Why does my cat lick my other cat then bites him

If you have one or more cats, you've probably been through this situation: your cat is licking you quietly... and all of a sudden they bite you! What has happened? Don't they like the massage and petting you were giving them? Why do they engage in this conduct?

In this AnimalWised article we will enter the feline world, to explain why your cat licks and then bites you based on the behavior of the species and its meaning. In addition, we will also show you the guidelines to follow to prevent your cat from biting you. Keep reading!

You may also be interested in: Why does your Cat Bite you?

Even if we are experienced owners, it's not always easy to understand what our cat is trying to tell us, so it's essential to immerse ourselves into the feline universe and learn more about our cats' body language. Regularly reviewing ethology-related articles (the science that studies animal behavior) can help us learn more about our beloved cats and interpret certain behaviors appropriately.

As you know, cats use their bodies to communicate with us and to express their emotions, so when your best friend licks you and then bites you, you should be very attentive to their body, this way you will understand why they are manifesting this behavior better.

Take a good look: Maybe you scared them while they were licking you and that's why they bit you? Did your cat lick you while purring and continue to do so while taking soft nibbles? The way your cat performs certain practices will tell you much more than you can imagine!

There is no single way of interpreting a cat's licks, nor is there a single way of interpreting their, let alone the actions of both licking and biting at the same time, so we will try to explain in detail the purpose of these behaviors, which are both common in this species:

Why do cats lick?

A cat's tongue is certainly unique: it is made up of small keratin spines, which are especially useful when it comes to cleaning themselves, unraveling their hair, removing dirt from their coat and drinking water. This is why they have a rough tongue.

That's why, when a cat licks us, even more so if our cat is licking our hair, they are carrying out a grooming behavior, as if we were just another cat. This is a very positive social behavior, which shows a good bond with the owner and the desire to make us feel more comfortable.

Even so, cats also lick as a sign of affection, since they have learned through associations that it is something we like and that also generates an endless number of stroking and affection. On the other hand, an excessive and non-stop licking (even compulsive) can mean that something is not going well and that the well-being of our best friend is compromised, it's therefore an indication of stress and anxiety, in which case we recommend you to review the 5 most frequent stress symptoms in cats.

Why do cats bite?

As with licking, a bite can also have several meanings, however, whoever has been bitten by a very angry or very frightened cat knows that it has nothing to do with the bites that can be made by a playful cat, even if they are somewhat painful. Truly angry or frightened cats show a very expressive body language, contracted, rigid and bristling, accompanied by hissing, waning meows and curved back.

These kinds of bites (accompanied by painful scratches) have absolutely nothing to do with bites through play, which usually take place when they get out of control, when they use warning bites, so that we stop disturbing or petting them; or bites as a sign of affection, which are usually more controlled and repetitive.

Some cats may bite after licking us as a warning sign so that we stop petting them, others may do it as a sign of affection and a third group could do it as another sequence that leads to grooming, i.e they think that biting is part of the process of grooming.

When cats clean each other by licking and nibbling in order to perform a thorough hygiene and brushing routine, so it would be perfectly normal for our companion to bite us during their beauty session. It's totally normal and typical of their species, it's not negative behavior.

More often than not, our cat can hurt us if they bite us. What should we do then? The first thing to note is that under no circumstances should we scold them, since our feline is engaging in social behavior, even if it is not entirely pleasant.

How should we act when a cat bites us? Ideally, after the bite, we should stop caressing or paying attention to them. If we are constant and always follow the same pattern, over time, our cat will associate the bite with the end of the game or the caressing session.

At the same time, it will be essential to use positive reinforcement and reinforce behaviors that please us, such as being calm, licking without biting or purring placidly. To do so, we can use a simple "very well" or choose a tasty prize or treat, such as a piece of cooked chicken.

If you want to read similar articles to Why Does my Cat Lick and then Bite Me? The Answer, we recommend you visit our Behavioral problems category.

When my Siberian cat Alexei licks me I take it as a sign of love. However, when he quickly follows the licking up with a bite I begin to think that he might feel otherwise!

I was heartened to discover that this problem is not unique to Alexei and that many other cat owners have asked why does my cat lick me then bite me?

It can be very confusing when your cat displays what seems to be loving behaviour and then behaviour that can actually cause you pain. Is it angry? What have you done wrong? And what should you do?

Here are 5 reasons why your cat may lick you and then bite you – plus some of the other most frequently asked questions in this area.

Why Does My Cat Lick me then Bite Me? 5 Reasons

1. To express their love

If your cat approaches you and gives you a couple of little licks and then a bite when you weren’t petting them before hand – and if they seem happy and calm – they are probably trying to show you their love.

This little nip is a normal way for them of expressing their love. I am afraid that your cat most likely doesn’t understand that this love might be a bit unpleasant for you to receive.

Kittens and sometimes grown-up cats will often lick and nip each other. Their skin is a bit tougher than ours so it most likely doesn’t hurt them. Thus your cat thinks this is an appropriate way to express its love for you.

2. They are Grooming You to Bond

Cats will give little bits in their own grooming process when they have matted fur or need to get rid of something on their fur. Or they will do this when grooming each other, particularly when they are kittens.

Cats have keratin spines on their tongue – this is why your cat’s tongue can feel a bit exfoliating. These spines allow your cat to clean itself thoroughly.

If there is lots of licking and not much biting then they may be attempting to groom you, as if you were another cat. And if they are focussing on licking and nibbling on your hair then grooming is an even more likely explanation.

If your cat is trying to groom you this is a very positive sign as it shows they have a good bond with you. Remember, cats don’t randomly groom other cats – they will only groom the cats in their group.

3. It is Overstimulated

Have you ever noticed that your cat can quickly go from being happy and content whilst you are stroking or playing with it to suddenly being very unhappy and frustrated? This normally means that they are overstimulated.

Our cats of course can’t tell us to leave them alone so they communicate this through the lick and bite.

There are no set rules about overstimulation. What is too much for one cat will be fine for another. Your cat will probably have a tendency towards a small amount or a large amount of stimulation being comfortable.

However, there may be some variances in what they will tolerate depending on their mood eg they may like more cuddles if you have been away or if they are feeling unwell.

Also, your cat may become agitated if you spend too much time petting a part of their body that is more sensitive. Have a look at your cat’s ears when this happens.

If they are flat against its head or flicking back and forth it is time to leave your kitty alone.

Another good way to know if you have overstimulated your cat is by watching what they do after the lick and bite. If they run away and hide then it is likely that they have been overstimulated. If they stay near you then it might be one of the other reasons in this article.

4. They are Playing

If there is a toy involved in the lick and bite then it is likely that your cat wants to play. However, the desire to play and overstimulation can look quite similar.

If your cat has its whiskers and ears pointing forward, tail up, slightly arched back, and dilated pupils they may well be in the mood to play.

The key determinant of playing vs overstimulation is how your cat reacts after the bite. If your cat wants to stay around you and is bouncy and looking happy then they are probably looking to play. If they tense up and depart the scene overstimulation is the most likely explanation.

If your cat stays on the scene then bring out a feather toy or other cat toy and you’ll soon find out if they are in the mood to play.

⇒ How long do cats live? How to get a cat to eat? How to train a cat not to bite? How often do cats pee? and How to Pet a Cat.

5. It is stressed

Excessive licking and biting can be a sign of stress or anxiety. Some cat breeds like Siamese cats will chew things when they are anxious. Alas, this chewing behavior may also extend to chewing parts of you.

Some cats will start licking non-stop or in a compulsive manner when they are stressed.

⇒ 10 Types of Siamese Cats, Siamese Cat Personality Profile, All you need to know about the Lynx Point Siamese, Flame Point Siamese Cats, 13 Most Popular Siamese Cat Colors, Lilac Point Siamese Cats and 12 Sensational Siamese Cat Names.

If your cat licks you and then bites you it is unlikely that they are genuinely angry with you. You may well have seen your cat angry or scared.

Angry cats tend to get very arched and firm backs, fur standing on end, and quite a hit of hissing. At worst you may be annoying your cat due to overstimulation.

Licking and Biting Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my cat only lick and bite me?

Probably because you are the person that they love the most.

⇒ What Smells do Cats Hate? Why do Cats Pant?, How Long do Cats Sleep?, What do Sleeping Cat Positions Mean? When is a Cat an Adult?, Why Do Cats Have Tails?, Do Cats Dream? Are German Shepherds Good with Cats? , Corgis and Cats: What You Need to Know, Can Cats Get Depressed?, Why do Cats Rub Their Faces on Things?, How Long is a Cats Memory?, Why Does my Cat Sleep with me and not my husband?, Can Golden Retrievers and Cats Get Along?, Why Does my Cat Bite my Feet?, How Long do Cats Grow?, Why does my cat fart so much?, How to Keep Cats Away from Plants, Why is my Cat Shaking?, Why do Cats Meow at Night?, Can Cats Get Colds?, Why Does my Cat Keep Sneezing? Cat Sleeping Positions when sick, Can Cats Swim? and Rottweilers and Cats: 11 Things You Need to Know

2. Why does my cat lick and bite other cats?

As mentioned, licking and biting other cats can be quite normal in the world of kitties. It could also be because of one of the reasons above. However, it is likely that the other cat knows what your cat is up to!

3. What do gentle cat bites mean?

This is most likely a little love bite from your kitty. If your cat is relaxed and happy when biting you gently then this is the most likely explanation. However, if they are tense then it may be time to back off before the gentle part becomes history.

⇒ 15 Most Popular Maine Coon Colors, 12 Things to know about Seal Point Ragdoll Cats, 13 Most Popular Siamese Cat Colors, 13 Types of Ragdoll Cat Colors and Coat Patterns, British Shorthair Colors and Siberian Cat Colors.

4. Why does my cat grab my hand and bite me?

If your cat is grabbing and biting your hand it is probably mimicking hunting behaviour. This is how your cat would treat captured prey. This would mean that it was tearing its prey apart so that they could eat it but the odds are they don’t plan on doing this to any of your body parts.

5. How do I get my cat to stop biting me?

If you want your cat to stop biting you, make sure you react to every cat bite, even if it is gentle. Pause and very loudly and firmly say No. Then don’t make eye contact with your cat for at least about a minute so they also link biting with not having your attention.

⇒ Maine Coon Personality Profile, 13 Things to Know about the Skookum Cat, Siberian Cat Personality Profile, 13 Things to Know About the Dwelf Cat, Key Characteristics of the Kinkalow Cat, 13 Things you Need to Know About Minskin Cats, All you need to know about the Toyger Cat, Tabby Cat Personality Profile, 13 Bambino Cat Characteristics, All about the Khao Manee Cat, 12 Characteristics of the Ragdoll Cat Personality, All about the Lykoi Cat, 13 Things to know about the Raas Cat, 10 things to know about the Genetta Cat, All About the Sokoke Cat, 67 Best Quotes about Cat Lovers, what you need to know about the British Shorthair Chinchilla, 13 Characteristics of the Napoleon Cat and Siamese Cat Personality Profile.

Related Posts:

Blue Eyed Cat Breeds

What smells do cats hate?

Cat breeds that don’t shed

How long can you leave a cat alone?

This why do cats sleep next to their owners post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase I will most likely receive a small commission. This won’t affect the price you pay. Just wanted to make sure you knew.