The short answer is that your cat bites your feet because he feels like it. Cats are much more independent than dogs, and they don’t usually need you for food, water, or shelter. They’re like tiny people with tails. They explore the world largely on their own terms and engage in plenty of kitten-like play. In fact, some cat experts argue that having a pet means you have to give up on the notion of “owning” your feline friend.
Cats also engage in plenty of aggressive play, either with each other or their human caretakers. You’ve probably seen kittens wrestle and pounce on each other, or perhaps even gently nibble at each other’s ears or tails when they’re playing together. It’s not unusual for these games to escalate into real fights as cats mature, especially if the social hierarchy is somehow unsettled by a new kitten coming into a home full of adult cats.
But why do they chew your feet? There are several possibilities:
1.) Nail biting
Either because your skin tastes dramatically different from their regular nourishment, or perhaps, due to a strange cat habit called “nail-biting.”
2.) Nail biting and howling
Cats who enjoy nibbling on toes may also use those claws as an excuse to howl up at the sky. Just like dogs make all sorts of noises when nobody else is around (or even when there *are* people around), cats also give voice to silent thoughts — especially if we’re not paying attention to them. Pouncing on our feet can be just the thing to get us off the computer so we’ll pay them some attention.
3.) Stress and biting
The other possibility is that the cat bites your feet because he’s unhappy about something. If you’re a first-time feline parent, it can be tough to know whether a problem is behavioral versus physical. Some cats have allergies or thyroid problems that can cause them to bite even if they’re not feeling threatened emotionally.
4.) Play biting
Nipping during play isn’t necessarily aggression; it varies from cat to cat and even from moment to moment within the same encounter. Many cats are highly social animals who enjoy wrestling with each other as well as their favorite people — especially if you make this activity into a good game by speaking in an animated voice and laughing when you take off running.
5.) Asserting dominance
Sometimes, cats bite our feet because they feel the need to make a point. Because cats are so independent, experts say it’s important for you to establish yourself as the head of your feline household — and that means learning how to command respect while also providing plenty of fun activities (like interactive toys) that will keep your cat from feeling stressed. This is especially true with kittens who are just establishing their place in their new home.
6.) If Your Adult Cat Still Nips or Scratches When He Was Never Like That
If you’ve had your kitty since he was a little guy, then the chances are good that his biting isn’t related to stress at all – it may just be part of his personality. Some cats are simply more playful or aggressive than others, just like people.
Conclusion
So the next time your cat bites or claws you, try to remember that he’s not trying to hurt you. He’s just a cat – an independent little creature who does what he wants when he wants it, and when I want love is when I get it.
