How to stop kittens from biting

When thinking about how to deal with kitten or cat biting, it’s important to understand why it happens… And why, while we may not like it, it is entirely natural – and mostly entirely our own fault!

Even bitey cats deserve protection with kitten insurance or cat insurance.

Why do kittens bite?

The problem often is that – when it comes to interactions – humans and cats have very different opinions as to how these should go. Humans usually like infrequent but prolonged contact that involves cuddles and physical affection, whereas most cats like frequent but brief, low-intensity interactions.

So often your cat will come to you wanting to interact with you in their way – only for you to overwhelm them with way too much stroking, scratching and cuddling. Cats have very limited ways to express their disapproval of you taking such liberties, and one of those involves teeth.

Cats will sometimes come to you when they don’t want to be touched at all – they just want to be close to you. Owners often misinterpret that as their cat wanting to be stroked or touched. But often they’re just gaining pleasure or security from your company.

And it’s not just touching when they don’t want us to do either. There may also be issues with where we choose to touch them.

Cats have sensitive spots and no-go areas where they don’t like to be touched. (Although we need to caveat this by saying that every cat is an individual.)

 These include:

• Paws
• Legs
• Belly
• Armpits
• And for most cats, the base of their tail… Although this is where you have to know your cat, as some absolutely love it – or like it for a short time and then find it all too much!
• Also, cats hate having their fur stroked the wrong way

Some cats also have overly sensitive skin, so stroking is uncomfortable for them wherever you choose – no matter how much they might want to interact with their owner.

How do I teach my kitten not to bite?

This isn’t the right question. You should ask yourself: ‘How can I interact with my kitten in a way where they don’t feel the need to bite?’

While some breeds or types of cats are more physically accepting than others,  being stroked and handled isn’t natural behaviour for a cat. This is something they have to learn.

How much they go on to enjoy this kind of contact will be directly related to how much human interaction and safe handling they have received during the sensitive socialisation period between two and seven weeks of age.

It can also be dependent on their breed and individual personality – and on how you handle them.

1. Whether you’ve just got your kitten or whether you have an older cat that bites, start by getting them used to your proximity. Let them learn that you won’t stroke or grab them without their consent.
2. Sit on the floor with them and let them approach and retreat as they want. Don’t touch them or stroke them to start with. Once they’re relaxed – and this might take a few minutes, or it might take a few weeks – you can offer your hands for them to rub against. Or even give them a small, tasty treat.
3. From here, you can stroke them gently. But keep to the three-second rule! After three seconds, stop and see what happens. If they move away, you do not have consent to continue. If they stay, or even better encourage you to continue, you can keep stoking them – for three more seconds only!
4. By building up slowly, your cat learns that they can always leave at any point; that touch will not get overly intense for them;that you’ll stay away from touching sensitive areas – and you won’t take liberties!
5. By doing this, you’ll find that your cat will probably solicit more attention as they know they can trust your hands. So not only will they stop biting or scratching you, but they’ll also become more likely to interact.
6. Always stop before your cat decides you’ve overstepped the line!

What about gentle bites?

It’s worth noting that cats sometimes bite gently as a sign of affection. They may do this while enjoying being petted, for instance.

Usually, their body language will tell you if it’s an affectionate bite, or a warning bite. The latter may be accompanied by a swishing tail, dilated pupils or other signs of tension.

Kitten games

Kittens would usually rather 4 tips to play safely with your catplay than cuddle, so make sure you spend time playing with toys that simulate chasing and hunting. This enrichment and outlet for their predatory behaviour will help their wellbeing, and make them feel more content and confident in general, which will help your relationship.

Caring for your kitten

New to kitten life? We have plenty of handy guides for young cats and kittens:

• See our complete guide for how to care for your kitten.
• This is how to socialise your kitten, to ensure they get on with your family and other pets.
• For toilet training, here’s how to litter train your kitten.
• This is when cats can go outside.

Last reviewed by Owe Carter, September 2024.