sexual? biting

Question
We have a tamed feral female(spayed after l pregnancy) who likes to curl up in your arm when you're lying down.  If she straddles your arm while trying to get in a good spot, she'll bite your wrist-is this a sexual thing?  Also, we have her son(neutered) and she doesn't seem to want him around.  Is this  normal?  Thanks, Brenda B.

Answer
Brenda,

I expect the biting thing is merely a show of affection.  Unless your female was socialized to people, she will treat people like she would treat other cats whom she likes.  I.e., cats are very happy to bite on each other.  They have incredibly tough skins and that behavior does not hurt other cats.  On the other hand, cats need to be taught that humans have much softer skin and that type of affection is painful to us.

Thus when starting that behavior, I would simply pick her up, put her down and walk away.  Some cats get the idea that they need to be gentler with us right away, whereas some take a bit longer.  We socialize our kittens starting very early on (1 week of age).

As to the other situation.  Yes, this is very normal, but they may grow to like each other more over time.  It may not be that she dislikes him, she may be asserting her dominance over him.

Best regards... Norm.