for him to adapt and get used to living without his mother cat. After all, it is she who accustoms the kitten to independent living and is an example for the cub.
Next, the kitten learns about the dos and don’ts from its owner and the rest of the household.
Never take out your anger and aggression on your pet, this is the path to a damaged relationship.
Give your pet enough time, do not condemn him to loneliness and do not limit his freedom.
To raise a kitten to be smart and tame, you should talk to him more, use intonation and voice to indicate erroneous or incorrect behavior, and do not forget to encourage and praise him for good deeds.
Discipline and schedule are a strong foundation for proper parenting. The animal should have personal space and a place for claw points in the house.
The daily schedule must include time for games and relaxation. You should play with the animal using special devices; you should not use your fingers, hands, or feet for play. Subsequently, this can worsen the relationship; the pet gets used to it and bites its limbs.

Experts have proven that the most common reason that a cat bites arms and legs is hidden in improper upbringing of pets!

If your pet is used to it and has been biting its legs since childhood, then you should begin re-educating the animal. Diligence, perseverance and patience will give results - the cat will become respectful and well-mannered, and will stop biting and scratching.

Reasons that prompt a kitten to bite

The very first reason that should come to the owners’ minds is the baby’s fear. He found himself in an environment that was foreign to him, with strangers, etc., and his “bites” were a reaction to stress.

Aggression may also be due to the fact that the kitten is irritated by other pets living in the house, or it is simply hypersensitive to the touch of human hands, then this behavior is instinctive. In general, the most popular reasons why a kitten bites are described in our other article.

How to avoid cat bites and scratches

Avoiding bites from your beloved cat and weaning him from biting is an interesting activity. You can use different methods, the main thing is not to forget that repetition is the mother of learning.

A cat with the character of an unstoppable hunter needs to devote more time to games, so fishing rods with feathers or pompoms should be used. Such teasers perfectly divert the cat's attention from the owner's legs and arms;
If the pussy has already formed the habit of biting the hand during play, then when the cat's teeth touch the skin, the play immediately stops;
A scratching post will eliminate the problem of scratches, especially if it has a hanging fishing rod toy in its design;
For those cats who cannot imagine their lives without scratching their household members, there is an effective measure - anti-scratch products. These silicone caps are glued onto the bully's claws, preventing him from causing damage to people and furniture;
Onychectomy is a last resort measure that the owner can take. Complete declawing will save the owner from scratches, but will it be beneficial for the cat? It's worth learning more about this;
A cat that is playing can be sprayed with water or scared off with a sharp sound - if you do this constantly when trying to bite, the animal will quickly remember that a bite can have unpleasant consequences.

When raising a pet, you need to show restraint, patience, and not forget that a cat first of all needs the attention and love of its owner.