Why Does My Cat Bite Me Then Lick Me?
Understanding Your Furry Friend's Behavior
If you’re a fan of cats and their quirky behaviors, then you’ll likely find some parallels between Cookie’s playful adventures in my artwork and the subject this article—why does your cat bite you, then lick you? Just like in my paintings where Cookie explores and engages with her environment—whether playfully licking the fish tank or hanging out with mice—cats communicate in various ways, some of which might seem mysterious or even playful to us. This blend of affection and playfulness can also explain the curious mix of biting and licking we often see in our feline companions.
Let’s explore the various reasons behind this common but often misunderstood behavior and provide some helpful tips on how to handle it and then I'll share with you how I interpret cat's behavior in my artwork (inside of the mind of an artist can be just as tricky as inside the mind of a cat!).
All artwork was NOT AI generated, these are original artworks by Stephanie Weaver and all copyrights are protected.
The Most Common Reason: Love and Affection
Believe it or not, one of the most common reasons your cat bites you and then licks you is that it’s their way of showing love. Adult cats engage in this behavior to mimic the grooming habits they learned from their mother cat. When cats are part of a family group, grooming, licking, and yes, even a gentle bite, can be ways to strengthen social bonds. Think of it as your feline friend’s way of showing you that you’re part of their family. A little lick and a gentle love bite are just their version of a hug or a kiss.
Grooming Behavior: Why Licking Follows a Bite
Another possible reason your cat bites you and then licks you has to do with their grooming behavior. Cats are naturally social animals and use grooming as a way to bond. If your cat bites you during a petting session, it might be their way of transitioning from play to grooming. This is a common behavior when your pet cat feels relaxed and wants to include you in their grooming routine, just as they would with another cat. Cats’ tongues are rough due to their scent glands and tiny spines called papillae, so that little lick can feel like a part of their cleaning ritual (check out this closeup of a cat's tongue - it's like tiny curved pick-axes!).
Petting-Induced Aggression: When the Lick Is a Warning
While some cats bite and lick out of love, others may do so because they’re overstimulated. Cat overstimulation happens when too much petting, particularly in sensitive areas like their belly or base of their tail, pushes them past their sensitivity threshold. This can lead to what’s known as petting-induced aggression, where the cat bites as a way of saying “enough.” After the bite, they might lick as a way of calming down or reassuring themselves. Paying attention to your cat’s body language is a good idea to prevent these gentle nips from becoming full-on bites.
The Playful Side: Biting is a Cats' Way of Playing
Cats are playful creatures by nature, and biting followed by licking can also be part of a fun play session. This type of behavior often shows up in younger or more energetic cats, especially when they’re full of excess energy. A little nip during play is just your cat being themselves. If your cat behaves this way often, consider using cat toys to give them mental stimulation and an outlet for their playful nature.
Other Possible Reasons for Biting and Licking
Though these are the most common reasons, there are various reasons your cat might behave this way:
- Establishing Social Bonds: Your cat may bite and lick as a way of establishing a strong bond with you, much like they would with other cats.
- Overstimulation: As mentioned earlier, too much petting can overwhelm your cat, leading to this mixed behavior.
- Aggressive Behavior: If the bite is harder and more aggressive, this could be a sign of aggression or discomfort. Excessive licking following an aggressive bite might indicate anxiety or irritation.
- Health Issues: In rare cases, sudden changes in behavior, like increased biting and licking, could be due to a health issue. Cats sometimes lick excessively to soothe pain, irritation, or flea bites. If there’s a sudden change in your cat’s behavior, it’s worth checking with a vet.
How to Handle Your Cat's Biting
The best way to handle this type of behavior is through positive reinforcement. You want to create a positive association with gentle behavior and discourage unwanted behaviors like biting. For example, if your cat starts to nip during cuddle time or a petting session, it’s a good idea to stop and give them a break. This when I'll simply back away and relax, when the cat is ready for more attention they'll get up and come to me.
If the cat begins to nip, you can also provide distractions like cat toys to help burn off extra energy in a healthy way. When our cats start to nip our hands or wrists, we'll either let them rest or switch to a cat toy or string so they can safely bit and burn the excess energy.
Remember that the cats are just doing what is in their nature, do not physically punish them to doing what is natural for these social animals. If your cat seems anxious or particularly aggressive, consult an animal behaviorist.
Understanding Your Furry Friend
Understanding your cat’s bite-then-lick behavior can make you a more informed and patient pet parent. Whether it’s their way of showing affection, grooming you, or signaling overstimulation, each cat is unique, and their behaviors may vary. Pay attention to their body language and give them the space they need when they show signs of wanting alone time. In most cases, this strange behavior is just another way your best friend is trying to interact with you.
Signals the Cat Wants To Be Left Alone
Cats use subtle signals to indicate they want to be left alone. Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Tail Flicking: A rapid or forceful flick of the tail can indicate annoyance or overstimulation.
- Flattened Ears: When a cat’s ears are pinned back against its head, it usually means they’re feeling threatened or agitated.
- Dilated Pupils: Wide or dilated pupils often suggest your cat is on high alert and might be overwhelmed.
- Hissing or Growling: Vocal signs like hissing, growling, or low, rumbling noises are clear warnings that your cat is uncomfortable.
- Swatting or Gentle Nipping: A swat of the paw or a gentle nip may indicate that your cat has had enough physical interaction or is overstimulated.
- Tense or Stiff Body Language: If your cat becomes tense or stiff when you're petting them, it could be a sign they want to disengage.
- Moving Away or Hiding: If your cat walks away from you or finds a hiding spot, it’s a strong signal that they need some alone time.
- Rapid Grooming: Suddenly starting to groom themselves in the middle of being petted can indicate that your cat is feeling anxious or wants to be left alone.
- Twitching Skin: Some cats twitch their skin when they're feeling overstimulated, especially during petting.
- Turning Head Away: A subtle sign, but if your cat turns their head away from you, they may be indicating they’re done with interaction.
Understanding these signals is crucial to maintaining a positive relationship with your cat and avoiding overstimulation that can lead to biting or scratching. Next time your cat bites and licks, remember they’re complex creatures, and such behavior is often a normal part of being a cat. Just keep an eye on their reactions, and you’ll continue building that strong, loving bond with your feline friend. Here is a great article by PetMd.com to learn more about Cat's body language.
Final Thoughts On Why Do Cats Lick and Then Bite
Cats have natural instincts that sometimes confuse new cat parents, but with years of experience, you’ll find that these quirks are what make them such lovable companions. Pet owners who understand their cat’s needs and behaviors will enjoy a happier, more harmonious relationship with their furry friend.
I can tell you, our cat Cookie (depicted in these images and paintings) is way more chill than Brownie (the brown/black cat in the Christmas picture below). Brownie's cuddle time is a lot shorter than Cookies. Brownie's tale will start flicking about 5 minutes into cuddle time unless you get out the brush, her time extends another 5 minutes with the brush and she'll start biting the brush and she'll walk away.
Remember, like people, every cat is different. So pay attention to your individual cat needs.
Artistic Process: From Cat Inspiration to Oil Painting
Choosing a Cat as a Subject and the Cat's Story Line
I've always loved animals and their honest expressions. but it wasn't until the pandemic that I was not obscured by the thoughts of reality...it was fun letting my imagination run wild. I learned what I was doing was call "anthropomorphism". This is when human characteristics, behaviors, or emotions are attributed to animals, objects, or other non-human entities. In art and storytelling, anthropomorphism is often used to create relatable or whimsical depictions of animals acting like humans—such as dressing them up, having them speak, or making them engage in human-like activities.
In my paintings of our cat Cookie, anthropomorphism is subtly at play, as Cookie interacts with other animals or objects in a way that reflects human-like curiosity and emotion, giving her adventures a playful and imaginative twist.
In the rest of this article I'm going to share with you a bit of the process behind each painting.
"Are you protected or trapped?" original oil painting 30" x 30"
THE MEANING BEHIND THIS SCENE
“Are You Protected or Trapped?” In this captivating artwork, our plump and imposing cat Cookie (also affectionally known as 'Fat Lightening' for her quick bursts of energy) stands before the entrance of a tiny mouse's house. The feline's gaze, simultaneously curious and predatory, raises an essential question: Are we protected in our havens or inadvertently trapped by our circumstances?
Inside the mouse's house there are several details that I'd love to call out:
- The artwork includes trinkets from my daughter's room that the mouse has collected
- There are symbols for luck over the archway, like Rosemary, Trinity Symbol and Four leaf clovers.
- You'll also notice off to the side of the entrance are the makings of a family portrait and on the other a "beware of cat" sign.
"Who is ruling who?" original oil painting 24x24"
THE MEANING BEHIND THIS SCENE
“Who is ruling who?” artwork that captures a moment of chaos and upheaval as the balance of power shifts dramatically. In this dynamic scene, our fat cat Cookie finds herself in a precarious situation, hanging desperately from a chandelier. Below, a swarm of determined mice scurry about, seizing the opportunity to take control and reclaim their freedoms from the oppressive feline and her accomplices.
"Who is Ruling Who?" tells a story of revolt and liberation, illustrating the idea that sometimes the seemingly powerless can unite and challenge those who have held sway for too long. It's a reminder that even in the face of chaos and confusion, the pursuit of freedom and justice can bring about a more equitable world. This artwork sparks contemplation on the dynamics of power and the potential for change when the oppressed rise together to take back control.
When I finished this painting my daughter teared up and said "poor Cookie, she looks so scared! What is she going to do?" (Cookie is her cat that she adores and showers attention and affection).
What I see in this story is the question "who started this and goaded the cat to get from such a precarious position - did she do it herself or does the dog in the upper left look overly excited about the events? (the dog is Sophie, border collie-aussie mix and the other dog that looks confused is Bacon.)
What do you see when you look at this piece?
THE MAKING OF THIS PIECE
This one was fun one for reference image creation. My daughter held Cookie up into the air so I could get a picture of her looking up at me with a somewhat helpless look. I then went around the house, climbing on top of furniture to take reference pictures of our other cats and dogs (our 2 cats - Cookie and Brownie, and our 2 dogs Sophie and Bacon - we don't have any mice :) ).
Once I had the reference images, I quickly sketched and just started painting!
"The Little Guys Win!!" original oil painting 18" x 24"
THE MEANING BEHIND THIS SCENE
This painting visually narrates a triumphant tale of the underdogs prevailing against all odds. In this vibrant scene, a once-arrogant fat cat now finds itself trapped within the confines of a bird cage. The fat cat is not ashamed, instead, the defeated cat’s look is plagued with anger boiling under the surface, showing that power and control is an obsession and fear is the means in which it is obtained. Meanwhile, a jubilant congregation of mice and birds surrounds the cage, celebrating their unexpected and hard-fought victory.
"The Little Guys Win!" encapsulates the enduring message that justice and freedom can prevail, even when it seems impossible, but it will not be gifted by the oppressors. It serves as an inspiring reminder that when individuals from different backgrounds come together to challenge inequality and oppression, they can achieve remarkable victories. The artwork embodies the joy of triumph over adversity and the belief that a united front can bring about positive change.
THE MAKING OF THIS PIECE
This is the 3rd painting I did of Cookie. At the onset, I didn't know I wanted to paint Cookie, all I knew is I wanted something to be in a cage and then I came across this reference image my daughter took of Cookie cleaning herself.
And I thought PERFECT. She has that look of being caught, indignation and F off at the same time!
The rest of the imagery I grabbed cutouts from magazines or catalogs to use as reference images and then began researching the size of the bird in comparison to a cat and/or mouse to ensure that it was accurate size-wise.
A quick sketch later and I was ready to paint!
The painting process itself is one that builds layer upon layer to capture the glint in the eyes of all the animals and the sparkle in the cage and reflection of the cage on the wood floor.
"Cookie's Christmas" Original Oil Painting 10" x 10"
THE MEANING BEHIND THIS SCENE
The painting captures a moment of stillness before action, with a playful undertone reflecting Cookie’s inquisitive nature. This artwork of Cookie, sitting with a gift box and a small mouse peeking out, suggests a playful and whimsical interpretation of curiosity and surprise. The colorful box and shiny ribbon, alongside the presence of a tiny mouse, symbolizes a combination of innocence and adventure—a cat’s natural instincts of curiosity paired with the playful excitement of discovery.
The use of soft light and vibrant colors enhances the magical, almost anthropomorphic feel of the scene, making Cookie not just a cat but a character with emotions and thoughts of her own.
THE MAKING OF THIS PIECE
It all started with this image of Cookie and Brownie under our Christmas Tree and then the concept solidified with another reference image of Cookie chewing on a fake plant.
This painting was pretty clear in my head so I skipped the sketch and went straight to painting.
"Curiosity Beneath the Surface" Original Oil Painting 8x10"
THE MEANING BEHIND THIS SCENE
The artwork features Cookie dreamily licking the glass on the fish tang filled with vibrant orange fish.This piece captures a moment of curiosity and wonder. It encourages a deeper appreciation of the natural world's beauty and the playful intersection of the familiar and the extraordinary. Keep embracing this imaginative spirit, as it brings a unique and joyful perspective to your work.
THE MAKING OF THIS PIECE
What is the best way to have any animal participate in a photo session?
Food!
In this case, I had clear plexiglass available and a can of tuna. And voila, so many ideas are born!
I admit, it did take some patience because the dogs and cats have never licked from plexiglass before, but once they got started the ideas of how can paint them went on and on. Now it is just a matter of time before the next Cookie adventure is captured in an oil painting.
Final Thoughts on Cats and Art
Part of being an artist is about observing behaviors. Cats are often a finicky bunch and misunderstood, and to me they are more authentic (if not slightly extreme) representations of human behavior than any other animal...it is just a matter of learning their queues. The behaviors explored in "Why Does My Cat Bite Then Lick Me?" are vividly brought to life in Cookie's whimsical adventures throughout my artwork.
By viewing Cookie’s adventures, we can embrace and appreciate the whimsical, affectionate, and sometimes puzzling behaviors of our own cats, we can better understand the subtle cues and instincts that drive our furry companions, reminding us that their actions—whether a bite, lick, or playful gesture—are all part of the intricate language they use to communicate with us.
