Why your cat bites during petting: Decoding feline signals

Cats walk their paths, but when they feel safe around humans, they can form a special bond with their owners. Some of these four-legged friends' behaviours can signal various things to us. So, when and what should concern a caretaker?

Cats are unique four-legged animals. Although they have distinct personalities and are much more independent than dogs, they know how to show love and play and truly enjoy spending time with "their" humans.

Pets have specific behaviours, and it is important to note that in certain situations, specific gestures can mean something entirely different.

A cat's nipping when being petted is commonly believed to be a sign of... spitefulness. This is not the only possibility. Gentle nipping by a cat can also be a sign of love! In this way, a kitten, longing for its household members, may demand attention and affection. Gentle "pinches" can also be an invitation to play.

But what if the four-legged friend first wants us to pet it and then suddenly bites, and we feel it wasn't a "friendly" nip? We need to take a close look at the entire situation. If the kitten was purring contentedly at first but then stopped, started impatiently wagging its tail, and its pupils became dilated - something is up. Most likely, the pet wants to start playing, or we are putting it in an awkward way, which it decided to signal to us.

It is also worth noticing if our cat has suddenly become entirely untouchable. Especially if it was instead "cuddly" before, the appearance of aggression when trying to pet the cat in such a situation may mean something is wrong with the animal. We should then visit a veterinarian to clear up any doubts and, if necessary, help the cat return to health.