My cat is angry...how do I fix it?

Question

My cat gets so mad sometimes when we don't let him outside. I walk in from outside, and he attacks at my leg after shutting the door - I assume it's because he's mad that we don't let him outside every single time he wants. Sometimes when I'm just petting him, after a while he gets frustrated randomly and starts biting my arm. After I say NO in a firm voice, he meows really loud and starts attacking me at any place he can get.

What do I do? He bites me and my mom all the time and it really concerns me that he is so angry. What's going onn???

Answer 1

I agree with Bluishwolf, I think your cat sounds a bit bored. You don't mention his age and how often you allow him outside. Is he neutered?

If he's a young cat, he has a lot of energy to burn off, and being outside helps them to do that. If you're not comfortable with him going out, then you need to ensure that he has lots of interactive games and toys. These will make sure that he stays physically and mentally fit. Cats enjoy games that closely resemble hunting techniques, like chasing, leaping and pouncing, so toys that dangle off the end of a wand stick are fun for them. Make sure you set aside regular play time for him every day.

As for the biting, it depends on when its happening. If it's while you're petting him, he may just have a low tolerance of being petted, some cats do. They usually give you a few warning signs like swishing their tails before they bite though. You could try feeding him treats whilst stroking him, as this may help him associate being petted with good things. (It's amazing how quickly cats learn to adapt their behaviour when it's to their benefit)

If he's young and is biting during playtime, then he's mock fighting with you. Sometime they get carried away and simply don't realise how rough they're getting. If he bites when you play, gently scruff the skin at the back of his neck and tell him "no", just how you're already doing. If he doesn't stop biting immediately, then move him aside, stop playing and walk away. He will quickly learn that biting is not acceptable behaviour. I don't know if its an option you'd like to consider, but your cat might appreciate having another cat to play with, especially if you were considering keeping your cat indoors. They can play as rough as they like together, and your cat will quickly learn first hand, just how painful biting can be,

Hope you find a solution to your cat's behaviour. Good luck.

Answer 2

The cat obviously feels frustrated, surely bored staying indoors all the time. Why don't you get a leash specially made for cats, and walk him outside for a little while ?, pay more attention to him, play with him, he needs to get rid of all that energy, make him jump up and down by holding up a feather, a cord for him to catch, and when he's acting out on his frustration, say a firm NO while you hold him by the hair on his back neck, let him go, then call him out for a treat, struck down his hair while he's eating, and speak lovingly. I think that the cat is trying to let you know how much frustrated he feels

Answer 3

My friend has a beautiful black and white cat who sounds a lot like yours. It may be something as simple as the breed of cat or it may be the cat is really set in its way. Often cats love the attention but when they've had enough, they've had enough. Try petting your cat just a few strokes here and there, not extended periods. Yours sounds like he does not like being held very much or for long. Talk to him often and as for the outdoors, when you go into the house, perhaps having a long leash hooked up outdoors would give him that extra time he so badly wants in the fresh air. I think this type of cat is just extremely independent, so try giving him a little more space but continue to show attention in other positive ways. Little treats, a pat on the head, talking to him, and making sure his needs are met. Good luck!

Answer 4

My cat always want to go sit on the balcony (he likes to jump on the swing and watch birds) and he gets mad and sits at the door meowing until we let him out. The only things that I can do that will get his attention off of going outside are: 1.) let him lick some peanut butter off of my finger, 2.) Give him a Q-tip to play with (he loves to rip the cotton off of the ends), or 3.) Give him the plastic ring or cap from a soda bottle. He starts paying attention to other things then and forgets about outside for a little while.

Answer 5

Well, you've pretty much answered your own question.

Many (but not all) cats get frustrated and/or bored by not being allowed out, which can make them bad tempered. Why not let him out more often? Keeping in overnight is probably sensible, but as long as you don't live by busy roads and your cat is neutered and vaccinated, let him out to display his natural behaviour!

Chalice

EDIT: Hater's advice is more applicable to dog, but even then it sucks. Never slap a cat, all you'll do is annoy it even more!

Answer 6

Best way to get rid of bad breath and help tone it down is to brush their teeth.. You have to buy a toothbrush and paste made for cats though..At Petsmart I bought a combo pack with a toothbrush/paste/ and gum brush for $7...

Answer 7

When he starts attacking you, you need to say no in a firm voice and slap him away, do it hard so he knows who's boss. Try not to push him int a wall though. Just leave him alone and if he comes back, depending on how hard or fast he comes, slap him away really hard if he comes at you really fast. after you do this for a while, he'll stop doing whatever he's doing wrong when you say NO

Answer 8

Give him more positive attention; play with him more, talk to him more, and try to take his mind off of wanting out, and off of focusing so much on the "no"s. He might be frisky and trying to play with you. Toss around some furry or crackily toys; get a feather-on-a-stick toy; maybe some catnip toys...