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Why is my cat biting? Is it play or aggression? How do I stop it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Punjabi | Male | unneutered | 320 lbs

Simba is getting aggressive or more playful . I can't distinguish b/w his nature as he tries to bite us. Idk he is doing all this coz he wants to play or he's getting aggressive.My parents said this all happens as I feed him lil. pieces of meat.Can u pls tell me why he's doing all this.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Elizabeth

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 9th, 2019

It's hard to know why pets develop certain behaviors. It's possible he thinks this is some sort of game. Try to identify any type of a pattern so you can predict what is going to do.

You may certainly try distracting him as soon as you notice the rough behavior. Try to direct him to play in a different fashion. It's possible he is bored and so is inventing his own games.

Try meeting his instinctual needs and providing some new stimulation. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/

Use a Feliway diffuser, set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play (really get him moving) and/or switch the food to Royal Canin Calm. Try feeding him out of a food puzzle. Hide food for him to find. Provide a stand or resting place by a window so he can look outside.

You may also try clicker training him for positive behavior. Here is a link about training cats:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/can-i-train-my-cat/

Most cats response best to combination therapy. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with bad behaviors. He should also be neutered because the testosterone can make pets more aggressive. Feeding meat will not cause aggression. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 22nd, 2017

    Hi there! The best thing you can do in this case is ignore him when he becomes aggressive before he bites. Walk up and into another room. He'll get the picture soon that you do not reward that behavior. Also, do not give him the opportunity to become aggressive or bite. Keep your hands away while playing and have a limit on how rambunctious things get. I think this will help get the boll rolling!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using pet coach! First, if you use your hand as a toy and tickle him or grab him playfully, this will encourage the behavior. So if you are doing this, I would advise that you discontinue doing so. Stop playing with him immediately after he does this. Don't speak to him or resume play for a few minutes. After a few cycles of this he should get the message. Another correction method is using a time out method in which you physically pick him up and place him in a different room and walk away. This will make it clear that fun time ends when he bites. Relieve any anxiety by using products such as Feliway diffusers that emmit a pheromone to help make him feel more secure. I would start with these above methods and if there is no improvement I would speak to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications to help calm his nerves. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any other questions that you may have.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 5th, 2016

    There are several different types of aggression in cats, and Theodore may be attention seeking, or may have redirected aggression if there are other pets at home or animals outdoors who seem to make him anxious (dogs, squirrels, other cats). Cats do not respond well to negative punishment, so I'd removing your attention whenever possible by walking away. If you think he's attention seeking you could try to increase the amount of time in the day that you play with him or try feeding him most of his food in food puzzles like the Twist n Treat to keep him mentally stimulated. It is also important not to reward him in any way when he does bite - just remove your attention by leaving the room if possible. Finally, you could try using a Feliway diffuser to help him stay calm. Contact your veterinarian for more tips if these don't seem to help.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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