All cat owners have been the victim of a foot ambush. We all know the routine—you sit down to rest or get into bed and your cat pounces at your feet for no apparent reason. The moment you move your toes; they attack those, too.
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So why do cats attack feet? Cats are known for exhibiting some strange and inexplicable behaviors, but there are several intriguing reasons as to why cats love feet so much.
Why Do Cats Like To Bite Our Feet?
There’s one big reason why cats bite and attack your feet and ankles when you walk, and that’s down to their natural instincts. Chasing is an innate behavior for cats, and as predators, it’s second nature for them to pounce on a moving object or a moving human!
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Natural Instincts
Domestic cats still have strong hunting instincts, and a human foot is similar in shape and size to their usual prey. If you’re wearing fluffy slippers or socks that look like a small mammal, this could make it even more encouraging for your cat!
If your cat bites your feet, don’t take it too personally, it’s just their hunting behavior taking over, and your feet have become the prey. This behavior might be more common in young cats that are exploring their instincts and are more playful, or indoor cats that don’t have the opportunity to hunt.
You might have noticed some stalking behaviors before your cat pounces on your feet, and sometimes, the bites and scratches can be more painful or even draw blood. If your cat bites and breaks your skin, it’s important to wash the area thoroughly and contact a medical professional as cats have lots of bacteria in their mouth that can cause infections.
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Play
Cats are curious and playful, and as your feet are so accessible, they make for an irresistible toy. When cat owners ask, “Why does my cat bite my feet and ankles when I walk?” play is the most common reason why.
Your feet are a moving object, and as you move farther away from your cat it makes them more playful and they can’t resist engaging further in what they think has become a game. Cats typically mouth very gently when they are playing in this way—it’s like a love bite and sign of affection.
Another common question is “Why does my cat bite my feet under the blanket?” This is because another great game involves feet is at bedtime. When your feet move around under the blanket it adds another layer to the game and captures your cat’s intrigue.
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They can see something moving under the blankets, so they might attack from the top or crawl under and nibble your toes. Your feet are protected, so you’re less likely to get hurt by this game, although it can be annoying when you’re trying to sleep.
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When Is Foot Biting a Problem?
It’s sometimes cute and playful when a cat attacks your feet, but other times this behavior can become problematic. If your cat is regularly attacking your feet, it’s time to investigate.
Boredom and Attention Seeking
If your cat is bored and doesn’t get enough stimulation or exercise, they can turn to you to burn off some energy or release frustration. In these instances, the bites or scratches might be more intentional or break the skin.
This can be your cat’s way of getting your attention. Perhaps they’ve been left home alone too long or don’t have enough to do, but they might simply dislike you paying close attention to something else.
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Overstimulation Aggression
There is such a thing as too much attention, and if your cat is overstimulated, they can become a little overzealous with aggressive play. Your feet are often the nearest thing for them to pounce on. Biting and scratching is a cat’s way of letting you know that they’ve had enough, but it can also be a sign that they’ve become overstimulated and taken the game too far.
Other signs of aggression include:
- Tail twitching or swishing
- Ears down
- Dilated pupils
- Skin twitching
- Body tensing
- Growling or hissing
- Turning the head
Aggression is often caused by other underlying problems. Common reasons are:
- Pain: If your cat is feeling pain, it might be more defensive or on edge, and aggression can be the cat’s way of letting you know. Pain could be caused by arthritis, soft tissue injuries, abdominal pain, or dental disease.
- Stress: Changes in a cat’s environment can lead to signs of aggression, and overstimulation can cause stress.
If your cat is showing new signs of aggression, it’s important to get them checked by a veterinarian for an examination. The vet might need to run some tests to rule out medical issues. Once treated, medical issues can be managed, and aggression often resolves. You can also discuss behavior problems with a veterinary behaviorist for further professional advice.
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How To Stop Foot Biting
If your cat’s foot biting is a problem or becoming aggressive, or if it’s simply very annoying, there are several easy ways to correct it. Cats need time and patience to correct unwanted behaviors, and you’ll need plenty of treats and rewards on hand.
Ignore Them
If you stop reacting when your cat bites your feet, they will soon learn to stop. This is how kittens learn how to behave from one another—if they do something to their littermates and the sibling doesn’t like it, they’ll move away, and the kitten will learn that biting means the end of the game.
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So if you stand still, or calmly move yourself away from your cat without looking at them or reacting, they will have time to calm down and understand that this isn’t an appropriate game to play.
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Redirection and Avoidance
Once you’ve moved yourself away from your cat and they’ve quietened down, you can redirect them to another more suitable toy. Throwing a ball for them or playing with another toy they can chase will redirect their attention away from you.
You can then use treats to reward this play. If your cat looks up for a game, get their toys out and play with those so that you completely avoid them choosing your feet as the toy. You should always make sure your cat has access to plenty of toys and scratching posts to prevent boredom and provide them with mental and physical stimulation.
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Positive Reinforcement
You must never use negative punishments when your cat bites your feet. Stern words, shouting, or pushing them away won’t teach them not to do it again. Cats struggle to associate the negative punishment with their behavior. Instead, they associate it with you doing something negative to them. This can be damaging to your bond with your pet and can make them fearful of you and avoid coming to you for affection.
Using positive reinforcement is far more effective. Reward your cat with a treat for playing with their toys, and they will learn that this is the right way to play.
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Address the Underlying Cause
If your cat’s aggression is a result of pain or stress, make sure to address this. Treat any medical conditions following your vet’s advice and identify stressors in their environment. You can use synthetic cat pheromones such as Feliway to create a calming environment, and ensure your cat has plenty of safe and comfortable places to rest or hide.
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Cats biting our feet can be playful, but it can also be problematic. Usually, it’s because the movement of our feet on ground level mimics their prey, and their natural instincts to chase and catch them kick in.
But if this turns into aggression then you should seek advice from your vet and look into the various ways of correcting the behavior. It’s important to understand your cat’s body language and how their minds work, and you should only use positive reinforcement and distractions.
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Category: WHY
