Cats are creatures of some pretty weird behaviors that leave us perplexed most of the time. So, I’m sure you’ve probably caught yourself wondering about many of them, one being, “Why does my cat bite my ear?”
Cats are great and we love them for their quirky behavior. But, it’s important to learn as much as we possibly can about it in order to react to it properly. Understanding their behavior deepens our relationship with them and ensures we stay besties forever.
Your little furry biter might be causing you some trouble and making you wreck your brain trying to figure out the meaning behind her peculiar behavior. But in the end, there is no question that you can’t google and find an answer to in just a few seconds.
All jokes aside, let’s see what are the 7 possible reasons behind your cat’s biting habit so you can no longer wonder about it.
1. Your cat was separated from her mother way too early
Some cats, mostly kittens, will showcase this type of behavior due to them being deprived of early nursing.
Kittens are very attached to their mothers because, through their example, kittens get to become familiar with the world that surrounds them. If they have been separated from their mother way too early, they are deprived of many useful lessons and have to seek comfort and understanding elsewhere.
Therefore, it is very common for kittens to think about their owners as their new mothers since now they’re the ones who take care of them.
So, your kitten might be biting your ear because of this reason.
That area between your neck and shoulder is a purrfect place for a kitten to curl up. And from that perspective, your ear lobe may remind your little kitty of a nipple.
If you’re not particularly fond of this ear-biting habit, then fear not. Most kittens outgrow this habit as they mature. So, maybe you just have to endure the kitten stage and you’ll be good to go.
2. Your cat is attracted to the smell of your earwax
First of all, ew!
You might think this to be strange, but cats find earwax very appealing. Most humans pay no attention to their earwax. For them, it is just something they clean from their ears as a part of their hygiene. And that’s about it.
You are probably not even aware of the smell your earwax has, but your cat is and she can smell it from a few feet away. And the crazy thing is, she actually enjoys it!
The reason why your cat loves it so much is because the aroma of the earwax stimulates her senses. So it’s no wonder your cat bites your ears here and there. And don’t be surprised if she shows interest in another cat’s ears as well as in the ears of other animals, too.
3. Your cat likes your ears
Apart from being attracted to your earwax, your kitty might like your ears in general.
Your cat probably finds the shape and texture of your ear fascinating since it is nothing like your fingers and toes (which is something she enjoys nibbling on all the time!).
The cartilage of your ear makes a perfect nibbling toy for your cat. Especially if she has sensitive teeth or other dental issues since the structure of your ear is a perfect mixture of both firm and wobbly skin. Therefore, it’s not too hard for her teeth but still gives her relief.
But, if you do notice that your cat is biting onto other stuff as well as your ears and you do suspect there might be some dental issues, the best thing would be to consult the vet.
4. Your cat wants your attention
Another answer to the question, “Why does my cat bite my ear?” hides in the fact that our cats are timeless attention seekers.
Although they enjoy their personal time and space during which they do not wish to be bothered, there will come a time when they will gladly have you devoting all of your time to them.
The first thing your cat will do is probably approach you with her irresistible meow. Then, she might rub herself against you or climb up your leg with her paws, trying to reach you (while still meowing, of course).
But, if you happen to be so invested in the work you do, your book, television, or basically anything, be sure she will find her way to invade your personal space.
So, if your cat’s habit of biting your ear might be her way of saying, “Hey hooman, I’m here! It’s attention o’clock!”
5. Your cat wants some playtime
That need for attention mentioned above could be because your cat demands some playtime.
Everyone knows how amazing cats can be, especially when they are playing. There’s no such thing that doesn’t have the potential to become their toy. And no matter how many toys we buy for them, they will still find some random object more suitable for them to play with.
My cat is exactly like that. I’ve got her so many cat toys, but the things she most enjoys are paper bags, toilet paper rolls, and aluminum foil balls I simply have to make her when I’m cooking something in the kitchen.
And, as I previously mentioned, she loves my ears! Especially if I’m wearing some dangling earrings, which I do most of the time. She is so mesmerized by them and would definitely take every opportunity she has to catch them with her little paws and teeth.
And when I’m not wearing them, it’s almost like she is trying to find them behind my ear. Which results in her nibbling on my earlobe.
But, besides being on a quest to find my missing earrings, she sometimes bites my ears to initiate playtime. As said before, that’s their way of grabbing our attention.
So, if your cat is anything like mine (or pretty much any other cat), then you know what to do. Take her biting your ear as a reminder to get up and bring out the toys.
6. Your cat is showing her love
She loves you.
I know, I know. It’s strange to find out your cat’s love language is ear-biting, but that’s just something you have to come to terms with.
And besides, it’s adorable! What is a soft nibble compared to the purring sensation in your ear? Nothing, really! It’s amazing to hear. It calms you and heals you.
So, all in all, there’s a small price to pay to receive some cuddle time with your cat. When she bites your ear, you can perceive it as her way of telling you, “I love you and appreciate everything you do for me!”
7. Your cat is hungry
And last but not least, your cat might be biting you because she is hungry. Cats are famous for biting various weird things when hungry. But they are also famous for not being very patient.
So, if your cat is biting your ear, consider checking her food bowl. Maybe it’s time you fill it.