I have a cat that is extremely horrible. If I go to pet him he bites and scratches me. I just don't know what to do about him..my husband is threatening to get rid of him if he doesn't stop being so mean. I can walk by the cat and he reaches out and just claws my legs..help!! I'm desperate!!
2007-02-08 07:41:29 · 9 answers · asked by gram3sandy 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
If this behaviour is fairly new, it could be that something is stressing the cat. They are creatures of habit and even minor changes can turn them from sweet kitties to growling hellcats. Another possibility is a medical issue. There are many medical conditions which can cause a change in an animal`s temperament. A visit to the vet will confirm or rule out the presence of disease.
If change or health is not the cause, and he was always a cranky boy, it could be that he wasn`t socialized enough as a kitten. There is a very narrow "window" of time where a kitten can be taught to be friendly to humans and dogs and even rodents and birds in some cases. If that is the problem, rehabilitation is very, very difficult but not impossible. I recommend the following books: From the Cat`s Point of View, by Gwen Bohnenkamp and 101 Questions Your Cat would Ask Its Vet (if it could talk) by Bruce Foggle. Many veterinarinans and animal shelters also retain the services of behavioural specialists (cat whisperes, if you will) who can help you through the re-training process.
If, in the end, it turns out that he can`t change, please don`t get rid of him by bringing him to an animal shelter. They will not adopt out an animal who is potentially dangerous and he will spend his last days frightened in a strange place. If he is given to a new family, the problem will only be passed on and who knows where the cat will end up. Dumping him in the country is not a better option as he will likely be killed by a wild animal or shot by a farmer because they do not like strange animals approaching their animals. I would strongly advise you to have him humaely euthanized at the vet`s if all other options run out. That way, you know he will not suffer. I hope eveything works out. Good luck.
2007-02-08 08:32:09 · answer #1 · answered by Gallifrey's Gone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume this is a new cat or a kitten growing up. Cats often behave like this when they have been taken away from their Mom and litter mates too eairly. The cat is treating you like a equal and ovious with no respect. No not punish him phyically as the situation will get worse. I had this with a young male. It took a month but he was worth it. Have a large stuff toy [his size] ready to shove into his face and paws when he comes at you. He will kick and bite the toy. As he is distracted pet him but let him know quickly by your VOICE one word or sound that you do not want him to touch you with teeth or claw. He really wants to interact with you and refusing him is the punishment. All kitten learn from litter mates to yells if hurt and to reconize by their yell when they have biten too hard or playing too rough.
Every cat comes with its bundle of problem or the cat would not be a interesting companion. Please ask your husband to be patience and maybe if he taskes an active part there will be faster results
2007-02-08 08:05:24 · answer #2 · answered by cats r2b treasured 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You did not say how old the cat is and if you have had it as a kitten or what? Cats respond to people in different ways. Apparently the cat has good reason for it's behavior. I need to know more about the cat in order to help you.
Some cats have been mistreated and don't want to be touched. Some cats reach out like that in a form of cat and mouse.. they like to crouch and wait for the prey. Some cats behave poorly out of bordedom and trying to make their place in the household. Have you had your cat fixed, has someone been mean to the cat? many things to look into here.
2007-02-08 08:00:00 · answer #3 · answered by oldone 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My guess is he's trying to get some attention. Do you play with him enough? It sounds like depressed-boredom to me.
So grab a shoe-lace or a laser light and make him run around until he's out of breath, and see if he's nicer right then.
When my kitten is being mean, it works everytime.
If not, then it's another problem.
Also: the first time I had a kitten, she would do everything you described. I would be minding my own business, and she would jump at my arm, claw at it and hang on with her teeth. I was covered with scratches for months.
What fixed it? Getting another cat.
Cats do not like to be alone; they get bored, depressed, then mean. Get him a friend.
The day I brought home another kitten, my cat became a lady: the violent behavior stopped instantly. Try it, go to the SPCA and get another one!
2007-02-08 08:37:59 · answer #4 · answered by petite_laeti 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't really change a cats attitude. Trust me. I've tried.
What you can do is change his behavior.
Try these:
1) Squirt him with a water bottle when he does something mean. [this Will show him that whatever he just did was bad. And that it wasn't good]
2) Give him treats
[This will show that what he did was good. And should do it more often]
And all you sickos out there....you know what I mean!
2007-02-08 08:11:11 · answer #5 · answered by Tleek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats definitely have a mind of their own. :) Try to use a water bottle and spray him when he bites or claws.
2007-02-08 07:44:58 · answer #6 · answered by LSG 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recommend giving him a small squirt of water to help control his behavior. a cat's personality is like very tough to change. Good luck!
2007-02-08 14:52:24 · answer #7 · answered by Amy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every time he misbehaves give him a little squirt of water from a spray bottle. he'll eventually learn that he can't behave like that.
2007-02-08 07:49:05 · answer #8 · answered by 'Lissa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install several bullets into the cat, that should solve your problem
2007-02-08 07:45:35 · answer #9 · answered by fighterace26 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋