Does Your Cat Ever Bite You As A Sign of Affection? Unpacking This Odd Behavior

The Gist:

• Cats will sometimes bite their pet parents, especially if you are petting them.
• This unexpected behavior is typically not a sign of aggression but can indicate to stop petting or interacting with them.
• Monitor your cat's body language to determine whether they want to be petted or played with.

If you're a pet parent, you probably know your pet has unique quirks that others may not experience. Between cats that stick their butts in your face or dogs that love to foster kittens, these adorable home companions have sweet behaviors that make your connections with them all the more special. However, sometimes, your cat's behaviors might leave you shaking your head in confusion.

Why does your cat bite you gently out of nowhere? Let's unpack what those "love bites" really mean — and when to be concerned.

According to Purina, cats bite for a variety of reasons. Cats can bite because they're scared or don't enjoy being held. They could also bite for attention or, generally, to communicate with you. Cats are more interested in "short, low-key interactions," whereas humans prefer more "intense" interactions.

If your cat gives you gentle little "love bites," it could be a sign that they're done with the interaction, especially if you've been petting, holding, or interacting with them for too long.

Cats sometimes offer gentle bites when playing because biting is part of their natural hunting instinct.

However, as Pet MD says, "love bites" should never be hard enough to break the skin. Dr. Wailani Sung, a vet at the San Francisco SPCA, told the outlet, "It starts off with licking, and the grooming behavior becomes more intense, and you may feel little teeth on you." A "love bite" typically does not include other signs of aggressive behavior, such as hissing or clawing.

Pet food brand Hills Pet confirms that "love bites" can be a sign of affection for you, but that isn't always the case.

Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinary behaviorist, told Pet MD the term "love bite" isn't exactly accurate. "When cats bite in this context, it's not a sign of affection, but rather a signal that the cat is done with the interaction. If the petting continues despite the cat's efforts to signal that he or she is done with being petted, the cat may escalate to a bite."

The best way to figure out your cat's behavior and ensure you're respecting their boundaries is to pay attention to their body language. Pet parents are advised to note if their cat starts biting more or less when they're being petted. For example, if your cat starts biting, even gently, after five strokes, your beloved feline might be saying, "No more for me, thank you!"

The Spruce Pets suggests that you should offer rewards for good behavior rather than acting aggressively for negative behavior. Frightening your pet can cause them to respond and escalate a situation.

If your cat does bite you and break the skin, up to 75 percent of cat bites can introduce harmful bacteria to your body — so you must immediately try to flush out the bacteria and wash with soap and water. Then, see a medical provider and follow their instructions.