Expert: Dear Tabbi - 2/17/2009

Question
I have had my cat for about 4 month now. He is  stray cat and is about 6 or 7 month old. He has gotten all the vet care that was required. I live alone with him in a pretty big apartment, and he is fed twice a day and has many toys. He always has been very high energy, which is fine but he has been getting more and more violent. At the time he was not neutered yet so I assumed that was the cause. Now he has been neutered about two month ago and is just becoming more angry. For instance, I will be siting at the table, or watching a movie, and he starts attacking my legs and baying very hard. I keep saying the same way NO firmly while clamping in my hands, but he wont listen. I tried spray bottle, but he broke it. It just has become very hard to concentrate on the things I have to do with him around. What can I do to keep him from baying?

Answer
Chloe,

A cat that is used to being outside may be very unhappy being an inside cat. Some cats need to hunt. He may be trying to satisfy that urge by attacking your legs.

Try getting some little furry stuffed mice that you can throw and he can catch; get a pet laser light (PetSmart, Petco, etc,) where he can chase the 'little red bug' on the floors, wall, and ceilings. They also love the sparkly craft balls that you get in a package in Wal-Mart's craft dept., or at a craft store. Mine carry those around in their mouth

Another thing that hunter type cats like, periodically for a treat, is a raw beef rib bone. I have the butcher cut some in half. The cats satisfy their 'fresh kill' instinct by pulling on the meat, the protein is good for them, and the fibers in the meat help clean their teeth. Not all cats are interested in them (some of mine aren't...one of mine won't touch meat, raw OR cooked) but the 'hunters' usually have fun with them. Sometimes they will growl at you if you look like you might take their prize away!

He may be bored. MAYBE getting another cat about his age would give him someone to play kitty games with and rastle around with. After a correct two week introduction period (In a followup I will send instructions for introductions if needed).

I would keep a rolled up newspaper handy. When he starts to bite bop him with it and say loudly "don't bite!". The newspaper will scare him but not hurt him. Cats learn by association. Repeat everytime he tries to bite until he associates the newspaper with biting. BUT always wait a few minutes then pet him. You want him afraid of biting, but NOT afraid of YOU!

There is cat calming product that you can add to his food or water that reduces anxiety called Bach's Rescue Remedy. It is available on-line and in health food stores. Here is a link about it:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)
http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

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

Pain is a common reason for aggressive behavior too. You may want to make sure nothing is physically wrong first.

You may want to find out if he would be happier being able to go outside. And remember, there are a LOT of very loving cats that are being put down every day only because of overcrowding. Many people don't agree, but it's not always good to think with your heart and not your head when it comes to a cat that you can't enjoy and that may end up injuring you. Some cats are just not meant to be housecats.

Tabbi