Mary Allen
If the cat bites its feet, it hurts enormously and is dangerous for the animal. There are many reasons for this behavior. But there are also solutions.
Unknowingly we sit on the sofa, enjoy a quiet moment, and tap our feet in a relaxed manner. All of a sudden, a fluffy bolt of lightning shoots out from under the couch and pounces on your foot. Needle-sharp teeth dig painfully into the big toe, claws leave burning scratches on the skin.
Most cat owners know this game – and are not enthusiastic about it.
But why does the cat like to bite feet and toes so much? We explain why even the gentlest of house tigers hunt for their feet and what helps against this.
Why does the cat bite feet?
In the wild, cats’ hunting instincts ensure they get enough to eat. When the otherwise so gentle tigers lurk motionless in front of a mouse hole in nature, only to pounce on their prey in a flash, this process looks exactly like the pike jumping onto the feet of humans.
Small cats are training for the big hunt
Cats attack feet and toes because they stimulate their hunting instincts. Young cats train their survival instincts and their hunting skills with games.
Anything of a suitable size is actually good as a practice object. If the object in question also moves, such as a foot slipping out from under a bed cover, this suddenly awakens the hunting instinct. The temptation to strike and bite your foot is then simply irresistible.
This training is important for young cats, because later in nature the game becomes serious. Then cats secure their meal with the learned jumps, biting, and holding.
Playing together for a good bond
Our indoor cats practice hunting almost every day, depending on their age and how athletic they are. Especially with indoor cats, practicing becomes a popular pastime that fills many hours. Together or alone, with humans or a conspecific, the four-legged friend chases after interesting objects. This is not only a lot of fun – it trains the brain, and keeps muscles and joints fit and flexible.
Hunting and playing is also healthy and important behavior for the domesticated house cat, which is part of a happy cat’s life. Therefore play extensively with your cat. In addition to the fun that you both have, playing together has another nice effect: it strengthens the bond with your animal.
Do adult cats also bite feet?
What seems cute and fun in kittens with tiny teeth can be downright annoying and painful in an adult cat.
If the house tiger is constantly chasing the feet and toes of its human, it becomes a stumbling block in the apartment. There is a high risk of accidentally kicking the cat! The bites and scratches on the skin are also very painful and can also lead to long-term inflammation. That is why the game of hunting is even more problematic in adult cats than in young cats.
Cats hunt all their lives – feet too
Playfulness accompanies cats throughout their lives. That’s what makes them such exciting and, above all, entertaining roommates.
Hunting for fun is therefore still a great pleasure for the senior cat. It is therefore of little use to begrudge the kitten its hunting success and to hope that the problem will solve itself over time.
If you don’t take action when the cat bites your feet, the hunting behavior can become a real relationship problem between you and your beloved cat.
Fancy a good mood? Then have a look here: Funny cat pictures – Only cats can be that funny
Be careful with behavior changes
If an adult cat, who has not previously been chasing feet, suddenly bites your feet, grabs your hands, and even becomes aggressive, attention is needed. Changed cat behavior can always indicate an illness.
Behavioral changes can be caused, for example, by thyroid diseases. Stress can also lead to strong aggression. Therefore, if your cat suddenly bites your feet, it is always advisable to speak to a veterinarian and have the cat examined.
Can you stop hunting?
Cat training is possible, but has natural limitations. With patience and love, you will certainly teach your darling some manners. But when it comes to the hunting instinct, even experienced cat lovers bite their teeth. This behavior occurs instinctively because, as mentioned, it is essential for the survival of wild cats.
Even the sheltered and well-cared-for house tiger cannot stop hunting and mousing. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with red welts on your feet and tattered socks for the rest of your cat’s life.
With a few tricks and patience, it is possible to prevent cats from biting feet without disturbing their natural behavior.
5 tips if the cat bites your feet
You won’t get far with scolding and anger: pressure and coercion are among the biggest mistakes in cat training.
At best, if you react aggressively to the unwanted behavior, the cat will become frightened. But she won’t learn anything from this reaction.
Instead, we have put together effective tips for upbringing and training that you can use to steer the fur nose’s hunting instinct in a different direction. In this way, peace between cat and human is quickly restored.
- Variety
Some cats get bored. Indoor cats in particular often lack variety. Create enough opportunities for the little hunter to let off steam mentally. This is important for mental health. These can be intelligence toys, climbing trees, or hiding places.
Also move the furniture that belongs to the cat from time to time, such as the scratching post. She now has to reorient herself and will be busy with that for a while. In addition, she is now discovering new hunting and playing opportunities.
- Diversion
Is the house tiger landing on its foot again? Use a diversionary tactic. Offer a toy that is ready and accept the invitation to play and hunt together.
Leave the toy accessible. If your darling associates the object with the positive gaming experience, next time he might pounce on the toy instead of the sock. In this way, the fun of playing would be ideally combined with education.
Read here why you shouldn’t normally leave toys lying around: The 10 most common mistakes when playing with cats.
- Enough space
Does your cat have enough freedom of movement? Indoor cats in particular need enough exercise space to develop normal behavior. You have to be able to run, romp, climb.
If necessary, expand the offer: Is there the possibility of release? Can a patio be retrofitted with a cat net to increase the living space for the cat? With the right tips, the balcony can also become a cat paradise. Check out the possibilities and get creative!
- Clearance
In general, indoor cats need significantly more attention and time than outdoor cats, especially if they are the only cat. They let off steam in their hunting and play instincts outside in nature.
If it can be set up and the cat is interested, offer your cat an interesting alternative to sock hunting by going for a walk outside.
- Patience
The most important aspect when dealing with the cat and its peculiarities: keep calm and absolutely avoid aggressive behavior during training. Because that will in no way lead to the cat adopting the desired manners and refraining from chasing its feet.
If you meet the little tiger with understanding and patience, then he will show what he needs with his own reactions.
We wish you and your cat all the best!