If your cat bites you when you pet their back, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat bite me when I pet its back? The most likely reason why your cat bites you when you pet its back is that it does not like it when you pet it that way.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat has been doing it and it might be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat bite me when I pet their back?
Below are possible causes and what would make them more likely.
Your cat wants you to stop touching it
The reason why your cat does it is likely to be that it wants you to stop touching its back. This would be more likely if it also shows signs of being agitated when it does it such as by flicking its tail, moving away from you, pushing you away, scratching or hissing.
You’re petting it wrong
It is not uncommon for cats not to like it when people touch their backs. Another possible cause is that your cat does not like it when you touch its back. This would be more likely if your cat does not mind when you pet it in other ways such as by rubbing its chin or petting its head.
It’s playing
Another possible cause is that your cat is actually playing. This would be more likely if it does things such as roll around and grab your hand and if it does not seem to be showing other negative signs such as scratching, hissing or pulling away.
Your cat feels intimidated
The reason why your cat has been doing it could also be that it feels intimidated. This would be more likely if your cat seems to pull away from you and if it also scratches or hisses. In this case, it could be the case that you are not being gentle enough or you are approaching it too boldly.
Affection
Sometimes, cats will also bite when they are being affectionate. The reason why your cat has been biting you, when you pet its back, could actually be that it is showing you affection. This would be more likely to be the cause if it does it when it is showing positive body language such as by purring.
Things to consider about your cat biting you when you pet its back
Below are things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat always bitten you when you petted its back
If your cat did not always bite you when you pet its back, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. It could be the case that something changed that caused your cat to start doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it might be due to things such as a change in the way that you pet it.
What is different when your cat does not bite you
If your cat does let you pet its back sometimes, it would also help to consider what is different when it does let you pet its back. For example, if it only does it when you are petting its back in a certain way, the cause might be that there is an issue with the way you are petting its back.
The body language it shows
It would also help to consider the body language your cat shows when it does it. If it shows signs of being agitated such as wagging its tail and moving away, it would be more likely that it bites you because it wants you to leave it alone. Whereas, if it does things such as roll around, grab your hand and purr, it would be more likely that it is playing.
How to get my cat to stop biting me when I pet their back?
Below are a number of things you can do about the behavior.
Avoid encouraging the behavior
It could be the case that your cat has learned that biting you gets rewards. Instead, it would help to reward it when it does not bite you and to avoid giving it things such as extra attention when it does bite you. Doing this should teach it that biting you causes you not to give it attention.
Pet it differently
Another thing to try would be to pet it in a different manner. Often cats prefer to be rubbed below the chin instead of having their bellies or backs rubbed. It could help to try scratching below its chin instead.
Be gentle
If you have been petting it forcefully, it would also likely help to try petting it more gently.
Why does my cat scratch me when I stroke its back?
Your cat might scratch you when you stroke its back for any of the reasons mentioned above. However, it would be more likely that your cat does it because it does not like the way that you are stroking it.