Cats gently bite for several reasons, mostly related to communication and affection. This gentle biting is often called a "love bite," which cats use to show affection, similar to a hug or kiss. It usually does not hurt or break the skin, and the cat is typically relaxed when doing this. Sometimes, gentle biting is also part of grooming behavior, where the cat is reciprocating the grooming you've done for them. Other times, it could mean the cat wants to stop the current interaction (like petting) or is seeking your attention. It can also be a playful gesture or a way to say they’ve had enough of stimulation. If the biting is sudden or accompanied by other signs, it can sometimes mean the cat is stressed, scared, or in pain, so paying attention to the context and other signals is important.