Why does my cat sleep on my chest and bite when I stop petting?

Yes, this is also common behavior. One of my cats sleeps nestled in the crook of my neck at night, another likes sleeping on my hip or chest at night. Cats like it warm, so sleeping on your body is like a heating blanket for them, and at the same time they feel secure.

Some cats start biting because they are overstimulated by petting, or are trying to warn you that they have had enough attention. I would stop petting her before you bite her, so you can stop this behavior before it becomes a pattern.

Sophie should grow out of this behavior, especially if you ignore her and don't give her an opportunity to bite. Let her come to you when she wants and only pet her on her head and neck for a short time. If you see her tail swishing it's time to stop. They bite more when people pet them on their bellies and around the tail. Cats like affection on their terms! I'm glad she is good with your toddler. Give Sophie her space and she should become more affectionate when she's older. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sophie.

This could be because Peaches is overstimulated, or because he wants more attention. She may want to try very short sessions of calm petting followed by playtime with an appropriate toy. If he bites playtime stops and he goes somewhere by himself. If he seems overstimulated she should stick to very short gentle petting sessions.

Thanks for using PetCoach. This is a normal play behavior. (So is reaching out to claw your pants as you walk by or trying to catch your hands with her claws while you pet her.) There are two ways I handle this. One is to stop petting and leave so that she knows play time is over. Honestly it hasn’t really worked yet (she still does it sometimes) and my cat is now 18 mos. What seems to work better is to get up and grab her favorite toy and start playing with that. That is something she CAN bite and claw at and get those natural play behaviors out- without chomping my hands. My girl is OBSESSED with one very similar to the one in the link below. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/leaps-and-bounds-caterpillar-cat-teaser?rrec=true Hope this helps and best wishes to you and Raven!

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

Cats can be odd balls when it comes to being petted, displaying affection and expressing themselves. I’m sure you’ve seen cartoons that portray cats only allowing a certain number of pets on the back or only certain parts of the body being touched. This is not abnormal behavior and it does not indicate that he doesn’t like you. It’s possible Cookie is playing rough with you and this is a game in his mind. It’s also possible he’s irritated and taking it out on you! Look at the ears and the tail. A flicking tail alone often means irritation. Ears laid back can mean getting ready to pounce! Pick up a book about cats and familiarize your self with cat body language so that you can pick up on his signals. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction! Please feel free to post any additional questions.