Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/30/2008

Question
Hi,

I'm a little lost on what to do about Apollo.  He's very sweet, but his behavior is changing and becoming more and more aggressive.

I adopted him when he was 6 months old, and we instantly bonded.  I knew, however, that he was going to need special attention because he had a brother his whole life, and now they are separated.

Apollo had a slight biting problem when I first got him, as well as attacking hands (thinking they are toys).  I assume his first owner allowed this behavior.

He's 10 months old now, and I've tried everything to get him to stop, but he's getting worse.  He constantly wants attention...if I am working on my computer, he sits at my front door howling.  If I am in the kitchen, he gets on counters.  When he feels feisty, he gets aggressive and thinks my arm is a shedding toy.

I have used spray bottles, telling him NO and NO Bites.  I have tried avoiding any physical reinforcement, but have been backed into a corner with that.  I try tapping him on the nose, and he thinks it's fun time.  Lately, the last few days or so, he's been full on attacking my arm for no reason, and he won't let go.  He used to let go the first moment I raised my voice, but lately, he's gotten stronger, and more aggressive, and the only way I can get him to let go is to pop him.  I feel awful about this, and I know it's a catch 22.  The odd thing is, Apollo loves loves affection way more than any other cat I've ever known, and the aggression usually comes when he thinks I'm "ignoring" him.

I'm not sure what to do.  

Bleeding and sad,
Vanessa

Answer
Vanessa,

If you can get his brother back I would. Apollo needs a kitty companion for company and companionship, and to play kitty games with. It's easier to take care of two cats because it takes the pressure off of you to keep them occupied and amused.

Sometimes you need to be more forceful with a stubborn cat. Get a rolled up newspaper and swat him when he starts to get aggressive with you. It doesn't hurt them but the noise scares them. If he quits, wait a few minutes then give him love. If he starts to bite again, swat him again and said loudly "no biting!" He should start to associate the rolled up newspaper and loud noise with the biting and stop. And try giving him a small amount of affection before he 'asks for it', then say "that's enough" and stop. And keep the rolled up newspaper handy.

And think seriously about getting a second cat for a companion...and more toys. He sounds like he is bored and needs more stimulation.

You may want to get him a checkup too. Anytime a cat becomes aggressive it could mean that he is in pain or something is wrong. It could be a dental problem, an earache, an infection, etc. It's better to make sure it not a medical issue before dealing with it as a behavioral problem.

Tabbi