Sometimes when I pick up my cat, for no reason, he will "freak" and use me as a launching pad to run away as fast as he can. I have scraches, gouges and scars from him digging in his claws. There is nothing happening to scare him, why does he do this????
2006-09-28 16:18:40 · 7 answers · asked by DragonDreamer 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I get the feeling that most cats are very sensitive to all kinds of touch. When they are in the mood to be pet, they will come to you and snuggle. But if you're picking the cat up when he's in the middle of a nap or just ate or just not feeling social, he made immediately want to squirm out of your arms. Others have had a previous history with abusive owners and do get scared when they are picked up and held. It's a situation where they are no longer "in control" of what's happening to them and they can freak. My own cats aren't particularly fond of being lunged at and squeezed to death by my friends. They mostly tolerate me holding them for about two minutes before they become anxious or irritated and want back down. I just try to respect that they're different than we are and will interact and cuddle on their own terms if it makes them feel safer or more comfortable.
One of my cats hates to be picked up, yet she comes and sleeps by my head every night at bedtime. Don't take it personally. It will all work out.
2006-09-28 21:26:57 · answer #1 · answered by torreyc73 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm new at this & wish I could see your other answers--I hope they were helpful. All I can say is, especially because you said "sometimes"...what if somebody picked you up when you just didn't FEEL like being picked up? I have a friend who grabs my kitty & picks her up without even noticing what mood she's in; my kitty hisses at her. (I've never heard my kitty hiss except at times like this.) There's a time for loving, cuddling, & a time for playing. If you're really attentive to your kitty's mood, you'll know if the time is right. I doubt that he's scared. I've NEVER known a "mean spirited" cat--they just react to things they don't like (at the moment!) as my kitty does when I comb her for too long. She loves it at first, & suddenly, I'll see her pupils dilate, & I know her next move will be a swift bite on my arm, so I STOP. Not so weirdo!
2006-09-29 00:21:26 · answer #2 · answered by Valac Gypsy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you go to puck him up, do it slowly and let him know you are going to by applying slight pressure.
Make sure you aren't hurting him when picking him up, because that could be a problem (if he's hurt, or just sensitive, worms...etc.)
Yes, some cats are like that, but if you keep at it and encourage him to spend time with you, than he'll come around. My kitten is about 2 months, and he was TERRIFIED of me at first (he was a feral kitten), but now he won't leave me alone, EVER! =D ! Just let him know that you are his friend, and that you will only help him.
2006-09-28 23:49:49 · answer #3 · answered by xxxdarksakuraxxx 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats just his personality.We had a shelter cat the same way..She was declawed, came in that way, We could pet her twice and then she would box us with her clawless paws but she meant it!! Other times she was a love bug and would be all over us then suddenly launch like we were killing her.Cats can be strange, Who knows whats going on in those heads!!!!
2006-09-28 23:32:10 · answer #4 · answered by roxie_29812 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you had him since he was little? I adopted a cat & named her Spooky. her name used to be Mello until the neighbor moved & left her homeless. Sometimes it's just personality. I've had Spooky 2 yrs> & am just barely getting to the petting & trust point>
2006-09-28 23:32:53 · answer #5 · answered by Suze 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes weve all had this happen to us,my cat does this reason being he will have his 5mins hyper time he will then start running round going mental
2006-09-29 13:59:49 · answer #6 · answered by starx21 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat has done this too, i think they just don't feel like being held or picked up?
2006-09-28 23:28:36 · answer #7 · answered by MissDanielle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋