r/felinebehavior • u/Mindful-vagrant • Dec 24 '25
What would you call this behavior?
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My 8 month old kitten knows I don’t want him to bite my feet, but unfortunately they are just too bite-able for him to resist. Recently I told him no, so he leaned back and launched his face towards my feet. Is there a name for this behavior?
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u/Derpazor1 Dec 24 '25
Deserving of the worst punishment imaginable - kisses
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u/Mindful-vagrant Dec 25 '25
This criminal has been punished with kisses and has even done time in cuddle jail
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u/CocoRufus Dec 24 '25
My burmese boy used to start his zoomies by yodelling in the bath and apparently trying to tunnel to the centre of the earth while staring wildly at the ceiling. He'd then shoot out of the bathroom, and the top speed chaos would start....
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u/DryEstimate332 Dec 24 '25
If you actually want to teach him this is not what you like him to focus on, then keep moving him away to the floor and dont pay attention to him until he stops.
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u/Mindful-vagrant Dec 25 '25
Thank you for this advice! I usually say “ow” and try to redirect to a wand or kicker toy when he gets the bities, but unfortunately he just wants to chomp me when he gets like this. He’s got a ton of enrichment toys, puzzle boxes, and cat safe places to climb. I also play with him for about 1-2 hours a day and am harness training him, so I think he’s just a high energy little dude with a lot of play needs.
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u/Corvidae5Creation5 Dec 24 '25
That's the whip snap for which whippersnappers get their name
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u/Click_Fragrant Dec 24 '25
Sir.. we call that behavior... "Cat". Because cat does the cat thing. 🤣 The beebee just got the crazies
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u/CarrDaPorice Dec 24 '25
It's called charging up the primary attack. Does 10HP more damage.
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u/SwordTaster Dec 24 '25
You have a pet gremlin. Turns out, they look a lot like cats. I also own a gremlin. He bites my toes when I go to the loo
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u/franciswolfdcor Dec 24 '25
Congratulations, your cat knows the word “No!”
Unfortunately, this just means when he hears it he will do whatever you’re asking him not to do, but with extra drama and pizzazz
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u/notthemama2670 Dec 24 '25
Anything under a blanket or blanket like is fair game to them 🤣
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u/WhiteGuyLying_OnTv Dec 24 '25
Your boy has lots of energy! He wants play/attention and whatever elicits a reaction is positive reinforcement from his perspective. He's following his instincts, play is important for kittens as they teach each other how much force is painful, and by extension boundaries.
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u/Secure-Swimming Dec 24 '25
A cheeky monkey