Why do cats suddenly bite and scratch your hand?

1. Treating your hand as a toy: Cats may see moving objects as prey or toys. If you often use your hand to play with your cat, the cat may bite or scratch your hand when it's excited during play. It's recommended to use a catnip toy or a feather wand instead of your hand.

2. Anger: If you stroke your cat for too long or use too much force, the cat may feel uncomfortable and bite you as a warning to stop stroking it. In this case, it's best to avoid continued stroking and to be mindful of the time and force used during petting.

3. Hunger: If you forget to feed your cat, it may bite your hand gently to attract your attention and remind you to feed it. In this situation, prepare food for your cat promptly or else it might get angry and bite harder.

4. Expressing love: Cats may suddenly bite and scratch your hand to express their affection. This behavior leaves their scent on your hand, indicating they deeply love and trust you. This type of bite is considered a loving nibble, so it won't be too forceful. If you're not uncomfortable, there's no need to scold them.

To avoid being bitten or scratched, you can use cat toys like catnip toys, feather wands, or balls to divert your cat's attention. This not only increases the bond between you and your cat but also prevents it from biting or scratching you.