What is wrong with my cat? Major behavior problems..?

Question

We have had him for about 1 month now. We got him from a rescue group. At first he was sweet and playful..now we are not sure if he is possesed. He wakes us up in the middle of the night by attacking us, biting feet, scratching, getting into everything. Sometimes when I walk across the room he lunges at me and grabs onto my back. Other times he is sweet and wants to cuddle. I think he has potential to be a great cat..but I cant take much more. What should I do to stop this behavior?

Answer 1

First thing is the cat desexed? If not get him done.
Second most cats get what I call night terrors they are nocturnal so when you want to sleep at night he wants to play. It's all a big game with him. If he keeps waking you make him a bed in a room in the house and put him to bed when you go make sure you close the door to keep him in he will get use to it mine did.

Answer 2

A lot of cats get more active at night. One of mine will unfailingly start playing with her toys and meowing excitedly about 10 minutes after I turn the lights out.

Part of your cat's attacking you at night is just his idea of playing. In order to calm him down, it might be a good idea to go to PetSmart or PetCo and buy a spray called "No-Mark!" - it's a pheromone spray that has a calming effect. Spray it everywhere - carpet, bed, etc. (it won't stain). It's worked well on my anxious cat.

Also, when your cat bites you hard (soft bites are okay - those are a cat's way of letting you know he likes the attention you're giving him), immediately say `No!' and then ignore him (or try to as best you can). When he does this, if you're sitting, get up and walk away; if he's on your back, obviously remove him, say no and then ignore him. Hopefully this tactic will help a lot.

You might also seriously consider getting another cat. That way your cat will have a companion to aim his energy at instead of you. My two cats chase each other around the house about five times a day, it's really cute to watch.
And if your cat isn't fixed, get that done - that will definitely help calm a male down.

Good luck. You can also ask your vet, if these ideas don't work.

Answer 3

Dont get discouraged! I have three cats my first two were great kittens so sweet and cuddly all the time. My most recent cat was possessed when she was little as well. But after a couple of months she calmed down and is such a joy. Just let give him a little time i am sure he will calm down. Is this your only cat? If so I would suggest another cat/kitten this gives them something to play with and gives you some peace :o) Hope this helps!!

Answer 4

Your cat is just being a cat. The way you described is how cats play. He was never taught that he cannot play with humans in that way. Have a cat toy handy and encourage him to play with that instead. Have larger stuffed animals for him to attack. Do not confuse him by dangling limbs in front of him as a dare. If he attacks you, pry him off and give him a toy.
Cats do not react well to negative behavior such as hitting so use positive reinforcement.
You can prevent middle of the night attack sessions by playing with him during the day.

Answer 5

I have had my cat for 5 years & she is fixed. 4 days ago for no reason she when I walk by she start growling & hissing then attacked me so bad that I had to go to the doctor. She has done this 3 more times and I am at my wits end, help me before I have to get rid of her.

Answer 6

When he does it, simply pick him off, put him on the gorund and say a firm NO to go with it. He's being playful but needs to show it in other ways.

Answer 7

Unless you can turn his inner clock around, he will remain nocturnal. (Lots of cats are.)
Sounds to me like you are trying to make a house pet out of a Tom cat.