|
Newsletter–.– December 2023 – Cat Love Bites what do they mean
Reviewed for accuracy on May 1, 2018 by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM as seen in PetMD
You’re gently petting your cat when she begins nipping at your hand, which leaves many cat owners wondering, “Why is my cat biting me?” These so-called “cat love bites” don’t typically draw blood, but they happen suddenly, which leaves you wondering what caused the change in your cat’s behavior.
“Biting owners during petting is one of the most common behavioral problems of cats,” says Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Veterinarians weigh in on what cat love bites are, why cats engage in this behavior, and how pet parents can react appropriately when their furred family member feels the need to bite.
What Cat Love Bites Are and Aren’t
Don’t confuse cat love bites—also referred to as petting-induced aggression—with the type of overly-aggressive biting associated with fear, defensiveness or acting territorially.
Cat love bites don’t typically break skin. “It starts off with licking, and the grooming behavior becomes more intense, and you may feel little teeth on you,” explains Dr. Wailani Sung, a staff veterinarian with San Francisco SPCA.
Another clue that your cat is engaging in love biting is that other signs of aggression, such as hissing, growling and clawing, are typically absent, says Dr. Liz Stelow, Chief of Service of Clinical Behavior Service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at University of California, Davis.
“The cat's body language is usually fairly relaxed, although the cat may become slightly tense immediately prior to biting,” Dr. Stelow says.
Why Your Cat Bites You During Petting Sessions
There isn’t much research on why cats engage in love biting; most of what’s known is based on speculation, says Dr. Stelow.
The term “love bite” is somewhat of a misnomer. “When cats bite in this context, it’s not a sign of affection, but rather a signal that the cat is done with the interaction. If the petting continues despite the cat’s efforts to signal that he or she is done with being petted, the cat may escalate to a bite,” says Dr. Ballantyne. A cat love bite can certainly be a result of overstimulation.
Cat love bites can also be unintentional, as part of the cat’s grooming process. They could be “licking for a certain period of time, then using their incisors to get a particular area. Your cat may choose to groom you, your hand or face or head,” says Dr. Sung.
Additionally, not all cats enjoy petting. “Some cats may want to, or enjoy resting on their pet parent’s lap, but may not really enjoy being petted. It’s also possible that the pet parent is petting the cat in areas that the cat finds unpleasant, such as on its belly or near or on its tail,” says Dr. Ballantyne.
How to Appropriately Respond to Cat Love Bites
Studying your cat’s body language is one of the best ways to learn how to appropriately react and prevent future occurrences. “Watch for signs of discomfort, such as ears to the side or a twitching tail, and stop petting if these are seen,” says Dr. Ballantyne.
Pet parents should notice if the cat biting stops when the cat is being petted with more frequency, or less, says Dr. Terri Bright, Director of Behavior Services at MSPCA-Angell in Boston. “The owner should then respond appropriately before the cat bites. Thus, if the cat typically bites after five petting strokes, the owner should always stop at four strokes. They can even teach the cat that ‘All done!’ means they will get a favorite toy for the cat.”
Dr. Ballantyne recommends keeping petting sessions brief, pausing frequently to gauge the cat’s interest. “I also recommend that people always invite their cat over to interact, rather than approaching and handling a sleeping or resting cat. And focus petting on areas that cats generally enjoy, such as around the ears and under the chin, and avoid petting cats on their bellies or near their tails.”
Never react negatively to cat biting. “The owner should never scruff, shake, spray or frighten the cat in any way; this can cause the cat to respond with true and dangerous aggression,” says Dr. Bright.
If a cat bites you and breaks the skin, be sure to wash the wound immediately. Look for any swelling, pain or redness that spreads. If you see any of these, see your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic.
Love biting is a common behavior in cats, but one that can be managed by studying your cat’s body language, learning to redirect undesired behaviors and respecting her tolerance for contact.
By: Paula Fitzsimmons
Diane recommends either Dasuquin or NuJoint DS from NutVet labs. You can order Dasuquin from Chewy.com or the NuJoint DS directly from NuVet labs using Diane’s code: 82416
Diane also recommend NuVet Plus as a general all around great vitamin for your pet. You can use the code and info below to order:
For your convenience, you may order directly from the manufacturer by calling
800-474-7044 and using Order Code #82416 or ordering online at www.nuvetlabs.com/82416 . You can also save an additional 15% and assure you never run out of NuVet by choosing the “AutoShip” option at check out.
Another helpful tool is CBD oil--Diane recommends :
HempMy Pet™ Information
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Longmont, CO, HempMy Pet is a vertically integrated hemp oil production company using strictly organic farming methods, creating only the highest-quality human grade formulations for pets.
With over 30 years of experience in cannabis cultivation and dietary supplement manufacturing, HempMy Pet grows all our own hemp right here in the US.
HempMy Pet makes cultivar-specific full-spectrum hemp oil productsfor pets. It is the ONLY CBD label for pets that has been Clinically Studied and proven effective at treating pain in dogs by independent Veterinarians.
HempMy Pet is Vertically Integrated. This means we grow our own hemp and handle the entire process from seed to sale right here on our Colorado farm.
HempMy Pet is Organic. Both the ingredients and the farm itself is fully organic and in the process of being officially certified. (Our founders started the very first certified organic hemp farm here in Colorado and are doing it again.)
HempMy Pet is Cultivar-Specific. We use one type of hemp (cultivar-specific) grown specifically for its medicinal properties. If it works for you and your pet today you can be assured the next time you buy it is the same product.
HempMy Pet is Full-Spectrum. This means we have the full complement of CBD compounds plus so much more, including beneficial terpenes and yes, even trace amounts of THC for what is known as the ‘entourage effect’ for maximum effectiveness.
HempMy Pet uses Human Grade Manufacturing. All production and manufacturing meets human-grade standards and while we do not market to humans, we do have plenty of customers who also use it, give it to their kids, etc.
HempMy Pet is Veterinarian Recommended and has been used in authentic clinical studies for its effectiveness on pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, etc.
HempMy Pet takes their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seriously and fundamentally embodies a generous, give-back mentality with regular support for rescues, shelters, canine cancer research, and more
https://hmpclick.com/hempmypet
Use the links below to order or investigate Hemp My Pet website and enjoy 20% off your purchase!
https://hmpclick.com/hempmypet
https://hmpclick.com/hempmypetdianeshop
________________________________________
Diane is not accepting any new clients
Animal Communications- performed 1 session of up to 5 questions, additional questions charged at $10 per question
With Email to Client on pet's responses- $50
With Email on pet's responses plus phone call to Client - $75
Distance Healing- performed 1 session
Energetic Assessment = free
Healing Touch for Animals Distance healing session with email to Client - $50
Healing Touch for Animals Distance healing session with email and phone call to Client -$75
Custom Bach Flower Essence - $30 includes shipping
Effective January 1, 2020 --
Animal communication and healing hours and days of service :
Tuesday 4-8pm ONLY
Wednesday 4-8 pm ONLY
PLEASE NOTE---No animal communication/healing will be performed outside the days and times listed above
You can purchase A Tail of Hope's Faith at www.balboapress.com and go to their bookstore or from the other on-line retailers
OR JUST CLICK ON THE LINK
http://bookstore.balboapress.com/Products/SKU-000686623/A-Tail-of-Hopes-Faith.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/Tail-Hopes-Faith-Diane-Weinmann/dp/1452599920/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426634962&sr=1-1&keywords=a+tail+of+hope%27s+faith
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-tail-of-hopes-faith-diane-weinmann/1120917969?ean=9781452599922
Want more information on what I do---look for me at: http://www.loveofanimals.com
NOTE:
A portion of the proceeds of the book will go to the Parma Animal Shelter to help find forever homes for the animals residing there so please buy many, many books! I have attached the book trailer for your viewing pleasure on the left side panel! Enjoy!
Disclaimer:Always remember to consult with a certified professional before attempting to practice any form of medicine. The techniques presented are designed to enhance the healing process and are not intended to replace conventional medical or veterinary healthcare. I do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe medications or perform surgery. Seek licensed veterinary care when indicated.
Note: Technical medical information and recommendations provided by Dr. Becker DVM, not Diane Weinmann who is not a licensed vet nor does she diagnose.
Love, Light and Animal Kisses,
Diane Weinmann
| 
