If you have more than one cat, you might have noticed them biting each other's necks. This behavior can seem alarming, but it usually has specific reasons behind it. Here are the five main reasons why cats bite each other’s necks.

1. Dominance

Cats often establish a hierarchical structure within a household. Biting the back of another cat's neck is a way to assert dominance. This behavior is typical and generally doesn’t break the skin, serving more as a display of control.

2. Mating

During mating, male cats bite the female’s neck to show dominance and keep her in place. This behavior is part of the mating ritual and, although it might look aggressive, it usually doesn’t harm the female cat.

3. Play

Cats often bite each other’s necks during play. This is a way for them to practice their hunting skills, as they might bite prey in the neck to simulate a kill. These bites are generally gentle and don’t break the skin, although an overly enthusiastic cat might bite harder than intended.

4. Aggression

Neck biting can also be a sign of aggression. Unlike dominance biting, aggressive biting is more likely to break the skin and be accompanied by hissing, yowling, or signs of fear. If the biting becomes too rough, it’s important to intervene to prevent injury.

5. Grooming

Mother cats bite their kittens’ necks to carry them and to keep them still during grooming. Adult cats may also exhibit this behavior, gently biting another cat’s neck to assert dominance and to groom them. This type of biting is typically very gentle and part of social bonding.

Conclusion

Cats bite each other’s necks for various reasons, most of which are normal and benign. It's essential to monitor your cats to ensure that playful behavior doesn’t escalate into aggression. Understanding these behaviors can help you create a harmonious environment for your feline friends.

If your cats are establishing a new hierarchy or if there’s a new cat in the home, patience and close observation are key. Helping your cats adjust to each other while ensuring they don’t hurt one another will foster a peaceful coexistence.