Can you help with feral cat?

Question

Hello. 2 1/2 years ago I wanted to get my dad a cat for Christmas. Mom went to the animal shelter and brought home "Bruce Willis". He was 2 years old and found in an abandoned barn where he appeared to have lived since birth. I didn't know anything (and still don't know much) about feral cats, but I thought we could love him enough to make him our new kitty. We give him all the love he allows us to, but he continues to attack our feet quite aggressively at times. He will allow you to pet him, but only as long as he wants then he bites. Hard. I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and I can no longer tolerate the bites/scratches to my feet. We have tried since we got him to break him of this habit, with no success. I would like to try everything possible to help him so we can keep him, but I'm at my wits end. When he bites, he draws blood. Is there any hope for Brucie?? Thank-you in advance for any advice.

just for info....he is neutered, has toys and is an outdorr kitty

oops....outdoor

Answer 1

Unfortunately, at his age, it may be near impossible to break him of his bad habits. (Like the saying, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." except in this case it's a cat LOL)

Even though you are probably attached to this cat, I really recomend getting a younger cat, and training it as it grows.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Sometimes a feral cat will never be as loving as a normal pet. They're used to thinking for themselves in a world that is very large and very dangerous, where everybody is out to "get" him. You should not put up with biting or scratching. Because you are a diabetic this can be very dangerous for you. You could try leaving him alone and letting him come to you. If you confine him to the bathroom for about a week he may become more friendly. But you shouldn't reach for him -- just sit there and talk to him. Then, there's only one other thing you can try and that's Feliway (it's not cheap). Search on-line for availability and more information. It is supposed to "mellow-out" cats so they don't mark or fight. However, because this was a feral cat, you may have done all you can already and what you're seeing is just his personality -- that's just the way he is. Some cats can never be friendly enough to be the type of pet we'd really like.

Answer 3

Outdoor cats usually aren't afraid of water since they've been rained on in the past. To stop the foot biting go check out a pet supplies store or online for a bottle of Bitter Apple. It's safe, and tastes awful (like biting into a banana peel) and intended to stop dogs and cats (and kids with their fingernails) from chewing/mouthing/biting things.

Spray/wipe it on your bare skin where he's going to bite and let him get a really good taste. They usually stop biting after one try, or give it two more tries then stop. It's not going to hurt him, but he'll consider your taste really bleh!

His petting cues are probably being ignored. They can seem calm one second, then bite suddenly, but if you watch, there's cues there. The ears shift slightly to the side, the cat freezes and holds his breath and doesn't move his eyes, plus the tail suddenly twitches up. These are signs in our former feral guy, and he does give them every time.

Sometimes I can only get one slow stroke in, sometimes four or five, but he always reaches his limit suddenly and will turn and grab fast (he wasn't originally called 'shark mouth' for nothing!).

We got around it sort of by talking as we reached for him, and only petting once or twice, then stopping. If he triggered really fast, use your other hand above his head to distract his line of sight and pull both hands back. He's a lap cat now, once he learned our rituals and we learned his, and loves his shoulders rubbed and will spend time sleeping against me when we watch tv, so they do adapt. It does take time.

Just accept he's trying, but still reaches a point where he feels the need to protect himself. Patience will get him to tolerate more, and they DO like to be petted, you just have to find out where.

Some love the head and neck scratch, some HATE any touch to their feet or belly because that makes them feel extremely vulnerable. Stick to the 'safe' zones to keep him calm. And watch for his signs of 'too much'. You may only get a half second warning, but they'll be there.

Feliway isn't cheap, but it's a synthetic cat pheromone that means 'safe' and works on a lot of cats. Check online, I've found it from $11 to $32 for the same size bottle. A little goes a long way.

Answer 4

Becuase he grew up in a barn, he is probably still very defensive of himself. After a couple of years, he probably learned to be afraid of humans. Give him some time and leave him alone. It seems like you have been trying to force him to trust you, which has made him bite and scratch you. If you leave him alone for a while and he still hasn't warmed up to you, i suggest a spray bottle, which usually works pretty fast. As for your feet, i guess socks are you only hope for now. I hope that you can find a way to keep Bruce, since he was already in the animal shelter once.

Answer 5

If you haven't had him fixed yet this may help. You may just need to let him have the space that he needs, and let him come to you when he wants attention. Also, if he was used to being an outdoor cat then you may want to make him an outdoor cat again, but make sure he gets all of his shots and make sure he is neutered before you do that. Make sure he has lots of toys to play with so he doesn't play with your feet instead. If you need to get rid of him try to find him a home because a more aggressive cat will not make it to adoptions at a shelter (it will be put down).

Answer 6

Usually, at that age, there's nothing you can do about them. It seems like you've done your best so my only ideas are:
A) Put him up for adoption where they'll probably put him down for being so feral :( bad choice.
B) Feel endangered in your home and keep a spray bottle on-hand to punish bad behavior... (at least he doesn't die...)

Either way you're in a bad situation. Sorry.

Answer 7

i had a foot biter once, and he bit me a few times, and shat on my pillow a few times...but i still loved that cat and managed to work out a relationship with him where he stopped biting and shitting on my pillow....many treats many many treats and sitting on the floor sharing spam and bacon helps.

Answer 8

Get a spray bottle and give him a good squirt when he gets close to your feet. He see's them as play things, so also get him a new toy you can use to get his attention away from your feet.