Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/5/2008

Question
The letter from Natalie 7/14/08, could almost have been written by me. I have adopted a male cat, who was a stray. It had been neutered, so was a pet. I have had him for a week. He seems to want affection, and will jump on my lap when I sit, rub up against my hand, and when I pet him bite me. The last time was hard, and he broke the skin in two places. I won't be able to keep him if he continues.

Answer
Sylvia,

First make SURE that he IS a stray and not someone's lost pet. Someone may be heartsick about losing the cat.

He may have gotten out someone's door on Halloween when the door was opening frequently, someone may have moved into the neighborhood and the cat escaped and got lost or is trying to find it's way to the old home, or he may have been in heat and wandered off.

True, someone may have moved and left behind the cat, but for my own conscience I would put up signs around the neighborhood and in the windows were people shop and get gas locally. I would also call the SPCA and Animal Control and report that you found the cat in case someone is looking for it. Maybe even put an ad in the paper.

I get questions from heart-broken people that are so sad and want help on how to find their beloved lost kitties that I try to make sure that the cat a person 'found' is not someone's lost pet.

Did you also read the answer I gave Natalie? That information will also pertain to you.

Here are some other reasons for biting:

Some cats gets over excited when you pet them and they bite. Some cats will bite when you stop petting them because that is their only means of communication. Some cats may have a sore or tender area that when you touch them there it hurts and they bite. Some cats only like to be petted for a brief time. Watch his ears and tail. If his ears go back or his tail swisheds the stop petting him immediately. Those are his warning signs.

When he is on your lap and he bites then dump him on the floor and say loudly and firmly "don't bite!". Wait a few minutes then pet him again. If he tries to bite again, then dump him again. Cats go by association. He will eventually connect his biting with being dumped and hopefully will stop.

I hope this helps.
Tabbi