my cat has begun nipping me

Question
My cat Blue who was adopted approximately 5 years ago is estimated to be about 16 or 17 years old now.  He is a loving boy who isn't a lap cat but spends a lot of his time cuddled up right up next to me with his little furry face on my forearm.  He has recently begun licking me in an affectionate way then puts his teeth on me with a nibble,  Tho he isn't biting in anger, I am now getting sores which not only hurt but are becoming infected.  Right now I have 4 sores that are slow to heal leaving red marks.  I've tried to be extra aware catching him AS HE FINISHED HIS LITTLE LICKS...with a shout *NO* even tried hissing but am not always fast enough to stop the nibble/bite.  I love him dearly but can no longer tolerate this behavior.  
It was suggested by your other volunteer Jenna that he must be a Main Coon or have a tooth or gum problem or needs a new toy. But Blue is a gray short hair mix...looks like a Russian Blue whose teeth an gums are fine.  He doesn't play with toys so adding a new one to what he already has and rarely looks at won't do the trick.Please, PRETTY PLEASE help me to stop this behavior.
Thanks very much.........Vicki

Answer
Vicki,

There are a number of possible reasons for Blue's biting and licking behavior.

Blue is approximately 84 years old in human years if he is 17 and at that age things start going out...including the mind. Elderly cats  can get a form of 'kitty alzheimers' that makes them do some odd things. That may not be the reason for his behavior but it is a possiblity.

Can he have fleas, or think that you do? The licking and biting together are typical reactions to fleas. He may have them but instead of licking and biting himself he is licking and biting you.

He may have pain somewhere and the biting is a reaction to that. At his age the normal reasons for the biting behavior wouldn't apply, especially if it a new behavior. Maybe because of the way he is laying it could be a nerve that is causing him to react like that. Try changing his position or put him on the other side of you and see if the licking and biting stops.

Licking (but not the biting) may be a result of a mineral deficiency. Cats will lick to get the salt from your skin. An elderly cat will have different dietary needs as they get older. I would speak to your vet about a possible change in diet.

My suggestion is to find a vet that is familiar with geriatric cats and their problems (not all vets are) and take Blue to get an 'older cat checkup'. All elderly cats need one periodically to check the functions of their liver, kidneys, and thyroid. He may have arthritis too and can be given pain relievers. Early detection of any 'old age' medical issues and medication can help make his senior years more comfortable.

When you have elderly cats you sometimes need to make concessions to some behaviors because of their age. Keep a small towel, rag, etc. nearby so when he lays next to you you can put it on your arm to prevent the biting. Don't get mad at him. He won't understand and will be confused at what he is doing wrong. You can try putting him on the floor when he starts licking. Wait a bit then pick up again and put him back where he was. If he starts licking again then put him down again. Keep repeating that until he finally associates licking with being put on the floor, and hopefully he will stop the licking and biting behavior to be able to stay next to you. Behavior modification may not work in this situation. It will depend on the cause for his behavior and how much his mind can comprehend, but it's worth a try.

I am NOT suggesting that your cat is not healthy, or that something may be wrong with him, but at his age it will happen at some point. Being prepared and knowledgable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat and for you. I am including some very good links about elderly cats:
(Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

I hope this information helps. Blue is a VERY lucky kitty to have a caring owner and a good home.

Tabbi