"Allan Mooney" <allan.mooney1@ntlworld.com> wrote in message

How old is the cat now? Sounds a little bit like my cat. I adopted her at
six months and for about a month, she was doing what you've described, all
friendly and then turn into playfully biting and scratching. It only lasted
a month though and now she rarely bites at all and doesn't fight very much
anymore. Depending on the age of your cat, I'd wait awhile to see if it
passes. And yes, neutering can change a cat's personality, but again, I'd
still wait awhile.

It might also be the way one plays with the cat too. I liked 'wrestling'
with my cat. I'd be laughing hysterically while she was tearing my hand to
shreds, but now it's getting increasingly difficulty to get her to wrestle,
she tries to take off instead. Almost all the time now, she's climbing all
over me especially when I'm in the kitchen and trying to mooch some food
from me.

Useful link below, Allan. Cats can become increasingly stimulated as the
petting goes on, so watch the body language. When your cat is purring and, as
he looks at you, he blinks slowly, this is calm acceptance and all is well
(by the way, always blink back at him). As soon as his tail starts moving
(even if he's still purring), this a sign either that he's becoming uneasy or
he's going into predatory mode. At this point keep hands away and engage in
predatory play using a feather, a fishing rod toy or throw a rolled-up piece
of paper. You'll need to register to interrogate FAB's site, but this is
quick and easy.

http://www.fabcats.org/nervous-aggression.html

Hi Allan,

As Upscale said, it could simply be the way you're petting him.  Some cats
don't like their ears touched - others love it.  Some don't like their tail
or belly touched - others love it.  One of my cats liked nothing better than
to be comprehensively handled and petted then, suddenly (although I got to
learn the signals), he would disdain all handling and in his own very gentle
feline way say "Stop pawing me, woman - I want to snooze!"

Try and take note of what triggers your cat's change in behaviour.  Is it
where you touch him?  Does he simply want you to stop now?  Could he be
jealous of your girlfriend?   If it's just cussedness, be cussed back.  As
soon as he "attacks", tell him firmly "No";  say you don't like his bad
behaviour and toss him on the floor unceremoniously.  Cats love their own
sense of ceremony - he will undoubtedly get your message.  If he tries to
jump back on your lap, refuse him and repeat that you don't want to be
bitten/scratched.  Next time he wants to sit with you, let him come, and
just see how he behaves.  If he's naughty, put him down again.  He sounds
like a really affectionate cat who wants to be with you *up to a point*.
Try the above approach and see if his behaviour responds.  However, if
you're simply irritating him with too much stroking, be prepared to modify
*your* behaviour a little.  You're in charge, of course, but the biggest
rule for living together (with another person, let alone another animal) is
*compromise*.

It is good that he is close to neutering; it will certainly calm him down.
In your position, I would ring the vet and ask if it's possible to bring the
neutering forward, due to kitty's aggressive behaviour.  The vet may well
agree.  Either way, keep up the training.  Apart from anything else, this
will tell kitty that you are in control.

Once things have calmed down a bit, carefully try overhandling kitty once in
a while.  Use these occasions, along with the earlier behavioural training,
to get kitty used to being handled.  This will make vetinary handling a
great deal less stressful for you, kitty and the vet.

Good luck,
Spider

I've wrestled with my one cat since she was a very small kitten and she is
the friendliest cat ever, wouldn't bite you if her life depended on it.
On the other hand, I do have a kitty with one of those "on-off" switches.
Usually, its off, she comes around and wants to be petted, or even rubs
herself against you if you don't reach out and pet her soon enough.  But
then, for what appears to be no reason other than something "flipped her
switch" she'll turn around and put her mouth on you.  I've just learned to
be very watchful when I pet her and be quick when it seems the switch might
get thrown into the "on" position.
FYI, I've had this 2nd cat since my "sweet as pie" cat gave birth to her, so
I can confidently say she has never been mistreated in any way shape or
form.

Standard advice among rescue groups where we deal with this
frequently is:
1) Never let a kitten engage in hand wrestling, keep a toy or feather
wand handy.
2) Be alert for signals ( ears and eyes) that the cat has been over
stimulated by petting and may play attack. Try to time it and stop
before the kitten gets to this point.
3) If the cat attacks, go very still and squeal OUCH! THAT HURTS!.
They frequently will stop, give you a worried look and lick your
hand.:)  This is one lesson most kittens learn from their litter
mates and is one good reason not to adopt before 12 weeks.

BarB