Why Do Cats Bite When Purring?
Every cat owner feels love hearing the purrrrrs of their pet. However, sometimes the purring is accompanied by a bite of no more than a pinch. Trying to find out why cats bite when purring can help one prevent and handle this behaviour.
Purring vs. Teeth Chattering?
Before understanding why cats bite when purring, it’s important to distinguish between purring and teeth chattering. Purring is a slow vibration from the voice box, associated with contentment and pleasure. Teeth chattering, however, occurs when a cat repeatedly contact the bottom teeth with the upper molars in a rapid manner. It is common in kittens and is often mistaken for purring.
Reasons Cats Bite When Purring
There are several theories as to why cats eat when purring, including the following:
- Nursing Behaviour:If you’ve ever seen a kitten suckle while purring or knead the mother’s teat, you know it’s instinctual. Kittens learn to associate purring with the reinforcement of milk, and they will continue to demonstrate this behaviour when adults.
- Stimulation:Cats can become overly stimulated when playing, scratching, petting or brushing. When this happens, cats instinctively reach for their as a way to cease the pleasure.
- Defensive Behaviour:Cats may resort to biting when purring out of fear. While most cats are typically quite at ease when purring, an unfamiliar environment or an animal may trigger this defensive instinct.
Preventing and Handling Bite and Purrs
When cats bite when purring, it’s important to maintain a calm attitude so as not to reinforce the behaviour in a negative manner. To prevent this type of biting, it is important to monitor your cat’s reaction closely and stop petting or playing if you notice them becoming overly stimulated. If your cat tends to bite when purring when being petted, you may want to implement a rule of ‘three strokes and leave’. Lastly, don’t forget to reward your cat when they demonstrate desired behaviour with a game or lavish snuggles.
In short, understanding why cats bite when purring may help cat owners prevent and handle this behaviour properly. Typically, cats resort to biting when purring out of nursing behaviour, in response to stimulation or in defensive reactions. By maintaining a calm disposition and instituting preventive measures, cat owners can help ensure their cats don’t resort to this type of behaviour.
3. Does the type of cat breed affect their tendency to bite while purring?
There is no scientific evidence that suggests that the type of cat breed affects their tendency to bite while purring. However, individual cats may exhibit different behaviors depending on their personality or environment. For example, some cats may be more aggressive or defensive than others, so it’s important to be aware of your cat’s behavior and/or to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
4. Is there a way to discourage cats from biting while purring?
Yes, there are several approaches you can take to discourage a cat from biting while purring. Some suggestions include providing additional stimulation or play opportunities, positive reinforcement when the cat behaves appropriately, distracting the cat by redirecting its focus or energy to something else, and using proactive punishments such as a squirt bottle or a loud noise. If the biting behavior persists, it’s best to seek professional guidance from a certified behavior coach or veterinarian.