Tabby cats, as common representatives of the “Chinese rural cats” around us, are smart and lively, beloved by many. However, during cat ownership, many cat owners may encounter biting, especially after trying spanking or scolding as discipline and finding the cats bite even more fiercely. This causes confusion: “Why do tabby cats bite more when spanked?”

Simply put, cats biting more when spanked is not because they are “naughty” or disobedient, but because punishment, especially corporal punishment, makes cats feel fear, stress, and distrust, triggering stronger defensive or counterattack instincts, which leads to increased aggressive behavior. For cats, whose learning methods differ from dogs, spanking is an ineffective and harmful disciplinary method.

Why is spanking ineffective and counterproductive for cats?

Cats’ learning methods differ greatly from humans or dogs. They do not easily understand the direct cause-and-effect relationship between “good” and “bad,” especially when frightened or in pain. When you hit a cat, they cannot understand that it is punishment for a previous behavior, only interpreting it as:
1. You are attacking it: The cat feels threatened and instinctively adopts a defensive posture, including hissing, flat ears, or even actively attacking (biting or scratching) to protect itself.
2. It feels fear and stress: Corporal punishment significantly increases the cat’s stress levels, and cats under long-term high stress are more prone to behavioral problems, including aggression.
3. Damaging the trust relationship: You are the one the cat should trust and feel safe with most. Spanking severely damages your mutual trust, causing the cat to feel fear or even hostility towards you, making future interactions more difficult.
4. Inability to learn the correct behavior: Punishment only tells a cat “this is not allowed,” but does not tell it “this is allowed.” Cats do not know what to do instead of the punished behavior, so problem behaviors are difficult to correct.

The true reasons behind cat aggressive behavior

Understanding the true reasons behind cat aggression is crucial to address the problem effectively. Common causes include:

• Fear or defensive aggression: One of the most common reasons, especially when cats feel trapped, threatened, or frightened. For example, being forcibly held, in an unfamiliar environment, or after bad experiences, which may trigger defensive attacks. When spanked or scolded, the cat experiences exactly this fear and threat.
• Play aggression: Particularly common in kittens or young cats. They may not control their strength during play and mistakenly treat human hands or feet as prey to pounce and bite. This often results from lacking playmates or insufficient interactive toys during early development.
• Redirected aggression: When stimulated (e.g., seeing another cat or prey outside a window) but unable to reach the stimulus directly, cats may redirect their aggressive impulses onto nearby people or animals.
• Pain or discomfort: If a cat suddenly shows aggression, especially usually gentle cats, first suspect physical issues. Pain, arthritis, dental problems, or other health conditions may make cats irritable and prone to aggression.
• Territorial aggression: Cats have a strong territorial instinct and may attack people, animals, or objects entering their territory.
• Petting-induced aggression: Some cats may suddenly bite or scratch when petting hits a certain “switch” or lasts too long. This may be due to overstimulation, discomfort, or simply signaling “enough.”
• Hunting instinct: Cats are natural hunters and sometimes pounce on moving objects driven by strong hunting instincts, including human ankles.

How to properly respond to cat aggression?

Since spanking doesn’t work, what should you do if a cat bites? The core principles are understanding, prevention, and guidance, not punishment.

1. Stop behaviors that trigger aggression: If a cat bites under certain circumstances (e.g., rubbing its belly), stop doing that. Observe and identify the “triggers” for the cat’s aggression.
2. Give cats space and choice: Don’t force cats to do things they resist, like forced holding. Provide hiding places and let cats approach you voluntarily.
3. Provide ample physical and mental stimulation: Especially for play aggression, offer plenty of toys (wand toys, small balls, etc.), spend time playing daily to expend energy and satisfy hunting needs.
4. Redirect attention: When a cat is about to show aggression (e.g., dilated pupils, flattened ears, rapid tail movement), immediately divert attention with toys or other attracting objects.
5. Reward good behaviors: When cats show the behaviors you want (e.g., staying calm, playing with toys instead of biting), promptly reward with treats or verbal praise, reinforcing positive behaviors. This is much more effective than punishment.
6. Ignore minor play aggression: For mild play biting by kittens, make a pain sound (e.g., “ouch!”), then immediately stop interaction and walk away so the cat learns this behavior ends the game.
7. Never use hands or feet as play objects: Don’t tease cats directly with your hands from an early age, as it can cause them to mistake hands for attack toys.
8. Consider a veterinary check-up: If aggression appears suddenly or worsens, take the cat to a vet to rule out health issues.
9. Consult a professional animal behaviorist: If the aggression is severe and hard to control, seeking help from a professional cat behaviorist is the best choice. They can analyze causes and create personalized improvement plans. Although consultation fees (possibly several hundred to over a thousand RMB) may not be cheap, it is far more worthwhile than hospital bills for bite injuries or wasted effort worsening behaviors due to wrong methods.

Some facts about tabby cats

Tabby cats, native Chinese cats, are known for their strong physique, independent character, and excellent mousers. They are smart, highly alert, and sensitive to environmental changes. Though individual differences are large, generally tabby cats have strong learning abilities but also their own ideas, unlike some breeds that obey humans readily. Therefore, guiding them with understanding and patience to build good interaction is especially important. Treating tabby cats requires seeing yourself as a cat-savvy friend, not an authoritarian master.

Common Questions & Answers

• Q: My cat bit me, can I gently hit its nose?
  A: No. Any form of corporal punishment makes cats feel fear and threat, possibly worsening aggression and breaking trust.
• Q: What should I do if my cat pounces on my feet?
  A: Don’t quickly pull away your feet, as this heightens their hunting desire. Try staying still till the cat relaxes, then use toys to distract it. Ensure enough daily interactive play to satisfy hunting instincts.
• Q: Why does my cat suddenly bite me while being petted?
  A: This may be petting-induced aggression. Watch for signals like tail twitching, skin quivering, or flattened ears—these may signal discomfort or “enough.” Stop petting and give space.
• Q: Is it normal for kittens to like biting hands?
  A: Kittens may bite during learning as part of play. But it’s necessary to guide them early to understand hands aren’t toys. Provide suitable toys and stop interaction when biting occurs.

Summary

Tabby cats bite more when spanked not because they are inherently aggressive, but because corporal punishment triggers their defense instincts and increases fear and distrust. Understanding the true reasons behind cat aggression and using scientific, patient, and positive guidance can truly solve problems and build a harmonious companionship with your tabby cat. Remember, many cat behaviors express needs or emotions; learning to listen to their “cat language” helps you become a better cat owner.