MY CAT BITEs!!?

Question

My cat bites ME. No one else in the family gets nearly the biting attention that I do. My forearms are covered with healing scratches and bites.

She's 7 months old and her name is Luna. She gets crazy sometimes and runs all over the house skitzing herself (nothing's really happening, but something's chasing her in her imagination).

She's cute as a bug, but she won't let me cut her nails. I know she's wanting me to play with her--she loves wrestling on the floor with a willing foe. The other cat doesn't like her much but she loves to get too close so the other cat will chase her. The other cat is angry, but Luna's having a ball because someone's chasing her.

To this point, the only thing I've found that worked for her is distraction. Grab a pencil or a straw or ANYTHING and let her bite it instead. She's getting the old snip snip tomorrow.

When she attacks me out of nowhere what do I do?

TX Mom

Answer 1

Keep in mind that kittens are, well, insane. Cute, but completely nuts! Bottom line: They're babies. Luna will likely mellow out considerably as she approaches one year. In the meantime keep in mind that for kittens (and adult cats too) play involves a considerable ammount of mock combat. It sounds to me like Luna is treating you as she would any other playmate.

So what can you do? A few things. First, redirecting her is good. Also, make a sharp, high sound when she bites. Like "OUCH!" or something along those lines. Also, and this will apply even more as she becomes an adult, learn her body language. Cats often signal their intentions but we humans don't always get it. Beware of the swishing tail. It indicates agitation on some level. Also watch the eyes and ears. You'll pick up on your girl's ques with minimal effort.

Odds are Luna will grow into a sweet, loving, playful cat. Oh and as for your older one, give it time. Cats tend to be territorial, and can be slow to adjust to new things. The good news is they usually find a way to adjust to reality. Your cats may yet become friends. Good luck. Sounds like Luna found herself an excellent home.

Oh and about the nails. Some cats are just NOT inclined to cooperate with certain procedures. (Claw trim, medicine dose, etc.) The solution is usually multiple hands and sometimes a towel or other restraining device.

Answer 2

That sounds just like my cat, she's a little spaz and she's 3 years old! We've only had her for a few months because we saved her from the humane society. Our 3 year old male who we have had since he was a kitten is very laid back and friendly so he doesn't like her. She does the exact same thing to him that your cat does to the other. My cat is the BIGGEST attention seeker ever. She will cry if she is in a room on her own until somebody calls her name and then she comes running.

I think the biting must feel good for them and I don't think there is much you can do except for distracting her with something else. You must be her favorite because some cats bite as a sign of affection (as mine does, because she is never angry when she bites).

Be sure to give your other cat some time to itself when it gets irritated by closing Luna into a bedroom, bathroom, garage, laundry room; wherever she has a window, toys, something to keep her distracted. And after she gets snipped tomorrow, she will be settled down. trust me, but just because she isn't seeking attention doesn't mean you shouldn't pay it to her because that is the time they need it most so pet her and let her lay on your bed and keep her comfortable.

Answer 3

It's never acceptable for a cat to bite and you've discovered for yourself why. I agree that while kittens are insane, it's also not too early to train. The sharp verbal command is good. Something else is to simply get up and walk away. Continuing to play after a bite or scratch encourages kitty to treat you like a cat toy.

The tail is the clue. The more active it is, the crazier goomba will be. And I apologize in advance to all those who use a squirt gun as a deterrant. That only treats the symptoms of the problem, not the core issue and all the cat will learn is how to fear you. Addressing the behavior at the source (kitty's head) results in a much happier cat who can live within the boundaries of your rules. While declawing is a solution, it's pretty painful for the cat and doesn't solve the biting issue.

Answer 4

ok, this is common and it CAN be broken but it'll take a while.

First, just as a detterent, spray your forearms and hands down with stuff called Bitter Apple...available at places like Petsmart. DO NOT put your fingers in your eye, mouth or any other mucous membrane afterwards because you will be sorry! Once your hands and arms are dry (you might be sticky) find the kitty and pet her. no playing, no tummy rubbing...JUST petting. If she gets frisky and bites you will taste terrble!

Also, no more wrestling with her. from now on when you are playing with her you're using a toy and not any part of your body. any cat toy will do, even those pencils you talked about. the very second she puts her mouth on your skin 1. you should taste bad and 2. drop everything and ignore her. Number 2 is common in dog training and god help us cat training is just...not too explored, so it may not break her of the habit but at least save you some pain cuase your just gonna walk away.

attacks out of nowhere...start carrying some heat mamma! ...a water gun should help. give her a spray when you get ambushed. that also sounds like the play behavior of a YOUNG cat so she may grow out of it as time passes. Also, check your clothes...are you wearing long swishy skirts that may be provoking the cat?

good luck! :o)

Answer 5

okay she sounds just like my cat topanga. what i did is i let my mom keep topanga for a little because my mom has two cats and playing around with the other two cats calmed her down for a little while then she started to dominate the baby cat so i thought she was never gonna change until we got her spaded and now she is an angel. she was bad before. my sis was laying on my couch watching a movie and topanga latched on to her face and she would also attack people for no reason. so yeah get her spaded and that will hopefully chill her out. good luck i know what you are going through.

Answer 6

I used to have a cat who enjoyed 'wrestling' with me at times. But once he started playing far too roughly, until I swatted his backside. He let go and I never had that problem again.

Since you're getting your kitty fixed, you might consider having her declawed in the front paws at the same time- if she's strictly an indoors kitty. Otherwise, let a vet or groomer trim her claws.

Good luck!

Answer 7

consistent with threat he does not understand he's been "fixed" Male cats will chew women folk on the lower back of the neck during the breeding just to hold the female nonetheless. The 'chew' does not injury the exterior.

Answer 8

My cat is the same as yours! She finds it as a playful way of getting our attention. She even loves being slapped at her butt for some naughty reason...

Answer 9

When our cats started doing that, we just pushed our finger in farther so they would gag on it. We have had no biting problems since.

Answer 10

my kitten does that too...she'll also run off with clothes that are light enough

just pry her off and plop her down. they learn not to pounce unless YOU want to....eventualy