What is Overstimulation?

Overstimulation, or high arousal, can be heightened by stress and is common in shelters. If people do not read a cat’s body language and persist in handling the cat when it is uncomfortable, the cat can learn to swat/nip to get the person to stop. When this works, their behavior is reinforced; over time, the cat may even stop giving warning signals and skip to the chase.

By exposing our cats to repeated positive experiences at the shelter, we can build their trust in proper handling, break the habit of using teeth or claws to stop unpleasant interactions, and increase the cat’s overall tolerance to petting.

Cats exhibiting petting-induced aggression are best for adult only homes, or older children who can learn about reading body language.

Signs of overstimulation:

  • Constantly moving, approaching, rubbing/marking

  • Decreased handling tolerance

  • Certain body parts sensitive to handling (lower back, chest/belly, paws)

  • Ears flattened, to the side, twitching

  • Tense/stiff body

  • Dilated pupils

  • Hard stare on you

  • Swishing/flicking tail - whole tail or tip; quick, rhythmic motion - watch for change in movement

  • Quick head jerk or turn - usually to look at your hand or own body

  • Frequent repositioning of body

  • Cranky meow, hiss, low growl

  • Skin twitches or rolls on back/sides

  • Shifts body position repeatedly

  • Twitches back (“skin rolling”)

  • Raises a paw at you, walks away, and lays down

Common misinterpretations:

  • Lays down and rolls over onto back to expose belly – while your cat may be showing you that it trusts you enough to expose its belly, the cat isn’t necessarily inviting you to pet there.

  • Pushes rear end up (“elevator butt”) when pet on lower back near tail. While your cat may seem to enjoy this type of petting, this area is especially sensitive and likely to overstimulate the cat quickly.

  • Note: Fear can mask signs of overstimulation if the cat shows limited reaction to stimuli or handling.

Possible basis of petting-induced aggression:

  • Pre-copulatory behavior, where purring/kneading may lead to biting/holding

  • Evolved as mostly solitary animals; cats are more sensitive to contact

  • Handled inappropriately as a kitten; may have learned to nip/swat to stop the interaction

  • Physical pain or discomfort

How to work with cats that show low tolerance for petting

  • Watch body language and stay in cat’s comfort zone

  • Leave the cat wanting more - give frequent breaks from petting before the cat signals it has had enough; watch for signs that the cat wants to be pet.

  • Pair petting with food or treats; bond by other means (e.g., interactive toys and playtime).

  • At first sign of irritation (if not before), stop handling.

  • If the cat is very upset, you may walk away. If on your lap, stand up slowly and let the cat gently slide off without using your hands; pushing a cat off may be viewed as threatening to the cat.

  • Over time (weeks or months) you can gradually lengthen the time that the cat enjoys petting and tolerates parts of body being handled.

What should you do if a cat nips or swats while you pet them?

  • Withdraw hand; if cat is holding onto you with teeth, stay still and distract cat with toy instead of pulling away.

  • Sit quietly beside cat without attempting to touch; after a couple minutes, switch to toys and continue visit without handling.

  • Share information on whiteboard - e.g., environmental triggers

  • If the cat broke skin, fill out a Volunteer Observation form and hand to office staff on duty.

Playful Aggression vs. Overstimulation

In general, cats who want attention or try to play-bite:

  • Stay with you and solicit more petting even as they mouth you

  • Nip or grab when they are not petted; overstimulated cats nip while they are petted

  • Easily divert to toys (for playful aggression especially)

The above methods for overstimulation will be effective even when there are multiple behavioral issues, such as fear or play-biting.