Have you been minding your own business, going about your day, when suddenly your cat sinks their teeth into your cheek? Although not painful, this feeling can be surprising and irritating. Cats are creatures of habit and can be very set in their ways.
Millions of people adore cats for many different reasons, including their cuteness, cuddliness, and the lively company they provide. If you have a cat, or if your cat is going through a particularly difficult period in its life, you may find that its behavior changes, and they become more biting or aggressive. After all, cats are supposed to be cuddly and loving, not aggressive and biting. So, why does your cat bite your cheek?
Why Do Cats Bite Your Cheek?
Cats might give the impression that they are malicious if they start biting their owners’ faces without warning. Anyone who has a cat might find this disturbing. Although even an adult cat may try to play by biting your face, it is more frequent for kittens and to turn to this behavior.
Understanding Why Cats Bite Your Cheek:
Affection At Its Best:
When your cat is affectionate, the bites are like nibbles on your nose or cheek, and the cat is just sending back the affection they have received from you. When your cat jumps up on your lap, puts its paws on each side of the face, and goes in for a bite, it’s usually because it loves you and wants to offer you some affection in return.
Dominance & Aggression:
Cats of all kinds need to rule most settings and have a natural tendency to take charge. A hiss or low growl before biting is an effort to show authority. However, there are situations when a hissing or growling indicates anger against you because of something they dislike.
- This behavior often comes from your male cats, especially if they are still intact and reaching their maturity age.
- While elderly female cats may still attempt to establish authority, such behavior is less necessary.
Can I Stop This Behavior of My Cat?
Even if you know your cat is only trying to show affection by biting you on the cheek, you may still want to educate them not to do so.
Behavioral Things To Practice
You can do a few behavioral things to stop your cat from biting your cheek.
- Give them a toy or treat whenever they behave well so they associate good behavior with getting a reward.
- Remove the cat off your face when it does this, so they learn it’s unacceptable behavior.
- Finally, ensure you keep your face away from their mouth when they’re acting agitated or aggressive – even if that means not being able to pet them for a while. With patience and consistency, you should be able to train your cat not to bite your cheek anymore.
Exercise Patience With Your Cat
In these situations, it is important to exercise patience with your cat and give them the time and space they need to adjust. If your cat is biting or scratching more than usual, try to give them lots of positive reinforcement when they display calm and good behavior. This could include treats, petting, or verbal praise.
Spend Quality Time With Your Cat
Time well spent with your cat will help you both relax and become closer to one another.
- You may play with your cat by giving it a catnip or a string toy.
- Provide them with lots of exercises and the opportunity to sniff around regularly by brushing them.
Note: A happy, contented cat is less likely to bite its owner’s cheek – so it’s worth taking the time to make sure your feline friend is happy and healthy.
Discourage Aggression; Talk to Your Cat
Suppose your cat bites your cheek often; attempt to figure out why and stop it. It could indicate fear or playfulness. To remedy the issue, talk to your cat.
- Playing and exercising your cat can help prevent aggressive behavior. Tired cats are less aggressive! Play with them for 10 minutes daily and set up a scratching post or climbing tree.
- Keep your pet quiet. They may bite more if they are overwhelmed by noise and commotion. Please give them a quiet area when they need time alone and don’t move or make unexpected noises.
- Finally, if you think your cat is biting due to anxiety or stress, talk to your vet about options. Your vet can recommend a cat-stress-reduction product.
Do I need to act quickly if a cat bites my cheeks?
You should respond quickly if a cat attacks you.
- Wash the cut with water and soap first. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound. Find medical help right away if the bleeding does not stop.
- The next step is to contact the authorities or animal control in your area. They can tell you if the cat has been vaccinated recently and whether or not it has to be quarantined.
- Last, keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you see any redness, swelling, or pus.
FAQ’s
In what ways can I spot the difference between aggressive and loving actions?
Cats genuinely attempting to be loving will start purring, rubbing their face along yours to spread their smell, and biting. You may tell when they are feeling very nasty because their ears drop, and they make a louder hissing sound before lunging for your face.
Are cat face bites dangerous?
In most cases, cat face bites are not dangerous. However, if the bite breaks the skin, there is a risk of infection. If you are concerned about an infection, see your doctor for treatment. In rare cases, cat bites can transmit rabies, so it’s important to be aware of this potential danger.
Conclusion
If your cat is biting your cheek, it may be because they are trying to communicate something to you. Cats with a habit of biting people’s cheeks should see a vet or an animal behaviorist to figure out why they’re doing it and how to stop it.
