Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/23/2008

Question
One week ago I adopted a male cat from a rescue group. He is about 2 years old, they told me. He was neutered in mid-May. He seems nice in general. He likes attention and to be petted and he purrs. I was hoping to eventually train a cat to be a therapy cat. I had a very pleasant surprise when, after only a few days, I managed to get a harness on him and now I keep it on all the time and take him outside with a leash most days. Harnesses are supposed to be usually very tough to put on and makes cats react badly, but this was not really so hard, with him.

The main problem I have is that I may have him on my lap, and petting him, and he nips my finger. In fact, whenever my fingers are near his mouth he usually bites. It's not a really vicious bite, but it's very unwelcome, especially for a possible therapy cat. What I tend to do is yell "No!" and put him on the ground. But he still does it.

I wonder if it's based on some underlying hostility he has, maybe he resents some way I take care of him.

I thought of one solution but I'd like your opinion first. I could put some unpleasant-tasting material like cayenne on my fingers. Or would this tend to make him avoid my hand altogether? Anyway, I'd like to hear what you think about all of this.

Thanks,

Answer
Milton,

That is great that you had an easy time with the harness. You're lucky he adapted to it so easily.

When he bites, don't say "NO!" because "no" can be for any number of things. Be specific. Say "Don't bite!". And don't "put" him on the ground....dump him! He needs to associate the words "Don't bite!" and being dumped on the floor with the act of biting. Wait a few minutes then pick him up and love on him. If he bites again, repeat. Getting firmer each time. I wouldn't use cayennne pepper or anything that would cause him pain, He wouldn't understand and he would  associate hands with the pepper and that would be counter-productive.

His behavior probably also stems from over-stimulation when you pet him. Pet him briefly at one time, don't over-pet.

If he had a feral parent(s) then his behavior could be inherited. In that case he will most likely always be that way, and be unpredictable. He may not be a good candidate for a therapy cat. Time will tell as you try to correct his behavior.

If he continues his behavior, go to a shelter and spend some time with each cat you like. Get to know their personalities. Look for a kitty that doesn't hide, that seems comfortable around people, and is friendly. If a cat gets up and comes to you, then it wants your attention. That's a good friendly outgoing kitty, and may make a good therapy cat.

Too bad you aren't in the Sacramento area. I know of a cat that was left behind when his owners moved out of state that would be IDEAL for a therapy cat. All he wants in life is to be held and loved on!

Tabbi