shelley is 2 years old.
he has always been a bit agressive
when he plays with me he always has his claws out and i end up getting scratched to pieces.
when my boyfriend does the same things most of the time he doesnt use his claws.
how do i make him stop playing with his claws out?? i tend not to play with him that much coz i know i will get hurt.
what should i do to stop this behaviour??
2007-12-23 04:49:54 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
It's possible for Shelley to keep his claws AND for you to stop being scratched, but it will take some work on your part and time for Shelley to get the message about not being so rough with his humans.
1) Don't play with him using your hands, so he's not tempted to scratch you. And you should have your boyfriend do the same so Shelley gets a consistent message about what playtime with humans is supposed to be like.
2) If Shelley gets out of hand (scratching, biting. etc.) while he's playing, you need to STOP playing and not resume until he mellows out. And again, you need to have your boyfriend do the same thing so Shelley gets the same message from both of you about the rules for playing with his people.
2007-12-23 05:02:43 · answer #1 · answered by Navigator 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I had the same problem My cat is also male, two years old, black and always aggressive when he plays. I thought his behaviour would never stop. I could scream the world, but he wouldn't stop, he just curls up with my hands in his claws as if I am a prey. I probably was. However, some months ago he simply stopped, although he still uses his claws when I try to clean him or comb him, he doesn't try to hurt me. I think this has much to do with the fact that I give him attention by involving his favourite toy. I say to him" now, where is your boot? where is your boot. Look, there it is." Now the boot, his toy, is the center of his aggression. So try not to play with your hands, involve his favourite toll. I hope your cat is neutered. Because if he isnt' then this is the reason for his aggression.
2007-12-23 14:02:11 · answer #2 · answered by Marion 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't declaw, I think that is just not right.
Make a squeek or yelp sound if he hurts you let him know ouch that hurt, I'm not going to play with you any more, then break contact and don't pay any attention to him, do this when he hurts you, give treats when he plays nice, he will learn, maybe, but at least try and then if it doesn't work then we can take things from there.
And one little tip, don't move your hand too fast it is instinct to claw at anything fast moving, they almost can't stop themself, learn how to read your cats body language, I can always tell if one of my cats is in the mood to scratch or in the mood to play, if you sense the cat is in a scratching mood don't play or be more careful and ready to pull your hand away fast to avoid a scratch.
One other thing is after the cat stops scratching with claws or maybe scratches a little softer don't be worried about getting a little scratch here and there it is perfectly normal, but also be aware that scratching is normal cat behaviour and they use it for not only play but if they are annoyed too, it is one of the ways they communicate so it can't be totally stopped.
2007-12-23 13:24:28 · answer #3 · answered by X 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One of my cats is exactly the same. He's a very happy cat, gets lots of attention but gets over enthusiastic with play and you can end up getting scratched to pieces.
I've found a number of things that can help:
Firstly, the minute that he goes to scratch or bite, make a sharp 'Ahh!' noise - not quiet and not shouting but sharp and firm. I find that this alone will make him stop. If he does not withdraw his claws and clings on to you, keep repeating this noise and he will stop. Then leave him alone, so that he learns that scratching = end of play.
As soon as he starts, stop stroking or playing with him.
I also find that if you can stroke him slowly and gently just above his nose up to his forehead, this has a calming and relaxing effect which can also stop him from scratch/biting play.
When he is sleeping and relaxed, stroke him very slowly. He'll become used to just being stroked (coz he's sleepy) and not automatically going into scratch play.
My cat is sooo much better than he used to be. It will take time but if you follow these strategies I think you 'll see a big improvement over time.
Best Wishes.
2007-12-23 19:31:49 · answer #4 · answered by topcat1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Luckily in the UK, it is unlawful to declaw kitties.
Buy a pair of claw clippers from your vet. Mine were about £8. Just trim the tips off the ends of the claws, don't go down too far, that will hurt the cat, just like you having a nail pulled off. My Matilda is careless in the use of her claws, and that sorts her. No more scratches. You will have to do it on a regular basis. This method of claw control was suggested to me by animal nurse at my vets.
2007-12-23 16:17:51 · answer #5 · answered by steffi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never play with a cat with your hands! Use a shoe lace or some other dangling toy or throw some kitty toys around for him. Try trimming his nails every couple of weeks. If it's too hard for you, your bf can hold him while you trim, just the tips off his nails with a nail clipper.
2007-12-23 13:15:57 · answer #6 · answered by Blue 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
NEVER declaw your kitty. When he claws, get up and leave. He will learn that clawing ends playtime and stop it. Declawing is cruel and causes other behavioral problems to develop. This website gives info on alternatives to declawing and ways to stop your kitty from clawing. Declawing is mutilation and is illegal in nearly every country except the US.
http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/
2007-12-23 12:57:56 · answer #7 · answered by ♥Pretty♥ ♥Kitty♥ 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Never declaw.
Just let your hand ( if that's what he is attacking) go limp, he will think he has won. But then play again, if he gets rough , go limp, repeat this a lot, he will soon realise the fun and games stop if his claws are out.
BTW....If you have long nails, he will think you have your claws out.
2007-12-23 13:05:37 · answer #8 · answered by Alicat 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Us a toy to play with him instead of your hands. An easy toy to make at home, and gives hours of amusement, is a shoe string. Drag that along the floor and watch him chase it. Its the cutest thing and kitty has a lot of fun and you don't get scratched.
2007-12-23 16:30:01 · answer #9 · answered by SoAZ Gal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, it seems shelly doesnt like you! you obviously bring over a bad vibe to your kitty cat. just keep calm, wear gardening gloves, and reward shelly when she hasnt clawed you.
dont back brush on shellys fur, smooth down in the direction of hair growth. (lol)
best tip of all... if she keeps clawing, leave it to your boyfriend..
2007-12-23 13:24:17 · answer #10 · answered by sara 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋