by Trina Lee
(Springfield, MA)

Sometimes I play with my 5 year old black cat and I start sniffing him....the same way he sniffs me and other objects. When I start sniffing him (acting like him) he starts to meow crazily. Then he starts to bite me but not to hurt me. He also jumps on me to bite me. I'm not sure if my sniffing him is making him mad or playful. Any ideas, Doctor?

Trina

Hi, Trina,

I have never heard of anyone playing like that with their cat and I don't think it's a good idea. It could be bringing out instinctive predatory behavior in your cat. You could be seriously bitten. At the very least, your kitty could develop a biting behavior on a regular basis. This could become a long-term problem that starts to occur not only when you are playing, but anytime.

Thanks for writing,

Dr. Neely