Expert: Dear Tabbi - 12/3/2008

Question
Okay, so I rescued a cat that was wondering around our neighborhood. I already had a cat for 12 years however, couldn't let the new cat go. She took over the place instantly! So, we have had her 4 years and she is very cute all black and pretty small. She loves to cuddle and gets in bed under the covers with me, wraps her paws around me for a few hours snuggles and gets up when I get up.  However, sometimes she makes this weird meow and wants to bite, once she gets hold of you, she is soooo strong it sometimes takes 2 hands or 2 people to get her off.  I don't understand she is such a cuddler, loving and playful then pow! She's a devil! Help! My poor other cat is a nervous wreck and can't even do her pooh in peace, this cat waits around the corner and ambushes her!

Answer
Lisa,

If your cat had a feral parent, it can be very lovable, but most DO NOT like to be held or restrained. They also do not like to be petted for very long. Also a cat will bite from over-stimulation. You need to watch for the warning signs she's had enough BEFORE she attacks. The tail is the key. If your cat starts twitching her tail in a jerky fashion it's time to leave her alone...NOW! Or if she gives a warning meow, or if her ears go back. If she's already attacked your arm (or elsewhere) don't fight her or she may bite harder. Sometimes slapping your other hand hard against a hard surface like the top of  a table  may startle the cat into breaking off the attack. But if you stay still, she usually will calm down and release you.

This is one of the few behavior problems for which a second cat might be recommended (after the adjustment period and introduction stage).  A second cat of the same age and temperament will sometimes solve the behavior problem by satisfying the pet’s need for active play that humans can't do.

Don't ever play with your cat with your hands, or 'roughhouse' with her, use an interactive toy instead. Only use your hands to pet. Use a fishing pole type toy, a pet laser light (that shines a little 'red bug' on the floor and walls that cats love to try to catch) that you can get at PetSmart or somewhere similar, a rope to pull, or a stuffed mouse to throw. Those are some examples.

Give her a raw beef rib bone periodically as a treat to chew on. Go to the supermarket and have the butcher cut some beef ribs in half. Though some cats don't care for meat, most cats enjoy them. It satisfies the hunting and 'fresh kill' instinct that is inherited in some cats. Especially if they are indoor cats and can't go outside to satisfy the urge to hunt. Plus the fibers in the meat cleans their teeth.

Pain also causes aggression. You may want to make sure it isn't a medical issue causing her behavior, especially if she suddenly started behaving that way.

As a last resort you may want to speak to a vet about putting the cat on 'kitty Prozac' to help calm her. It is a common medication for that purpose.

I hope this helps,

Tabbi