Why does my cat bite when I pet her body? Is she in pain or sensitive?

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very rare that cats suffer from hyperesthesia (over sensitivity to touch to the point that bit cannot uncomfortable) but it is not unheard of. It is thought to be of a neurological origin-and can be very difficult to treat. Sometimes adding a medication called gabapentin has helped in such cases for my clients. I would talk to your veterinarian to see if they think Royal would be a good candidate or if it is strictly behavioral. If behavioral in origin-sometimes feliway diffusers are helpful in calming our feline companions as well. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Most cats do not like to be touched past the head normally. But of this is a sudden behavioral change I would recommend a Vet exam since she is getting older. They can see of she is more painful than normal in her back and be sure she hasn't lost weight. There are glucosamines/chondriotins for cats like Dasuquin and Cosequin. In the mean time don't pet her where she doesn't like. Cats do get ramped up if we keep doing things they don't like. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3571 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=26149

He may be painful, especially since it sounds like this behavior is new. I would recommend that you take him in to your vet for an exam. Some cats will become over-stimulated when you pet them and act aggressively.... here is some info on that. https://www.petcoach.co/article/petting-related-aggression-in-cats/ But again, for Dodo my concern is that he may be in pain. It could be that he's developed some arthritis, or has injured himself in some way, or he may have a painful abdomen. Your vet will be able to give you more information after doing an exam. Thank you for asking PetCoach!

If your cat has been diagnosed with feline hyperesthesia syndrome, that could definitely be factoring into her resistance to having you pet her. I recommend scheduling a vet consult to have her examined - many hyperesthesia cats will improve on medication. I would start there, before concluding that her scratching/biting is purely behavioral. However, if you don't notice any change in her behavior with hyperesthesia treatment, then it's worth considering behavior interventions and stress management. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hyperesthesia-syndrome Hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cats are finicky creatures. If Kekr is eating, jumping around like a young cat should and not vomiting then I don't think you should worry. Most cats really only like to be scratched around the head, unless you find the rare "dog" like cat that like belly and back scratches. Just like people cats come in a variety of personalities. I recommend leaving her be when she has these moments of being grumpy. I hope this helps!

I would be concerned such a dramatic change in character could be due to pain and discomfort such as from spinal, dental or arthritis pain. A full physical exam is recommended as soon as possible. Try to monitor and see if any particular actions are triggering the behavior as this may narrow down the possibilities

Cats are naturally independent and defensive and it is important to understand their body language and needs in order for you both to enjoy the best of each others company. It is unlikely that your cat is being mean but more that she is feeling uncertain as to how to deal with the situation - many cats feel intimidated by being picked up as this removes their ability to escape if they need to and many cats are very defensive if petted under their belly or behind the chest/shoulder area. Watch closely for her cues of swishing the tail or putting back her ears which indicate she is unhappy and allow her to jump up to you when she is ready. Icatcare (international cat care) website has some very interesting articles on cat behavior in the house and are worth a read to better understand her behaviors