Why Do Cats Sometimes Lightly Bite Their Owners?

As the time spent together between a cat and its owner increases, their familiarity and bond gradually deepen. Sometimes, when the owner uses a pet comb to groom the cat, the cat, feeling happy, may even rub against the owner. However, occasionally, a cat might gently bite its owner. Do you know why this happens?

Before using the pet comb to groom the cat, owners often start by petting the cat’s body or using their fingers as toys to play with the cat. However, frequent belly rubs before grooming can make the cat feel suspicious of the owner’s intentions. This can lead the cat to show signs of discomfort or defensiveness, since the belly is a very sensitive and important area for animals. Some owners also tend to use their fingers or the comb as toys to play with their cats, which may cause the cat to instinctively treat these items, including the owner’s fingers, as playthings. A gentle bite in this case can simply be a form of playful behavior. Sometimes, the cat may not want to be groomed or engaged in other activities by the owner, especially when it’s feeling excited and playful. In such moments, owners should avoid using their hands to try and capture or engage the cat, as this could lead the cat to reflexively lash out or bite. On the other hand, if the cat is enjoying the grooming or is in a relaxed state, the owner may gently stroke the cat, and the cat may occasionally lick the owner to show affection. Generally speaking, when a cat has a good relationship with its owner, it is unlikely to bite hard. However, if the cat is suddenly startled or if the owner insists on interacting with the cat during its "hunting moments," the cat may become irritated or defensive. Therefore, it’s best for owners to focus on grooming their cats with the pet comb and not expect to interact with them constantly at every moment.