Why Do Cats Bite Their Toes

When it comes to abnormal chewing behavior it usually comes down to one of two root causes.

Why do cats bite their toes. If the mere act of licking doesn t do the trick freeing what s lodged in their claws while grooming healthy cats will sometimes bite gently on their toenails to get what s stuck out. Like many of the people who compulsively chew their nails excessive nail chewing behaviors in cats are often related to anxiety dodman says. It is often an animalistic behavior that a cat uses to assert dominance and respond to threats. If left untreated or not given proper first aid care cat bites can lead to infection cat scratch fever or in rare cases rabies.

You can also help them to exercise this natural instinct by providing toys that they can bite and claw to their heart s delight without causing actual bodily harm. If a cat nips you and then tries to lead you to an activity such as playing with a toy this could be the reason. Whenever your cat engages in play that uses their paws but not their claws or teeth reward them with plenty of affection and a reward or treat. Some cats bite to stop unwanted action or behaviors by humans or other animals especially if this was effective in the past.

Cats have sharp teeth that are able to make deep punctures and cats mouths harbor a lot of bacteria that can potentially cause infection. Instead of meowing they bite. When cats bite feet ankles legs or toes however chances are much higher your cat is gnawing at you due to one very common reason. How to tell if this explains your cat s gnawing.

Cat bites can be dangerous if not taken care of properly. An injury or infection is causing the cat to pick at her paw or the cat is suffering from anxiety. Cats nails often get dirt dust debris hair fur and quite a lot of other things stuck in them. If your kitten is getting quite busy biting at things all over the place and just so happens to use your fingers as one of the things he or she gnaws on when it s available chances are pretty darn high your kitten s hankering to bite is plainly down to teething.

There s more of a chance your cat is trying to communicate just that one thing with a bite to any of foot adjacent body part so it makes more sense to start with the assumption that the most common reason is the explanation for your kitty s bite. Biting serves a number of functions for cats. When your cat uses their toys to bite and claw at reinforce the good behaviour with affection and a treat. For example if they previously bit while having their nails trimmed and then the nail trimming stopped they may have learned that is an effective tool.