When you are sitting down, it’s common for a cat to want to be near you. A lot of cats will find their way to your lap and/or someone close to you. However, this can also lead to some odd behavioral patterns that become difficult to handle or explain. For example, you might end up asking, why does my cat bite my nails?
Cats can bite your nails to groom you and it often shows a high level of trust. Since cats often groom themselves by licking/chewing their claws, they replicate this behavior on people they’re close to. With kittens, it’s possible they might bite your nails by mistakenly assuming this is where they have to nurse.
When this happens, you are going to wonder, “Why does my cat bite my nails?” but it is more about putting a stop to this behavior without compromising your bond with the cat.
It is not something to worry about. It is more of a great sign that you are a good cat owner and one that is well-bonded to your cat.
Key factors:
- Time Spent With The Cat
- Cat’s General Mannerisms
- Bond with the Cat
A lot of cat owners will immediately know when their cat has a good bond with them. It’s easy to pick out and you will often find the cat somewhere close to you.
Of course, when asking “Why does my cat bite my nails?” you will wonder whether this is also a part of that attachment and indeed it is!
For those who are asking this question, you will learn how to stop a cat from biting your nails and why it can happen.
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Tips On How To Stop Cat From Biting Your Nails
1. Use a Chew Toy
The best option to stop a cat from biting your nails is to use a chew toy.
The chew toy will be great because it’s going to help divert the cat’s attention and also allow it to chew on other items instead of your nails.
It’s a win-win!
The beauty of a chew toy comes down to keeping your cat busy during the day. A lot of cats get bored and will then start to do odd things including wanting to groom you all the time. This is why it is best to look for a solution that will allow them to chew away on something that isn’t dangerous or annoying.
For anyone asking “Why does my cat bite my nails?” this is a good place to start when stopping it.
2. Divert the Cat’s Attention
As mentioned before, you will have to find out how to divert a cat’s attention.
This can include taking the time to use cat toys and/or treats. It is up to you but the best approach is to figure out what works with your particular cat.
A lot of cats will respond to specific triggers that will draw them away.
This can even include something as simple as a mouse toy that is moving around on the ground.
3. Never Startle the Cat
The last thing you want to do when asking “Why does my cat bite my nails?” is to aggressively startle your cat in a bid to stop this behavior.
Yes, it might sound like a good idea but it is not!
You never want to get aggressive with the cat as it might work but is going to ruin its relationship with you. In the end, this is not what you want.
Take your time and use strategies that are going to ease the cat into stopping.
Rushing this is simply not a good idea and is dangerous for the cat.
Related Questions
1. Why Does My Kitten Keep Biting My Fingers?
Kittens will often mistake fingers for nipples and this can cause them to erroneously nurse on them. This behavior usually stops after a few months as the kitten gets older.
2. Why Does My Cat Grab My Hand And Bite Me?
Cats have a natural instinct to hunt. This can cause them to “practice” hunting whenever they are in a comfortable setting. The act of a cat grabbing your hand and biting it is often associated with hunting. This is similar to grabbing prey and biting them to kill.
Final Thoughts
“Why does my cat bite my nails?”
Cats that bite your nails are simply looking to groom you as they would themselves. It is behavior that is common in cats that are bonded to you.
Here is more on cats – how to stop cat from sitting on its kittens, reasons cats love running water, tips for stopping cats from climbing on balconies, and reasons to trim a cat’s nails.