Does this mean that the best way to prevent him from theses attacks is
to divert his attention asap in a positive manner? Also, just out of
interest, is the medication a daily thing, & in your opinion, does it
help the situation somewhat too?
Sheelagh >"o"<

I am also interested in the medication, I have heard about it but fear that
it will cost to much. I am a recent graduate and am still looking for a
position so my funds are limited. Also, have you heard anything about cats
who attack randomly having some type of health problems? Any suggestions for
allergy relief from him. I have considered getting his fur shortened ( he is
a long hair), but his coat is so beautiful I don't want to lose it.

My cat Randy was an ankle biter when he was young, from about kittenhood
to age 3. Then he suddenly lost interest in it.

yes sometimes animals who have had a head trauma will behave in a
bizarre fashion, also if they have some sort of tumour growing in
their brains, just the same as in humans (see story of phineas gage,
got to be on the internet somewhere!). it might not be this at all but
you say he has a broken tail, this might be from an argument with a
car perhaps and he may have sustained head injuries at the same time
too which coudl be affecting his behaviour.

anyway, please don't give up on him, use the method of distracting him
as described above. does he get to go outside and run off his energy?
if he is kept indoors it may be that he is not being stimulated enough
for a kitty of his age and energy and that as you are his only source
of entertainment and stimulation he is taking it out on you. if he is
going to cooped up indoors then think about how you will keep him
entertained, doesn't need to cost much at all, just some cheap toys,
lots of cardboard boxes for him to jump into and hide in, you get the
idea?

he may calm down as he grows older, he may not, but if you can manage
his behaviour with distracting tactics then it will be better for the
both of you. maybe talk to a vet about the possibility of this
medication to calm him? also talk to the vet about possibility of head
injury considering the state you picked him up in.

either way give him a chance, he probably does not know that what he
is doing is not normal, whatever some freaks might think kitties do
not do stuff specifically to annoy us it is just that their instincts
and the world around them drives them to performs certain behaviours
whch we sometimes do not appreciate but we can learn to manage over
time.
best of luck with the little fellow, and any photos woudl be very
welcome

bookie