why does my cat sometimes act like that?

Ok... My beloved cat is often in a very good mood, lovely and very endearin'. But sometimes, while I'm on sleep he bites me mostly on my face... I don't know what to do, I'm always caressin' him, talkin' and playin'... Why he acts like that? He's quite old (11 yr-old), but I don't think it's a sign of his changes of mood...

 

he wants to play.

That or he wants you to throw down and fight to the death.

 

Got to go with Fallout:
Do notice that cats and dogs too, take their little naps throughout the day.
It does not compute with them that us humans lay down and sleep for 8 hrs straight.
Our old tom cat used to bat me on the ear to try to get something going, sorry guy not at 3AM. But something did happen, he got his ass put outside for the rest of this humans sleep period.
He finally figured out a quiet, warm house is better than a quiet, cold outside...

 

It's a cry for attention... He;s probably bored and lonely while you sleep. I don't think he's doing it to be mean, on the contrary, it's an affectionate thing. Look at examples of wild cats... Momma cat is sleeping, babies are bored stupid so take to gently(or not so gently) bitting momma's ears, lips, nose, tail, whatever. It's the way they communicate "Hey! Pay attention to me!". It might also be the same thing in a different context... You said you pay him plenty of attention with caresses and playing and such. He's an older cat... Maybe he is having pain that you aren't noticing, and when you are sleeping it bothers him more because you aren't petting/comforting him then.
Try getting him some FRESH catnip... It's a pain reliever, like marijuana for kitties, and the fresh nutrients in the greens(he'll eat it, I assure you) may help his ails. It definitely won't hurt him, and it might help. Also you might get him some kittie grass, as the B Vitamins in grass heal arthritis, which might be something that's starting to bother him. Eating wheat grass cured my carpal tunnel! They sell kits in pet stores, or you can just grow red wheat or rye grass in a small pot and leave it around for him to chew on.

 

IvoryVision, I think you're point would be the main idea, but my cat is very special, too. He doesn't like grass! I tried and I tried, and nothing. He avoids it! hahaha!

What to do in case he misses my affection? I'm so preoccupied, and these days I feel that he would die soon... he's all I've got, and I love him so, so, so much!

 

i think he either wants attention or hes bored or hes really hyper and wants to play. look for other body language. if his ears are back or flat, his pupils dilated and his movements quick, its just him being playful. or he could want to go outside. if hes relaxed and chewing on you, hes probably just being affectionate or looking for affection. the only thing i can think of is to give him toys or get another cat. if he has another cat to play with and keep him occupied, he will be more likely to leave you alone.

 

Well, if you think he may be in pain, I would try growing a few fresh catnip(also called cat mint) plants. They are very easy to grow. You might be able to find started plants wher ever other plants are sold And you just pick of a few large sprigs at a time, every few days, and the plant does better for it. I highly doubt that ANY cat would avoid fresh catnip! And the vitamins and minerals in it will help... It's not as concentrated as grass, but it is still good for him. My cat would attack the sprigs, eat them as fast as she could, drooling the whole time, and spend the rest of her day playing and lounging about in a happy state. She would beg at the patio door for me to go out and pick her some.

I wouldn't worry too much about him missing your affection... You have to live your life as well. Give him comfort when you can... He'll understand. And if it makes you feel any better, I have had many cats who lived rather tough lives outdoors, and still lived to be fifteen and sixteen. Just make sure that your cat get's exercise and good nutrition from fresh foods(store bought pet food isn't enough, I don't think), and he'll probably live a long and happy life. Male cats also live longer than female cats in a domesticated environment, because they don't have the hardship of having kittens.

As for getting another cat to keep him company, it might be a good idea. Cats aren't super social, but sometimes they get along. But, you have to think about the fact that he might get jealous, or might not like the new cat. And if it's a young cat, it might bother him and make matters worse for him if he's unwell. But if your cat is neutered(no longer a functioning male) he might take very well to having another cat around... I would adopt a very young kitten(so that he feels like he's taking care of it) or an older cat that is very relaxed and mellow, if you do decide to get another cat. You don't want to get a young, frisky, adolescent that might overpower him... Either a baby that can learn his ways, or a calm adult that will respect his territory. A friend could make the last years of his life more interesting, and there will be another cat to comfort you when he does go.

Best of luck with your cat... Keep us posted and let us know how he does!

 

Definitely cat PMS. But seriously, I'm sure s/he just wants to play. These other people seem to have posted some good advice Good luck! Tell us how your kitty is!

 

Hi there! My kitty is sleeping now. How lovely he is when sleeping... He seems more quiet and still demanding my attention. But, that's alright, now! Thanks a lot for your advice!

You're so cool!

P.S.: If I guess how to upload photos in a reply or thread, I'll show you one of his!

 

Kitty is letting you know he loves you

 

My cat did that to me for a long time, she would get one fang up each nostril and bite down.. and she would keep doing it until i woke up and played with her...

 

thats very true. i got a young cat awhile back and my older cat hated it passionatly and was always jealous of it. the baby kitten is a good idea.
good luck, glad to hear hes a bit less phycho today

 

Hi, guys! Here is one pic from my kitty!! Say hello, Xispa!

 

My cats sometimes bite me when I'm asleep because they want me to wake up. As others have said cats don't sleep for 8 hours straight. I have 4 cats and they do play all night, but still want some attention from there "mom".
As far as your cat being old 11 is not at all old. Cats live 16-20 or more years.