by R. Renee Bembry

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: November 15, 2010

"If it has teeth, it can bite!" that is this author's philosophy.

Cute little poodles, handsome Great Danes, Siamese, calico, and angora - most humans recognize these titles as names of dogs and cats and can envision either of them without hesitation. As animal lovers, many of us would instinctively stoop over and impose our affections on the aforementioned canines and felines - their brothers and sisters as well However, displaying affections too quickly, sometimes, even after months or years of owning pets, from time to time leads to unexpected pet bites. This is why recognizing signs of potential aggressiveness from either species are a must for humans to protect themselves.

Humans tend to associate pet animal biting to dogs more so than cats. Cats are often thought of as "the scratchers". Fact is, however, cat bites, although not as deep as dog bites, can be quite painful, and can lead to infections. For this reason, recognizing a cat's preparedness to sink its teeth into your skin is just as important as ascertaining possible dog-biting threats.

Although cats and dogs usually enjoy playing with their masters, they do not always respond in kind to those living outside their households. Owners can help prevent cats and dogs from biting by not encouraging "outsiders" to play with or handle the owner's pets. When outsiders, especially those unfamiliar with pets, do handle someone else's cats or dogs, they should exercise caution. In some cases, handling other people's pets, including cats, should be completely avoided.

Adults should always take care to "guard" small children, even from family pets. Young children often do not have the maturity to realize that at certain times, as when they are eating, pets may become annoyed with simple pats on the head. This goes for some cats as well as some dogs. These aggressive eaters may or may not growl - that is right - cats do growl when annoyed or angry - to signal they wish not to be disturbed. One way or the other, however, a bite is a bite.

Next up on the bite prevention list is knowing when to stop "horsing around" with pets - in particular - cats. Despite the fun to be had tickling and poking around with cats, feline play can elevate to more intense roughhousing rather quickly depending on the cat in question. One moment the cat could be purring, "My human is so lovable," and the next growling, "Okay, Homo sapiens, I said that's enough!" No cat explanation required!

When this type of cat behavioral transition

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