he always has been. he is really scared and hisses and bites for no reason. he is around 9 now. we got him at an abuse shelter. is it too late to make him nice or can we make him nice?
2006-11-08 05:04:01 · 15 answers · asked by Becca R 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
yall are insane petaheads
2006-11-08 05:19:27 · update #1
Seems the cat isnt the problem. . .
2006-11-08 06:40:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your cat hisses and bites but it isn't because there isn't a reason. Whoever the previous owner was, they abused your cat.
He will continue this behavior until he feel he can trust that you will not continue the pattern of abuse. This is a trust issue for your cat.
I don't feel it is too late for him to become a nice cat. You should try working with him daily, showing him that you are not going to continue the abuse. Maybe even give him some treats when he dosen't bite. Your cat, once he feels he can trust you, will come around. But it takes time and patience.
2006-11-08 13:11:26 · answer #2 · answered by Kimberley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since I take it that you are a novice animal caretaker then that would depend on:
How badly he was abused,
How long he was in a shelter,
How long you've had him,
How much time you can put into him.
How dedicated/determined you are to your task.
I, for one, cant be sure that I would tolerate being bitten and scratched for no reason, even though I do love animals.
How ever I suppose if you worked with him for an hour or two everyday in a quiet room, was extra paitient and determined to endure his attacks, then you MIGHT be able to calm him out of his habit.
Perhaps get him to where he doesn't attack you, but might not cuddle with you either?
I would recommentr that after a few weeks of hourly training sessions. You keep a few treats around for when your both home and he is docile and kind, reward him. When he is mean, put him out of the house and dont relent when he wants to come back in, but when you hear him mewing, leave him out (UNLESS ITS COLD), when you've made him sweat it out a while, let hijm choose to come and go as he pleases. If this cat continues to return to your house after being out, then he must not think your all that bad.
2006-11-08 13:12:13 · answer #3 · answered by chibminshiy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you think your cat is a jerk then you shouldn't have gotten him in the first place ! I hate to hear ppl talk about their pets like that. Give him EXTRA love. He's most likely afraid of ppl. Or of hands. Sounds like he was hit more than once. You need to try and think like your cat. Crawl around on your hands and knees and see what it feels like to you. You just have to try and understand him and be VERY patient. It's never easy when dealing with an animal that has been abused, but he can change. Just realize that your cat has had this behavior for 9 years now. It won't change overnight and perhaps never.
2006-11-08 13:09:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Cats who have been abused can be very frightened and insecure around people. You've got to be very gentle and patient with them.
They tend to freak out when they see hands reaching out for them, reminds them of whatever abuse they suffered.
You did a great thing for rescuing him and giving him a home. Don't give up on him, give him his space when he needs it and create a loving, safe environment for him and he'll come around.
..."yall are insane petaheads"--you're mean, we're just trying to help. You're probably mean to that poor cat too. Creep.
2006-11-08 13:11:04 · answer #5 · answered by Lee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to establish a level of trust with him. If he came from an abused home he needs extra attention. Don't get after him when he hisses, just continue to pet him and show him affection. He will eventually come around to one person, but probably not strangers. Just give him lots of love and time.
2006-11-08 13:06:08 · answer #6 · answered by janeannpat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There may be a chance for your cat.I would personally leave him alone.But since he has been abused he may not be nice.He was so used to being abused he doesn't really know if hes in danger, hes being protective.Try playing/interacting with your cat. So he can get used to you.
2006-11-08 13:09:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too rescued a cat from a shelter. he cowered everytime someone came near him at first.
even though you've had this one for a long time, I would try just ignoring him completely for a day or so. ignore him until he actually comes to you for somthing.
give him what he wants and then go back to ignoring him until he comes to you again.
and keep doing it.
2006-11-08 13:13:18 · answer #8 · answered by smartkid37138 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long have you had him? Cuz if you've had him for the whole 9 years and he's still an *sshole, he's prolly always gonna be an *sshole. Poor little guy. He musta had it pretty bad at some point.
2006-11-08 13:07:25 · answer #9 · answered by marcia_mahoya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try to, but it may be a little late. Check the web, the ASPCA might have some answers, but some animals never fully recover.
2006-11-08 13:05:53 · answer #10 · answered by Minuet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do this. It worked for me for a stray cat that I am taking care of and she now lets me pet her.
I say in a cute voice. Kitten
No matter what the name. They take to the word "kitten".
2006-11-08 13:15:12 · answer #11 · answered by Just Because 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋