As you know, having a warm and fuzzy petting session is one
of the perks of owning a cat.
When your contented, pampered cat suddenly turns and delivers
a bite or scratch to your unsuspecting hand, he or she is
exhibiting a cat behaviour known as petting aggression.
Such is the nature of a cat
Felines, by nature, do not allow us to pet them. This is
a learned behaviour.
Some domestic cats have a built in tolerance level
for being pet or handled. When your cat has had enough, for
whatever reason, a reflex reaction kicks in and your cat will
'attack' ... nip, bite or scratch at the source of
its discomfort, in this case your hand, in order
to stop the petting session.
The reasons why a cat is bothered by too much petting are
not fully understood - some possible reasons:
... a cat's skin is very sensitive. It is thinner than ours
and easily irritated. Too much petting (or brushing) can
cause the receptors in the skin to be over stimulated. What
sensation a cat is feeling isn't clear (irritation, pain)
- what is clear is that your cat can suddenly start feeling
very uncomfortable.
... some cats simply don't want certain parts of their
body touched - hips, paws, lower back, usually the stomach
...
... is there a medical problem? Your cat might be telling
you something is very wrong and something really hurts.
... static electricity is zapping your cat.
... has the cat been socialized - is it used to human interaction
and trusting of people? Is your cat comfortable with the
person who is handling it?
... in some ways, petting your cat is similar to a mother
grooming her kitten. Like a kitten your cat relaxes, while
you, mother cat, protect and 'groom' it. Perhaps your cat
suddenly 'wakes up,' realizes you don't look like its mother,
feels vulnerable in this relaxed state and reacts defensively
by biting your hand.
... your feline feels confined - don't hold a cat against
its will.
Cats do communicate with us and do provide us with warnings
It is most helpful if you and your family learn and understand
cat behaviours and body language. Your cat is 'talking' to
you when:
- the purring slowly
stops
- her tail begins to
twitch, or even lash from side to side
- ears are no
longer erect, but flattened
- she becomes tense
and stiffens her body
- claws start
to appear
- the skin ripples
- she turns her body
and moves her head toward your hand (good clue)
- it gives a low growl.
If your cat is displaying any of the above warnings, or you
have already received a bite or scratch, stop, and put your
hands to your sides. Use verbal correction and tell your cat
no. Gently blow in its face.
You can stand slowly, so your cat easily slides off, and
then walk away. He or she might sit quietly, or simply jump
off your lap and leave.
In a situation where your cat is acting aggressively, always
allow your cat to 'escape' and leave the
scene ... which is in everyone's best interest.
Let your cat calm down.
If you punish or scare your kitty he or she will be even
less relaxed around you and more likely to repeat aggressive
behavior in the future.
An ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure.
To avoid petting aggresson watch for the warning signals.
Know your cat's tolerance levels for petting, handling and
its sensitive body parts.
Take note of how long your cat actually enjoys the petting
session and be very mindful of that limit during other petting
sessions.
My maine coon, Ruttu, was quite aloof. He was also sensitive
to petting and did not like his lower back being touched at
all. Petting sessions were brief. I didn't push him (he is
pretty big) and he never bit me.
Over time, he began to welcome petting sessions (they are
still brief). Nowadays, he follows me around looking for attention.
I guess he knows a good thing when he sees it and is making
up for lost time.
Who says cats aren't smart?
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