Why does my cat bite me when I pet him?

What it often means

• Sensory overload: too long, too firm, always the same spot.
• A sensitive zone: belly, base of the tail, paws. For many cats, that is a no.
• A cat falling asleep: the stroking woke him mid-relaxation.
• More rarely, pain: back, hips, teeth. The hand presses where it hurts.

Signals to read at the same time

• The tail: the first beat is the stop signal.
• The ears: pivoting sideways or back.
• Skin rippling along the back, muscles tightening.
• The eyes: turning toward your hand, pupils opening.

What you can do

• Stroke briefly: three to five seconds, then a pause. He asks for more or leaves. He decides.
• Stay on the head, cheeks, chin, base of the ears. Avoid the belly and the base of the tail.
• Stop at the first tail flick, without scolding. The goal is that he never needs to bite.
• Never punish him: he would bite sooner next time, without warning.

When to see a vet

If the bites are new in a cat who loved being stroked, or located on one precise area of the back, consult: arthritis, dental or skin pain. A cat bite that breaks the skin must be disinfected and may need a doctor.