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Cats are weird animals, to say the least. One moment, your cat is bouncing off the walls; the next, they’re kneading your stomach while you nap. While most owners have learned to live with this weirdness, one kitty habit is still perplexing: when they nibble on people’s fingers.
It’s easy to think that your cat might just be hungry. However, even after feeding them, don’t be surprised to find them still gnawing at your fingers! But why? Read on to find out the main reasons for this behavior.
The 9 Likely Reasons Your Cat Chews on Your Fingers
1. They’re Showing Love and Affection
Cats show their affection in different ways, and gently biting your fingers is one of them. These “love bites” are your cat’s way of showing you that they love and cherish you. These bites are typically gentle and they do not puncture the skin, however, you are putting yourself in a vulnerable position because those are some sharp teeth. However, when the bites start to hurt, it’s best to freeze, get your cat to calm down, and move away. This is an effective way to teach your cat about limits.
2. Your Cat Is Just Playing
Cats are playful creatures and won’t pass up an opportunity to play. So, when you start moving your hand near a cat, don’t be surprised if they pounce on your hand. This is a way for them to release excess energy and hone their hunting skills.
It’s worth noting that even if you keep your cat within the confines of your apartment, their hunting instincts will still flare up from time to time. They simply can’t resist pouncing and biting on your hand when the opportunity presents itself. Remember, play is integral to keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated, however, it is best to be consistent when it comes to not allowing any biting as things can quickly escalate and those teeth are designed to tear up meat.
3. They’re Overstimulated
Most cat owners have been there before. One moment, you’re gently stroking your cat; the next, they turn their head and give you a quick nip. If this happens, it’s a sign that you accidentally overstimulated them.
If you pet your cat a little too much, they enter a paradox between enjoyment and letting themselves go into a susceptible situation. This automatically triggers them into attack mode, hence the bite. To avoid this, consider petting your cat a bit less. Otherwise, one day, the nibble might turn into a full-on bite.
4. Your Cat Is Teething
Your kittens will start teething when they’re about 3–8 weeks old starting with the incisors. At about 3–4 months old, they will lose their baby teeth and adult teeth start to erupt. They’re likely to experience some discomfort when these teeth start to erupt, and biting your fingers is a way of easing this discomfort.
If that’s the case, you should consider getting your kitten something other than your fingers to chew on. There are plenty of chew toys available in local pet stores that your kitten will love. It is best to set clear limits by not allowing your kitten to chew your fingers because this kind of habit is hard to break.
5. They Were Weaned Too Early
Kittens wean for 4 to 6 weeks before adopting a mature diet. However, they will seek other ways to replicate the suckling if they are weaned too soon. If you show them your fingers, they will most likely suckle and nibble at them.
This is just a way for your cat to soothe themselves, and there’s nothing particularly wrong with them doing so. However, if you find it uncomfortable, you can always find something else for them to suckle on. A soft toy is great, but make sure you sanitize it to avoid any health issues.
6. Your Cat Is Stressed
A stressed cat will explore different avenues to release all the tension that has welled up inside them. One might be chewing your fingers to soothe their anxiety. It is important to find your cat a chew toy that they can use to self-soothe and ensure you do your due diligence to find out what is behind your cat’s stress so you can find a way to help them relax.
7. Your Fingers Smell Like Food
You’re almost done cooking, and now it seems like your cat can’t get enough of your fingers. This isn’t your pet being overly affectionate—your fingers smell like food.
Felines can’t resist the urge to bite on something that smells good, especially when they’re hungry. They’ll likely sniff and lick your finger first before they go for the bite. The best solution is to get into the habit of thoroughly washing your hands after cooking strongly scented food and before cuddling your cat. If you are clever, you can also feed your cat before they make any attempt to nibble your hands and they’ll likely leave you in peace.
8. They Like Chewing Stuff
Maybe the reason your cat can’t get enough of your fingers is that they like to chew on different things. Cats love to explore different foods and textures with their teeth. Your hand isn’t out of the question, so they’ll certainly have a go if they get the opportunity.
Get a tough rubber or a chew toy for your cat to chew on in place of your fingers. Also, if you notice your cat loves to chew on different things, be sure to keep them away from electric cables, toxic foods, chemicals, and poisonous substances.
9. Your Cat Is Bored and Knows How to Get Your Attention
Sometimes, your cat will chew your fingers out of boredom. Cats love to nap, but when they wake up, they’re bursting with energy and eager for play. If you’re unwilling to play, they’ll force playtime by biting your fingers.
The best thing to do is focus on prevention. Ensure your cat has daily play sessions and a variety of physical and mental stimulation. But do not give them attention if they start biting or this behavior will be impossible to extinguish.
Does My Cat Hate Me If They Chew on My Fingers?
No, your cat doesn’t hate you if it gives your finger a little nibble. In fact, it might be your cat’s way of showing love. As your cat grows older, though, the chewing can start to hurt a bit. That’s why it’s important to curb this behavior early on before it gets out of hand. A little nudge should discourage your cat from biting on your fingers.
Final Thoughts
Your cat chewing on your fingers is perfectly normal and isn’t something to worry about. However, introducing a chew toy should solve the problem if you can’t stand the chewing. Focusing on prevention is key, and providing them with other opportunities to express their natural behavior. You could even try finding a playmate for your cat to play with when bored.
We think it’s best to establish clear limits to prevent this behavior from escalating or accidentally hurting you or others. If you don’t mind a little nibbling and can tell it’s probably your cat showing some love, know your risks and be always observant of their body language and the context of the nibbling. You should also keep in mind that love bites can suddenly turn into real bites if your cat gets overstimulated. If your cat bites you to the point of bleeding, it is best to quickly wash and disinfect the injury and consider seeking medical treatment.
Featured Image Credit: SerPhoto, Shutterstock
