Why does my cat bite me first and then lick me?

If you have a cat, you will sometimes be surprised by your cat’s behavior, especially when it gives you a nip or bite and then licks you. This type of behavior is very normal among cats, since it is considered a sign of affection and not aggression. What your feline friend is trying to tell you is that they love you, it’s his way of giving you a kiss!

Sometimes your cat kisses can feel more like a bite or a sharp pinch that can hurt. Remember don’t get mad at your cat as you can confuse the poor cat. If your feline friend gives you a firm love bite, be firm and say No! Over time, your cat will understand that it’s still okay to show affection but not to cause you pain.

The reason they are doing this is not to hurt you, they are simply kissing you as they normally would with another cat. Because cats have thick fur and the nerve endings in their skin aren’t close to the skin’s surface like ours, they need to bite harder to express affection.

For a cat, this type of affection is quite acceptable, but as a pet owner, it is not the most pleasant experience to be bitten. To stop this type of behavior, you can train your cat not to bite, although this may take some time, patience, and persistence before you can control this habit or stop it altogether.

Although most cats enjoy affection, try not to pet them too much, as this can get them too excited. An overexcited kitty will exhibit many telltale signs such as purring, rubbing against you, squeaking, and a stiff tail that may quiver. Cats that are overly excited usually can’t control their emotions, so be prepared in case your cat wants to kiss you.
When approaching your cat, be sure to look at her tail first, as her tail is like her mood detector. Remember that if his tail is twitching with excitement, avoid contact, as you could end up with a love bite.

Approach your cat when he is in a good mood, his tail will look calm and only the tip will move gently. On the other hand, if they are unhappy their tail will wag back and forth, it is always best to avoid contact with them until they return in a better mood.

Living in harmony with your cat is possible, just try to be aware of their mood swings and if they bite and lick (kiss) you, remember that it is a way of saying I love you.