What am I going to do with this cat?

Question

I'm pregnant; we have two cats. One is a complete delight. The other, well...

It's been extremely frustrating trying to train him not to do anything. He quite obviously knows where he is and isn't supposed to scratch; just doesn't always care. He's sometimes prone to giving you nips, too -- broke the skin a *tiny* bit last night -- occasionally, purring away during a petting, there's an abrupt bite not preceded by any "I am getting tired of this" warning at all. He is, well, like some people, just not into rules, and sometimes kind of hard to get on with. Nothing is off-limits for him if nobody's looking.

He can also be pretty charming, though. He likes to stand on his hind legs and place his front paws on you to request a petting; plays well with his 'sister,' and is a natural at purring and kneading.

I'm getting worried that I have +/- six months to get this cat ready to be around a baby, or... Or, well, I'd rather not think about it.

Help!

He gets a firm NO! when he scratches what he's not supposed to scratch (and he is not lacking in appropriate places). And a tap on the nose with the NO! when he nips. (Whatever was going on continues for a bit, though; I'm trying to make it clear it doesn't stop whatever he wants stopped. It seems more a confused affection than aggression, though.)

He's been neutered; eats well, he's healthy. He's +/- a year old.

He's terrified of strangers -- we got him from a neighbour who was never home; took quite a while for him to stop hiding here. If anybody visits, he disappears.

Answer 1

He's still a pretty young little tyke there now...isn't he? I had the same problem with male pets and females are really more easier to settle in....I'm afraid with the males it usually takes them a little more time to "grow-up". Give him some more time, If it really gets out of hand after the baby comes, then you'll have to isolate him to another area of your home for him to be content. He'll come out of it, male cats always have more energy, just natural.

Answer 2

Cats that behave in this manner are ususally taken away from thier litter too younge - and mum didnt really get a chance to teach them a few manners. Cats really should stay with thier mums till 8 weeks of age. Solving the problem - perhaps there is some confusion as to who is really the boss. When he 'demands attention' do you give it? What do you do when he nips and scratches? The natural thing to do is move - stop restraining him, feel imtimidated, - although it may not seem like it - he does love you, just not respect you. I know this sounds weird, but trust me - next time he shows the body language of an aggressive/confused cat - you need to dictate the next move. Push him away - distract him. If you miss that que and he has already bitten or scratched you - have you ever had to scruff a cat? This is what his mum would have done to him when he was little - it is grabbing the skin on top of his neck - firmly - a big strong handfull of cat! It doesnt hurt him - just knocks the chip off his shoulder.He wont be able to move from this position - then add your firm 'No' and put him outside, or isolated from the family. You need to do this every time he shows undesirable behaviour - teaching him there is negative consequences when he behaves badly. But...dont forget to praise and pat him when he is being nice -tasty food treats are also good...only when he is good. You are the boss - first teach him you are boss - then remind him you are boss. (good practice for avoiding having a spoilt brat of a child!!) Good luck

Answer 3

Don't worry so much. You will just need to be careful when the baby is around. You will never leave the baby alone with any of the cats. You will buy claw caps from www.softpaws.com, to protect from scratches. As long as the baby is a baby, there will be no problem, since you will be supervising all the time. When he starts to move around, you will have to make sure the cats are not jealous, but you'll also see their intentions, but never trust them with the baby, even the nice one. I have a cat much worse than yours, I love him though and I would never give him up if I had a baby, I would just be extra careful.

Plus, your cat is at the "naughty" age. By the time your baby is in any danger, the cat will be much less active and more mature and will know what he is supposed to do!

Answer 4

I had a cat like that and he was never a problem with my kids. True, he swatted my daughters hand hard enough once to draw blood, but he never did it again when I knocked him off his seat for it. (Teeny tiny scratch on daughter, btw, like one drop of blood and not a tear from her and she's prone to hysterics when she's hurt).

I found that Chino basically ignored my kids and as long as they left him alone, he left them alone. I just made sure he wasn't in their room when they were sleeping and closed the door so he couldn't get in. Besides that, we did fine.

So I'd say wait and see how he does when the baby comes. If he acts neurotic, you definitely have to choose the baby over him. But I'm willing to bet he'll just stay away from the baby.

And he's still fairly young. He very well may chill out as he gets older.

PS - We had to get rid of Chino eventually because I developed SEVERE allergies to cats. So he moved in with my parents and is doing quite well. But still avoids the kids whenever they come to visit.

Answer 5

The description of your two cats matches exactly with mine! My younger kitty is like that. Cute and loving but uses his claws when he shouldn't. I spray him a little with a bottle sometimes when he tries to climb up my window curtains. It works. Sometimes. When I'm looking.. :-)
As for the baby, I got this from a web page you could read:

To minimise disruption for your cat, it's helpful to prepare for the new arrival in advance. For example:
Get the cat used to not going in certain rooms, for example where the nursery will be.
Set aside one room where you can play with the cat and have quality time with it, away from the baby. Start doing this before the baby arrives, to get your cat used to it.
Many cats dislike the sound of crying babies. As crying is likely to become the norm in your house, you'll need to get your cat used to it. Try playing a CD of crying, whilst stroking your cat and comforting him.
Teach the cat not to sit in the pram.
If you haven't already got one, consider buying the cat a climbing centre, perhaps with a box at the top, so the cat is kept amused and has somewhere to jump up into if he feels the need to hide away.

Answer 6

well iam aanimal person and mine just went to cat heaven after 17 yrs.so here goes this is what worked for us.get him a scratching post.then a spray bottle when he scratches give him a little, not enough to hurt but to scare alittle, but when he is good let him know that too. he is young yet those bites are proably love bites, they can be alittle to much you have to sternly but not to much set what he can get away with or not . good luck keep inside if you can, let me know how it goes.

Answer 7

i have 2 cats & one was just like yours. I am bad at making them mind but my husband on the other hand taught them well. Now my cays do not even step on the stairs bc they know its a no no. They know what to do and what not to. The thing is I am easy with them and hes very firm. I mean he will picky my poor lil kitty up and yell at her and throw her. I get mad when I see this but it really works and they love him very much they just know they have to mind. If they ever do get out of line all my husband has to do is look at them or say their name and they take off and stop doing bad. PS I am pregnant too...

Answer 8

Make him an outdoor cat . . at least for a while. The idea is discipline. If he's not good enough to not scratch on stuff, then he's not good enough to be in the house.

Answer 9

get a spritzer and mix some vinegar with water and spray him everytime he nips. should work. good luck

Answer 10

squirt him with a squirt bottle filled with warm water