i have two cats, a nine year old female and a one year old male (both fixed). it was rough going at first getting them to tolerate eachother, and they still have their moments, but overall they get along much better than before. I’ve noticed however, that when the little one goes up to the older one, he’ll give her a few licks on the head, which she’s fine with, and then he’ll lean down and bite her! not very hard, and usually just below one of her ears or on the back of her neck. she of course gets upset and the hissing and growling begins. any idea why he’s giving her these little love bites, and if there’s anything i can do to get him to stop??

Brandy— The biting of the neck is, of course, part of cat mating behavior.  It’s not uncommon for these younger male cats to do this type of behavior during their “teenage years.” I’d let the older kitty handle things her way.  Outside of the usual loud noises, and sharply saying “No!” to your little guy, there’s not much you can do that will make the behavior stop.  Most cats either grow out of it, or are rebuffed enough times by the older cat that they move on…

Michele Gaspar, DVM, DABVP (Feline)