My 5 year old cat bites

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Vicky Murphy - 22 Apr 2004 16:18 GMT

Hi,

I adopted a 5 year old cat from the local rescue centre back in January. We
had a few problems at the beginning that he was doing random attacks on my
boyfriend when he came home from work. This seems to have stopped but he
seems to have taken up biting me instead - I am putting it down to attention
seeking am I right in thinking this. He doesn't do this with my boyfriend
(doesn't really bother with him at all - doesn't even sit on his lap!) With
me though he follows me around and always wants to be on my lap.

Is there a way of stopping the biting it seems to be in phases he can go for
a week not doing it then all of a sudden he is doing it everyday.

Many thanks,

Vicky

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m. L. Briggs - 22 Apr 2004 18:29 GMT

>Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
>Vicky

Even "love bites can draw blood.My cat used to do this and, frankly,
I'd yell at her. She doesn't like that. Let him know he hurts you
then ignore him for a while. I know this is non-professional advice,
but whatever works.

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Mmhsb - 22 Apr 2004 20:23 GMT

I've found that repetition works - say "no" while touching/lightly tapping
the tip of his nose with your finger tip, with eye contact. I've used this
close-contact training technique to deter cats from biting, extending nails
& hurting, scratching... They quickly come to understand that the behavior
is totally unacceptable. They can tell from your tone & look as you capture
their attention with the nose tap that you are displeased. Sounds like he
wants your attention but needs a bit of positive reinforcement. Cats that
were left behind need lots of attention to let them know they're at home and
belong to you. Quiet time, patting & talking to them with frequent eye
contact builds bonds fast. Sounds like he's claiming Mom as his own,
following you around...

> >Hi,
> >
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> then ignore him for a while. I know this is non-professional advice,
> but whatever works.

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Vicky Murphy - 26 Apr 2004 19:17 GMT

I thought that perhaps he was seeing me as his mum - because he has a habit
of stealing my t-shirts too!

I will definately try what you have suggested.

Many thanks

> I've found that repetition works - say "no" while touching/lightly tapping
> the tip of his nose with your finger tip, with eye contact. I've used this
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
> > then ignore him for a while. I know this is non-professional advice,
> > but whatever works.

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Gee - 22 Apr 2004 20:27 GMT

> I'd yell at her. She doesn't like that. Let him know he hurts you
> then ignore him for a while. I know this is non-professional advice,
> but whatever works.

I scream in pain, even if it doesn;t hurt. This is the way a cats teach each
other while growing up so they'll know what it means. Also the louder you do
it(in a high pitched voice), the more it will upset their fine hearing sense
so they will learn in no time that bite means awful screaming - hence stop
doing it. Worked on mine 5 in less then a week.But you must do it EVERY time
he bites, even if it desont; hurt to create a negative association.

Gee

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