2006-09-12 06:42:25 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
She bit my husband for picking her up after she jumped on the table to steal some food and will growl and hiss if anyone walks past her while she is eating or if one of my other cats walk by her.
2006-09-12 06:59:49 · update #1
HI Casey...Bengals can be overprotective of their food sources by growling or swatting at others around them when they are not secure in their environment. Since she has just come into a new home it will take time for her to adjust in order to be trusting. Some Bengals take a week others a little while longer. If you have other pets, consider feeding them apart so she doesn't feel like she has to compete for her food until she becomes more secure in the home.
Please whatever you do...swatting a Bengal is the worse training technique as they will only become more aggressive and it will lead to vicous biting tendencies. SQUIRTING them with water doesn't bode well either with Bengals because they are naturally drawn to water so they'll think it's a game. Too many people do not realize that Bengals are unlike other cat breeds when it comes to disciplining them. Patience is the best solution and allowing her to trust you won't steal her food away will alleviate her fears.
Finally, to help her also trust you and your husband, hand out little pieces of her food before each meal time so she learns to trust your hands.
If she also is jumping on the dining table when food is served lure her down with her own food away from your table so you don't have to pick her up until she's learns to trust both you and your husband. This will also help to teach her to not be eating people food as well.
2006-09-12 06:44:54 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
it quite simple, she needs to learn who is boss NOW, because otherwise she will do it all her life!! She is still a baby and doesnt know any better, you need to train her, so she does!! Get yourself a spray bottle(with water) and everytime she does it squirt her in the face!! She will learn! Just have patience and dont give up on it if it doesnt work right away, she will catch on!!
And also when she is at her bowl eating, try petting her gently on the back and not on top of the head, you will pose less of a threat.
it you let her see that you are not after her food she will be ok!! and it will also teach her manners!! That way she will get used of people and other things around her while she is eating!! Kittens are still learning, and they are stupid like that sometimes! They are like children, and have to be taught right from wrong!! She hisses and growls like that beacuse she thinks she is threatening you, so if you show her that YOU are not scared, she will back off!! It is a natural instinct that they are born with, to protect there food!! By petting her on the back while she eats you are reassuring her that you are safe!! Try taking to her at the same time so she gets used to the tone of your voice when you are calm!! This will allow her to learn the difference in the tone of your voice when you are upset with her and when you are not! Before you pet her while she eats you should know this: Dont come up behind her, she will feel you are sneaking up on her! Approach her from the side so she can see you coming! Just squat beside her and put your hand close to her, letting her smell you first! Then gently pet her back! you seem less of a threat to her when you are at her eye level(hence the squatting) That way you dont seem like a big Monster coming to steal her food away!!
Oh! ya, One more thing!! Only use the water bottle when she is missbehaving and make sure that you use A deeper tone of voice when you do it, so what she understands you are angry!!
So, remeber! Use a soft tone when you are petting her(not only when she eats but for good behaviour in general) and use a deeper tone of voice when you have to use the spray bottle or when she is missbehaving! Good luck and God bless!
2006-09-12 08:04:56 · answer #2 · answered by Pest 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
without knowing what you've tried and what the exact situation is, it's hard to give you advice. If it's towards another cat or animal it would be best to feed them apart from each other, cats are territorial and it is unlikely you can fix that other than seperating them. If the agression is towards you, there is some hope. Try feeding her little pieces of cat food with your hand.. Make her rely on you for the food. Once she sees where the food is coming from and becomes more comfortable it should get better. NEVER try and take a food bowl from an animal, that's bad news, if you MUST use a broom to push it away before reaching for it. I would also say NEVER pet an animal while it's eating. I hope that helps !
2006-09-12 06:48:49 · answer #3 · answered by sar_nicky 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She has probably had to share a bowl with siblings until now. I would buy some yummy treats and sit near her while she is eating not close enough to bother her when she finishes and comes to you her give her a couple of treats. Repeat this daily getting closer and closer. Hope this helps.
Feline Medi®-Treats
contain bromelain and fed daily will help to prevent hairballs.
2006-09-12 06:49:54 · answer #4 · answered by LAUGHING MAGPIE 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is she doing to show food aggression? Is it towards you or other animals? If she is biting, hissing, etc...swat her with a newspaper when she does it. Eventually she will get the point.
2006-09-12 06:44:40 · answer #5 · answered by dolphin2253 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
when she does the negative behavior, squirt her with water. Cats hate water and eventually she will learn it is not appropriate to act that way
2006-09-12 08:03:28 · answer #6 · answered by katlvr125 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋