It’s common for kittens and young cats to engage in rough, active play because all feline play consists of mock aggression. Cats stalk, chase, sneak, pounce, swat, kick, scratch, ambush, attack and bite each other—all in good fun. If they’re playing, it’s reciprocal. They change roles frequently.
2. Playing and Learning
Kittens enjoy playing combat with toys, other cats, and members of the family. Young cats can mimic and try out new behaviors while playing, which also gives them the chance to explore boundaries and interact with their peers and human family.
In addition to having a ton of fun, kittens can practice their fighting and hunting skills. It’s exciting to watch cats bite each other’s necks because they’re probably also pouncing and falling. Additionally, the person who gets bit on the neck gives immediate feedback on what is and is not acceptable. This learning process is very fun for a cat.
However, what happens if you sit and groom your adult cat or play with them calmly and they turn and bite you? This is just their way of telling you that they’ve had enough. See why it’s possible for your cat to bite you while you’re petting him.
Also Read: 8 Adorable Cat Games You Can Play
How can I stop my cats from fighting?
It’s important to think about every possible reason why your cats could fight. Are there enough safe places for them to be apart from one another? Do they fight over food or toys? Is construction causing disturbances in the house? Is your senior cat growing arthritic and less understanding of your kitten?
Making sure every cat has enough room to hide from each other, as well as to eat and sleep quietly, is a good place to start. In the event that your cats exhibit signs of overstimulation or frustration, make an effort to step in before they start biting by providing toys and treats or escorting the aggressor to a more peaceful area.
Never give praise for biting behavior as this could imply that it’s acceptable. Remember, punishments should be avoided as they are ineffective also. Preventing the undesirable behavior from occurring is preferable!
3. Showing Dominance
When one cat exhibits dominance over another, it may be because the new cat has recently moved into the home. When a cat is claiming territory, it can act in this way both indoors and outdoors. Their necks are easily accessible and play a role in their innate hunting instincts.
When two cats get to know one another well, their dominant instinct also comes out. When a cat is bitten, it’s usually a mix of play and dominance as long as the victim appears pain-free.
FAQ
Why does my cat bite my other cat when playing?
Is my cat play biting or actually biting?
What does it mean when a cat bites another cats neck?