We got a cat from my mom, he is neutered and is about 3yrs old. He is front declawed. He used to be my 3 yr olds buddy when we would vist, but now that he is at our home, (with better food, more toys and flea and worm treatments) he is biting and attacking anyone that goes within in 3 feet of him. He is exspecially aggressive towards my 3 yr old. We can't pet him or go anywhere near him or he attacks. Does anyone have any ideas, or he will go to the Shelter?!
2007-09-19 03:05:30 · 8 answers · asked by ikpmom 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Just so peole who are judging me, I did not declaw him, my mom did. We have had the cat less then a month. I do not believe in declawing, but it was already done.
2007-09-19 04:00:38 · update #1
First—how long has the cat been with you?
Cats need plenty of time to adjust to new surroundings, and especially new surroundings that include fast-moving/loud/unpredictable children around-the-clock. (Cats prefer calm and quiet.)
You said: "He used to be my 3 yr olds buddy when we would vist, but now that he is at our home, (with better food, more toys and flea and worm treatments) he is biting and attacking anyone that goes within in 3 feet of him." It sounds like he has undergone MANY changes in his life, all at once (new address, living with a small child, worming medicines, flea treatments, etc.). Anyone—human or feline—would likely find it disturbing to undergo so many changes all at once. Please give him time to adjust.
Please make sure that kitty has several safe places away from children/noise/activity. Food, water, beds, hiding places and litter boxes should all be in quiet areas where the cat can access them easily and without interruption. And please be sure that the child understands that the cat needs to be left alone, that the cat is not a toy, but another living being that needs his own space.
Second—is he recently declawed?
Declawed cats may bite because—sadly—it is the only way they can defend themselves or say "leave me alone" once their claws/toes have been amputated. If your child has been rough or frightening in any way to the cat, that would be enough to provoke the cat to bite, in an attempt to say "leave me alone". Clearly, he should not be labeled a "bad" cat (and does not deserve to be dumped at a shelter, anymore than you should dump your child at a shelter for doing something like pushing you away and yelling "No! Leave me alone!".)
Additionally, if the cat is sick or not feeling well (some flea medications have been known to make animals ill), this is another reason he may wish to be left alone (thus the anti-social behavior). Please have him examined at the vet to rule out a medical reason for his change in behavior.
Please do not give up on this family member just because he has fur and is incapable of verbalizing his needs. He is trying to tell you that something is not right in the ONLY way that he can. Please do not punish him for something that is not his fault.
edited to add:
A month is not enough time for a cat to adjust to so many new changes. Please give him time, and some space of his own. Given enough time and some space of his own, your child will get his feline "buddy" back.
2007-09-19 03:59:49 · answer #1 · answered by Cat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Declawing a cat may make him bite. You are responsible for doing that to him, so giving him to a shelter where they will kill him is killing a cat that you turned into a biting cat.
So, be patient, leave him alone, let him adjust, don't bother him when he doesn't want to, but also show him that you won't tolerate biting. speak strictly when he does it, epecially a man will be more persuasive, and punish him -not by hitting him or anything - but by not paying attention to him and putting him outside the room where everyone else is seating, for a few minutes.
2007-09-19 10:42:06 · answer #2 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He is establishing dominance in a new environment. Get a squirt bottle and spray him with water everytime he does it. If you are close enough, you can tap him on the nose or the top of the head and hiss at him when he does it. This shows him that you are in control.
2007-09-19 10:11:58 · answer #3 · answered by rebel g 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first of all over pampering leads to such strange habits, also may be it is feeling insecure or less loved because your 3 yr old must be drawing away the share of love your cat is used to.
Do not encourage such behaviour of your cat, try to discourage such behaviour by firmly expressing (showing) your non acceptance - either by firmly shoving it of or softly hitting it or saying "no" in a very firm tone of voice. Try to gradually make your cat used to the new situation. Also try to show that your love for the cat has not reduced. pls do not over pamper it.
best of luck.
2007-09-19 10:34:15 · answer #4 · answered by coolguy 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If he's going at your 3 year old, get rid of him. You don't have time to train him out of his attitude problem. If he was a young male that hadn't been neutered, I'd say you have a shot at calming him down. It doesn't pay to have a vicious animal in the house with a toddler.
2007-09-19 10:36:00 · answer #5 · answered by glaux_athena 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
My cat started doing the same thing recently...the vet put him on anti-depressants...it's worked he doesn't bite or attack anymore...he's content to laze about all day and is no longer adverse to cuddles!
2007-09-19 10:12:42 · answer #6 · answered by jcw1508 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I dont think there is a lot you can do , but if you find a way to stop it let me know ,mines the same.
2007-09-19 10:11:13 · answer #7 · answered by grd_jck(AU) 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
try baiting good food. then lead it to you. while he eats, try being nice to him. train him if needed.
or
send him to the shelter!
2007-09-19 10:13:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋