What does this kitty behavior mean?!?

Question

My kitten, who I adopted two days ago, constantly rubs his face (always nose first) on my face or hands and after he does this a couple of times he tries to bite my chin or cheek; not a hard bite but kind of a little nip. I loved it when he first started to do this but I can't let him do it now because last time he bit me it actually bled. Now I'm sort of afraid to let him near my hands or face. What does this face rubbing and biting mean??? Please help.

Update:

Btw, how do I get him to stop the biting without getting him to stop the face rubbing?

unholycricket · Accepted Answer

The rubbing is affection the biting means you are yummy.

Windi Lea · Answer

The rubbing is a way of scent marking.  It is a way of identifying you as part of his family.  Don't let kitty bite your nose - I have heard it is a way that cats claim social dominance.  Whenever that has happened to me, I have held the cat in question by the scruff of its neck, and placed my mouth over its nose.  You may not care to do that, so why not try scruffing the kitten, holding it still for a minute or two, then ignoring it for a while so it feels the pressure of social isolation.  That is one of the ways a momma cat would teach her kittens what is acceptable behavior.

Anonymous · Answer

its all affection, the bites are affection bites, in cat language its like a kiss (kinda) and the rubbing is like a hug 
was he taken away from his mothere to fast????? 
that could be why hes just looking for love 
don't let him near your face 
it will die down in a bit :)
ccongratulationson the new kitten!!

Xtina_fan · Answer

Hes just showing affection, my cats the same way. Rubbing the face I believe leaves a scent that cats can smell so its likes hes saying "yeah, your mine" when he rubs you with his face. I can't help you with the biting though, still figuring that one out.

Chris · Answer

The the face rubbing is a show of affection but don't let him get away with the bliteing because anything you let him do now hes gonna do when hes full grown and i wouldn't want a adult cat biteing me.

Allaiyah W · Answer

First, the cat is rubbing scented oil on you to mark you as territory. Congratutlations, you are owned.


Second, cats are sadists. They smack their brothers & sisters around with thier claws out. Cats also like stinky things. Maybe your breath smelled like sweatsocks that day? Speaking of which, check your shoes before putting them on, there might be a kitten inside.

juststopit · Answer

my cat does the same thing-but she is so cute that I risk it all the time-She has made me bleed as well-all I do is put her down then say ow really loud and hold my face in pain-repeat-she will feel so bad and the biting should stop-but only until she bites you again!

Hadassah R · Answer

My cat always did that, except for the biting. But that means it loves you =D

Taylor · Answer

I'm not sure. My cat does it all the time, he acts like he wants to be pet and is all happy and purring, the next he bites and tries to take off my arm.

Chowdur · Answer

The nipping is just a way of your cat playing with you (even if it does get to be a little rough) when it rubs its face against you its pretty much just a habit, cats rub their faces against anything to itch themselves or just because

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What does this kitty behavior mean?!?

19 Answers