"I adopted a female cat about 2 mos. ago. She is over one year old and was very sweet and cuddly the first week. She then began biting us when we pet her, and now she will just come up and bite us frequently for no apparent reason. We can just be sitting on the couch and she will come lay by us then start attacking. I have tried spraying and saying "no" firmly but she isn't stopping. She also cries all night long by our closed bedroom door and is tearing up the carpet by the door (us in the bedroom, her out). Again, I ignore it and spray with water once in a while, but it's not working. We also discovered that she has ringworm (which is why she's not allowed in the bedroom). We have her on meds and clean constantly so hopefully thats clearing up. Could these all be linked. Sorry my question is so long, but I'm becoming desperate! Thank you."
2007-09-16 13:51:00 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
She has been to the vet a few times and is on meds from them for the ringworm. Thank you. Any suggestions on how to curb the night crying?
2007-09-16 14:04:01 · update #1
Thank you , I will consider the crate. She currently has a bed to sleep in and I put a hot water bottle wrapped in a soft blanket every night. Also, she attacks without any stimulation (we thought it was over-stimulation at first). I figure the more answers I can give the more info. I can get from all of you helpful people! With the lack of sleep, bites and scratches it's getting pretty desperate! Just trying to stay positive.
2007-09-16 15:46:12 · update #2
Along with playing with her in the evening and leaving a hot water bottle in her bed, I have also started spraying Comfort Zone spray by the door on the carpet and she hasn't been crying until about 6:00 AM! (When I should be getting up anyways). Thought I'd add this in case anyone else is having the same issues. I also sprayed CZ on the couch where she scratches, and she hasn't touched it in 3 days!
2007-09-18 17:46:10 · update #3
Just like when you're not feeling well you might snap at people, cats will snap at people if they're not feeling too good. It sounds like you are working hard to correct the problems, and that's awesome.
One of the reasons that she's biting so much could be that she wasn't properly socialized when she was younger. A shelter cat with little or no background information available is likely to not have been socialized well. In other words, she doesn't quite know how to interact with people.
Because she was so nice the first week and then started acting up, it sounds like she was wiggling her way into your hearts before she unleashed her true personality on you, but I think I'm giving her too much credit. :)
It also sounds to me like she might be bored and a little desperate for attention. Have you considered getting another cat to keep her company and to play with her? I have two cats, and the younger one definitely keeps the older one on her toes.
If this is not an option, my only suggestion would be to make sure she has plenty of toys and that she gets plenty of attention from you. If she is feeling lonely (which is probably the reason for crying at night), then the only thing I can recommend is giving her attention.
When she's being sweet, give her plenty of positive attention. When she's feeling the need to attack you, give her negative attention. When my cat attacks me like that, I grab at his face and roughhouse with him a little, shoving him around and such. This usually makes him leave, unhappy with that kind of attention.
This will show her that when she's being nice, she'll get good attention, and when she's attacking, she'll be attacked.
Good luck with you kitty problem!
2007-09-21 07:14:36 · answer #1 · answered by bride_of_christ728 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You have already received many good answers! Please do remember that she is still new to your home and is no doubt lonely at night. She probably thinks she's being punished by having the door shut.
When she begins this attacking thing she does, DO NOT give her any attention at all! This is a time to remove her from your attention - put her in another room for a few minutes and then let her out without giving her any attention. When she is being good, heap the praise on her and pet her when she seems to be receptive to it. It's true that some cats just don't like to be petted.
She may have been mistreated early in her life, so hang in there and with lots of love and attention, she'll probably become a wonderful loving little girl! Good luck!!!
2007-09-23 06:23:37 · answer #2 · answered by KYGrace 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I might have an answer to the crying all night. One of my cats constantly was crying throughout the night. We set up a video camera, it turns out when he is playing with his toy's (carrying them in his mouth) he is crying at the same time. We just had to get used to it.
As far as the scratching under the door. She wants to be with you. She wants to sleep with you. She is asking for more attention.
Once the ringworm clears up, let her in your room with you. You will see the change right away.
For the biting, again she wants attention. She was probably played with very rough as a kitten and thinks this is the only way to get attention. This will pass.
2007-09-21 03:50:01 · answer #3 · answered by Phantiger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some cats don't like to be pet continuously she probably has sensitive skin. I know my cat will bite if someone pets him repeatedly. As for the crying at night do you provide a bed for her? Did she used to sleep with you and is now not allowed due to her illness or she was never allowed. Maybe an animal safe heating blanket to give her something warm to snuggle up to would help
2007-09-16 14:13:19 · answer #4 · answered by bymyshoes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ringworm would not affect her behavior to the extent that you describe.
She is crying by the bedroom door and tearing the carpet up because she wants into the bedroom. As far as the biting you, she is still a young cat and it may be her way of trying to play.
Did you take her to the vet for ringworm? If so, did you mention what you perceive to be behavioral changes?
2007-09-16 13:59:01 · answer #5 · answered by KittyChick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe you could borrow a crate from someone if you don't have one already, put a bed in it for her, and then put the crate beside your bed?
i can't think of another thing...
the biting? you can gently remove her face from your arm, saying NO..you can scruff her too. just take your free arm, get her by the scruff of the neck and hold her down for 20 seconds, telling her NO firmly (you don't have to yell). animals do this in the wild when they are dominant (such as lions, wolves).
take care.
2007-09-16 14:21:09 · answer #6 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you leave the tv on low so she has some indication of life in the area of the home to pay attention to? It could help.
2007-09-16 16:20:28 · answer #7 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
can you let her out at night they are hunters and prefer to go out
2007-09-24 01:58:59 · answer #8 · answered by kellspurple 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋