I have a 8 month old male cat and I love him to death but it seems like he likes to attack for no reason sometimes. I was sitting at the dinner table not bothering him and he was just sitting on the floor watching me. All of a sudden he jumped up and bite my arm hard and ran away. I don't understand why he did that, especially since it wasn't a little nip....it was a bite!
2007-03-19 09:55:59 · 15 answers · asked by meshellpooh 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
CATS ARE EVIL!
2007-03-19 10:00:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
All cats, especially male cats, will always try to dominate each other and even their owners.
If your cat is in a hunt mode and then pounces and bites you hard, that's not really good. Since he is young, he may have been trying to play with you and not realize he is hurting you, but your reaction at that point is critical. I don't believe in hitting or even swatting cats, but when I was teaching my cats the rules, I would grab the fur on the back of their necks, look directly into their eye and point my finger while repeating "NO" over and over in a stern tone. Make sure you use only one command and tone for bad behaviour, (don't use NO one day and BAD the next; especially when they're young) and never lose eye contact.....make them look away first as that is a sign of dominance with any animal.
When he was young, my male cat used to bite hard when we were playing, but I would let him nibble and then when he bit harder, talk sternly to let him know. Then, when he lessened his bite, I'd be nice again to show him the difference in my reaction to his actions.
I'm sure he's just a hyper little guy that doesn't know he's hurting you, but all that being said, worst case scenarios are that he was abused at a young age, was taken from his mother too early, (0 - 5 weeks range) or has a chemical imbalance. Hopefully this isn't the case because if this persists I would recommend gettig rid of him; but I'd give it a while before doing that.
2007-03-19 10:30:41 · answer #2 · answered by habsfan3375 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals don't attack for no reason. Because the reason isn't always clear to us doesn't mean there isn't one.
My guess is that it was a form of prey/play behavior. Cats are predatory animals and they tend to bite things that are moving. I doubt that you were sitting stock still at the table. He was only able to watch for so long without reacting.
It is also possible that he was trying to initiate play. He bit and ran away, hoping you would chase him.
Either way, make sure he has plenty of toys to play with. It is often not enough to toss toys on the floor and leave them there for days. Pick one up and dangle it above his head, then throw it for him. Or get a Cat Charmer and play with him.
This is pretty typical for an adolescent cat. It should become far less common in a few years.
2007-03-19 10:14:25 · answer #3 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is your only cat he has nobody else to play with. It might help to play with him in more acceptable ways, using a feather or a ball, or get a kitty tease. You can play with him until he's tired. When kittens play they "play fight" and will bite and growl and roll around, which is a natural thing for them to do.
If your cat is sitting there swishing his tail he's ready to play a game of kitten "gotcha". When you look at him, give him a slow blink of both eyes a couple of times. Don't smile and show your teeth. Talk to him.
If he's on your lap and tries to bite you he needs to be discouraged. To do this you can push your finger farther back into his mouth until he says "ack". Say "no bite". Then pet him gently. After a couple of times he should get the hint and not bite anymore. This is NOT inhumane because you need to discourage the biting. Kitty is going to get bigger and so are his teeth!
As a last resort, put him in the bathroom at mealtimes and then give him a treat when he gets out. Under no circumstances should he be fed tidbits at the table because that will encourage him to beg, and demand food if you ignore him.
2007-03-19 10:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may have been taken away from his Mom too early. Cats who leave Mom before they are 10 weeks old (some twelve weeks) have behavioural problems, especially aggression as Mom teaches them how to be a nice cat. This usually happens from around weeks 6 to 10 when Mum isn't constantly feeding them and grooming them anymore. Their Mom is the best teacher, she knows her kittens and knows how to make them behave.
It may just be the case that he's giving you 'love bites' they can be hard at times and he doesn't mean to hurt you, he's just showing his affection.
2007-03-19 10:50:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi i have two cats Mea, and Felix, i had Mea from a kitten she has a fantastic personality,she is no bother but Felix well now he was and i repeat WAS rather nasty, he is what we call the lodger, the week we moved in to our new home he decided to move in with us from 6 houses down. At first i thought he was the DEVIL himself, but how wrong i was. He hissed and went for my legs every time i went into the kitchen, he growled at me if i woke him in any way, he bit me several times for no reason and i was becoming quite frightened of him, I told my vet about it and what she told me to do i thought would never work but it did and it was so easy, she told me to find a cat treat he likes, and for no reason go up to him and give it to him, do this several times a day and you will find he will willingly come to you for more, if he still bites you show him the wrapper and in a stern voice say NO, I know its hard to shout at them but it does work, then start to give him less treats until your cat gives you fuss and love for them.Let him know your his best friend and believe me Felix thinks the world of me now, and I him, I have never had such an affectionate cat in my life
give it a go its worth it, and I hope your little monster turns out a little angel live Felix did
all the best Tracie L
2007-03-19 10:55:57 · answer #6 · answered by Tracie L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simplest reason is that cats are predatory animals. It is instinctive for him to want to attack and pounce on things. You should maybe get him some cat toys to play with so he won't be pouncing on you at the dinner table. Tie a couple of feathers to the end of a stick, or buy yourself a lazer light. Your cat is trying to tell you he needs excersize. He wants to play.
Either that, or he is mad at you for something. lol
2007-03-19 10:18:22 · answer #7 · answered by jimapalooza 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he was just trying to initiate play with you! when he does it again (which he will!) make sure NOT to scold him! ignoring the behavior will extinguish it pretty quickly. when cats do that they're looking for a reaction, if you yell or spank him, he'll continue the behavior (cuz it got him some attention!) kittens need to be taught how to play with people, just the same as toddlers do...make sure he has lots of toys and show him how to play with them interactively and he'll eventually learn what acceptable vs not acceptable play with you is! cats are great(and very intelligent) creatures, dont give up on him, he'll learn, good luck!
2007-03-19 10:11:18 · answer #8 · answered by minnow 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hey don't worry about it i know exactly why your cat is doing this. Kittens at such a young age tend to be hyper alot. Plus they are just gnawing because just like babies when their teeth grow it feels better to gnaw and chew on things. I recommend simply buing him/her a cat chew toy.
2007-03-19 10:07:11 · answer #9 · answered by Cameron W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is he neutered? Male Animals want to be the boss, His way of showing dominance is to attack. He does not do it to be mean, look at nature shows about "big cats". That is how they learn to grow up, and be the leader in their packs.
2007-03-19 10:04:46 · answer #10 · answered by moranaand 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get rid of that cat sounds like its crazy
2007-03-19 10:03:48 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋