28.06.2022

Accidental damage—why do Siamese cats bite so much?

However friendly your Siamese cat might be, there comes a time when you’ll wish you’d got a less tactile companion.

Even when served the best food, given the most exciting playthings, and allowed the most comfortable spots in the house, your Siamese might still feel compelled to attack you with their teeth—not hard, but enough to make sure you’re constantly on the alert.

The biting may not do any serious damage, but it can become tiresome. Why do Siamese cats bite so much? Get the answer from Untamed.

“Go on, punk, make my day.”

Source: Pixabay

Why does my Siamese cat attack me?

There are many reasons why your usually friendly Siamese suddenly resorts to violence. Some of them may indicate an underlying issue that requires further investigation.

The most common reasons for biting are:

1. Playfulness
2. Stress or discomfort
3. Territorial issues
4. Displaced aggression towards another cat

Playfulness

Siamese cats of all types are sociable with humans and want to spend as much time with their parents as possible. Playfulness is a common personality trait in these kitties, and biting is part of the game.

Cats’ play routines often revolve around hunting. Outdoor cats—such as Maine Coons, Bengals, Norwegian Forest cats, and Abyssinians—like to hunt mice, small birds, insects (moths are often their victims), snails, slugs, and even frogs. Their hunting ritual involves extended play with whatever they have caught—they will bat it around, chew on it, and pounce from great distances to hone their hunting skills.

Siamese felines are no different, but that doesn’t make biting any less painful. 

Stress

Biting can be a sign that your Siamese is stressed. Cats love routine and predictability, and anything that disturbs their environment or feeling of comfort can quickly cause anxiety.

Siamese cats crave human company and can become lonely if you are not around for hours on end. Siamese cat parents often come home after a day’s work to find cushions strewn around, vases knocked over, and a baleful cat waiting to pounce and bite.

If you suspect you’re being bitten because your Siamese is stressed, you should look for other signs of anxiety, such as:

• Unwillingness to play with you
• Disinterest in food
• Apparent lethargy

Territorial issues

Siamese cats are highly territorial. Anything they perceive as a threat to their territory is liable to be attacked—initially not aggressively, but with a warning bite.

Biting can be a sign that you have inadvertently glanced at something that clearly belongs to your Siamese.

Displaced aggression towards another cat

Something as simple as the smell of another cat in the neighbourhood can cause your Siamese to become aggressive. If you notice your Siamese staring out of the window and meowing incessantly, you could have an uninvited visitor in the area.

As predominantly indoor cats, Siamese may not have the opportunity to go outside and defend their territory in person. They may seek a pressure release valve for their pent-up aggression, and you might be the best possible target since the interloper is out of reach.

Vampire cat!

Source: Pixabay

Could illness be a reason for Siamese cat bites?

More worrying reasons for biting can be underlying health conditions.

Siamese felines often suffer from:

1. Dental problems
2. Gastrointestinal disorders
3. Liver disease, pancreatitis, and diabetes
4. Kidney and urinary tract problems (UTIs)

Dental problems

Most Siamese cats have triangular heads (particularly the modern Wedgie and the most popular Old-Style), which can cause dental issues and tooth loss.

In the same way that human babies use teething rings to alleviate pain, your Siamese may use you as a way to relieve oral discomfort.

Regular inspection, good dental hygiene, and the best possible food can help avoid significant dental problems in Siamese cats. The following symptoms indicate that your kitty may have dental issues:

• Loss of appetite
• Refusal to eat dry or even semi-moist cat kibbles
• Aggression 

Besides visiting the vet, you should consider switching to a softer type of food (wet, raw, or homemade meals).

Gastrointestinal disorders

Siamese cats can suffer from tummy troubles caused by eating something they shouldn’t or an allergic reaction.

While they are not usually overly sensitive, they can react to specific products. In more severe cases of food poisoning, you will notice symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Nausea 
• Diarrhoea 

Less serious cases may make your Siamese uncomfortable, so a warning bite means they want to rest.

Liver disease, pancreatitis, and diabetes

The Siamese breed is prone to liver, pancreas, and blood sugar issues, and aggression could be the first sign that all is not well.

Look out for the following symptoms:

• Weight fluctuations, including unexpected gain or loss
• Sudden changes in appetite, i.e. your cat eating significantly more or less than before
• Refusal to eat food they usually like (applies to wet or dry food) 

If you suspect something is wrong with your cat, take them to the vet for a complete check-up. These conditions are not harmless, but they are easily treatable with medication and a controlled diet.

Kidney and urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Kidney insufficiency and UTIs such as bladder stones or cystitis can cause severe discomfort to your Siamese. Renal issues are serious and need immediate and regular attention and care, but UTIs are generally easier to handle.

Severe discomfort associated with kidney and urinary tract problems can cause aggressive behaviour. The following signs can help you recognise these health issues early on:

• Frequent drinking
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain around the abdomen or lower back

If it’s any consolation, it’s not just you!

Source: Pixabay

How to fix Siamese cat biting behaviour

If your Siamese bites because of a health issue, the vet must be your first port of call. In case the problem is psychological or stress-related, your options are limited. 

Siamese cats are highly sensitive, so punishing, using harsh words, or sanctioning your kitty will probably make the situation worse.

Your best bets are to:

1. Remove the cause of stress
2. Reinforce good behaviour

Removing the stressor

Depending on the circumstances, detecting and removing the stressor may be easy or difficult.

If the stress is due to a change in routine, house layout, or your behaviour, the easiest approach is to return everything to where it was before your Siamese started acting up.

In case the issue is displaced aggression towards another cat, limiting your feline’s ability to see outside could help. You can also use proprietary sprays to deter unwelcome visitors from your garden.

In territorial disputes between you and your Siamese, the easiest way out is a tactical retreat.

Reinforcing good behaviour

Rewarding your Siamese for doing the right things is the best way to change their aggressive behaviour.

Siamese cats are highly intelligent, and they quickly learn what actions trigger rewards.

Some time spent encouraging your cat with kind words, treats, and gentle contact when they behave well will quickly lead to positive changes in their attitude.

Is there a nutritional solution to Siamese cats biting?

One of the most important elements in your cat's life is food. High-quality and delicious meals served at pre-set times can make your Siamese feel comfortable, safe, and stress-free, meaning they are less likely to bite.

The most appropriate diet for your cat consists of:

1. Animal protein (meat or fish)
2. Animal fat

Animal protein

Animal protein is the crucial element of your Siamese’s diet because it contains essential amino acids—like taurine—your cat needs for:

• Energy
• Muscle build
• Skin and coat health
• Organ maintenance

The higher the amount of animal protein in their food, the fewer problems they’ll have with:

• Digestion
• Weight control
• Shedding or hair loss and hairballs
• UTIs and allergies

You should look for cat food with one of the following as the main ingredient:

• Chicken (raw or cooked)
• Tuna
• Prawns
• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Liver
• Beef

Pork, ham, or bacon are natural taste enhancers and can make your cat’s meals more palatable, but they should be used in moderation, either as an occasional treat or to spice up their regular food.

Animal fat

Another ingredient that makes your cat’s food taste fantastic is animal fat. It also provides essential fatty acids, which carry numerous health benefits.

As notoriously fussy eaters, Siamese cats sometimes need a bit of gentle persuasion to get them to eat. Feeding good quality cat jelly or gravy to your furry friend should ensure they get animal fat in the recommended amounts.

What about carbs, plant protein, and other nasties?

Cats are obligate carnivores, so any attempt at vegetarian or vegan feeding will likely make your Siamese angry.

Plant protein and cats don’t mix as they cannot get the nutrients they need from vegetable sources. Carbs are also to be avoided. While they deliver calories for rapid use, any unburnt carbs are quickly stored as fatty cells. The result can be gradual weight gain, with all the associated health issues.

The most common ingredients in vegetable-based cat food are:

• Soya
• Peas
• Carrots
• Rice
• Corn or sweetcorn
• Wheat

Even though they are not toxic to felines, the above-mentioned veggies and grains will not help your kitty thrive. Cats get all the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals from a diet containing:

Untamed keeps your Siamese from becoming a sabre-tooth tiger

Untamed cat food is the best way to keep your Siamese healthy, happy, and calm.

Every recipe is specially formulated to give your furry friend everything they need without sacrificing the taste. Our meals are:

• Full of only animal protein—We only use the highest-quality meat and fish, offering two times more protein than most cat food manufacturers. There is no healthier way to keep your Siamese fit and friendly
• Formulated by vets—Each recipe is specially designed by vets to ensure complete and balanced nutrition, so you should see the difference in your Siamese’s appearance and demeanour in no time
• Gently steamed for the highest nutrient value—Our cooking methods ensure allergens and harmful bacteria are removed while preserving the nutritional value of your kitty’s food
• Produced ethically—The health of the planet is as important as that of your Siamese, so Untamed guarantees 100% recyclable packaging, a carbon-neutral supply chain, and cruelty-free and sustainable sources of meat and fish
• Tailor-made to your kitty’s requirements—You can design a meal plan based on your feline’s exact needs, so you don’t have to add supplements or worry about how much to serve

Keep your Siamese’s mouth where it belongs—in the food bowl and not wrapped around your hand. Get Untamed today and see the difference!

A box of the best anti-bite treatment!

Image (c) Untamed

Get your Siamese Untamed in a few clicks

Keeping your Siamese happy and your body free from bite marks couldn’t be easier—all you have to do is:

1. Tell us about your Siamese
2. Choose the products
3. Order your initial trial pack

Once your trial pack is delivered, you should see your Siamese make a beeline for the food bowl rather than your limbs. We’ll keep you protected with regular resupplies.

Siamese cat parents who switched their willful kitties to Untamed reported the following positive changes: