Cats and their natural instincts.
Cats have survived so successfully in the wild because they are predators. It’s good to remember that even domestic cats still retain these survival and hunting skills. This means pouncing, leaping, clawing, and biting are a natural part of their play. A cat’s natural instincts drive them to keep their hunting skills sharp.
Cats that bite during play.
If a cat bites during playtime, it’s usually because their natural hunting instincts have been stimulated. Many cat toys encourage interaction by directly stimulating a cat’s hunting instincts. Feather wands, laser toys, and toy mice are examples of toys that simulate the hunting of prey.
While many cats enjoy interacting with these types of toys, it can be frustrating for your cat if they never quite catch their target. This may contribute to an aggressive outburst like biting. When playing with your cat, consider where you place body parts such as fingers. Try to teach your cat to play gently through positive reinforcement with praise and treats.
When your cat uses their paws in play, rather than their sharp teeth or claws, reward them so that they will be more likely to repeat this behaviour in the future.
If a cat bites during playtime, it's usually because their natural hunting instincts have been stimulated.
