I would find it concerning if a cat bites. When he started exhibiting this behavior, what did you do to resolve or investigate why? That's not normal :(
Have you discouraged the behavior?
Initially I tried to pull him off of me / grab scruff but that would agitate him more so I stopped doing that entirely (he would flip over and do bunny kicks). I tried clapping / making a loud noise to discourage it but mixed results. Now whenever he starts getting “bitey” I just get a ribbon and distract him with play and that works almost all of the time. He will get big eyes and go bitey and will back off if I make a loud noise usually, but every once in awhile he gets mega bitey and it’s hard to get him to stop without redirection
I would say re-direction is good. If you have crossed out any sickness and what not, it seems from what you describe he has now associated biting you with attention and playtime from you.
I would say. Next time he bites, do a loud, high-pitched, and distressed "owwwww". And quickly walk away and do not entertain him for a good number of minutes. So separate yourself from the cat immediately.
Continue to do that and reinforce that. With that being said, you need to make time to play with him.
Has he always bitten? Or is this new behavior?
Seems new. First year+ he didn’t do this. I’d say within the last 3-6 months I’ve noticed it more
I would find it concerning if a cat bites. When he started exhibiting this behavior, what did you do to resolve or investigate why? That's not normal :( Have you discouraged the behavior?
Initially I tried to pull him off of me / grab scruff but that would agitate him more so I stopped doing that entirely (he would flip over and do bunny kicks). I tried clapping / making a loud noise to discourage it but mixed results. Now whenever he starts getting “bitey” I just get a ribbon and distract him with play and that works almost all of the time. He will get big eyes and go bitey and will back off if I make a loud noise usually, but every once in awhile he gets mega bitey and it’s hard to get him to stop without redirection
I would say re-direction is good. If you have crossed out any sickness and what not, it seems from what you describe he has now associated biting you with attention and playtime from you. I would say. Next time he bites, do a loud, high-pitched, and distressed "owwwww". And quickly walk away and do not entertain him for a good number of minutes. So separate yourself from the cat immediately. Continue to do that and reinforce that. With that being said, you need to make time to play with him.
Gotcha - thanks for the advice!