Cats gently bite their owners mainly as a form of communication and affection. These gentle "love bites" are often harmless, used to express love, bond, or show grooming behavior similar to how cats groom each other. Cats may also gently bite to signal they've had enough petting or to get attention when they want it. This behavior can be seen as their way of interacting and expressing emotions, without intending harm. Observing the cat's body language and the context of the biting can help understand the exact reason, whether it's affection, playfulness, or a polite request to stop interaction momentarily.