Expert: Dear Tabbi - 3/4/2009

Question
I have a DSH cat, I adopted him from a animal shelter, he was a stray. I got him fixed about a month or so after I adopted him. And I thought his crazy behaviors would stop, but they only got worse. I will walk by him and he will attack my feet and legs. While I'm asleep he will attack me. He plays in my toilet, he loves water (so squirting him is out of the question). He runs outside ( i want him to be an inside cat), and doesn't listen when I call his name. I'll pick him up, he'll purr and then after i pet him, he'll bite my hand/arm or even my face. He climbs up my moms curtains, he is ruining the furniture. The only problem I don't have with him, is that he uses his litter box. I buy him toys, and things to play in. I bought him a scratching bed, and a little carpet toy. Nothing will stop him from miss behaving. PLEASE HELP!

Answer
AB,

You have a healthy, energetic, smart, and bored cat. You may want to think about getting him a kitty friend. A kitten especially needs a playmate to rastle, chase, and play kitty games with that humans can't. They also get comfort and companionship from another cat. It's just as easy to take care of two, even easier, because the cat isn't depending on you or himself to keep him amused. There is about a 2 week to a month introduction period, but it may help keep him occupied and out of trouble.

If the cat likes water then let him play in it if he doesn't make a mess. He is just keeping himself occupied. I leave the bathroom faucet with a little drip doing (without a strainer or stopper in it!) and my cats love to drink out of it and play with the drips. It's harmless.

Try getting some energy burning toys. A pet laser light is excellent for that. The cats love to chase the little 'red bug' on the floors, ceilings, and walls. You can get them at Petco/PetSmart/etc.

Put a couple of ping pong balls in the bathtub (make sure you plug the drain though or they will get stuck). The cat can chase and bat the balls without losing them, and slip and slide doing it.

My cats also like to watch cat videos on TV. It really holds the cat's interest. I got mine at:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)
http://petsittervideos.com/index.html

Also a cat tree/kitty condo scratching post with levels is good for them to run up and down on which kittens love to do. Putting it in front of a window where they can sit up on it and look out helps.
Try rubbing one with catnip!

It sounds like you have a hunter cat. They LOVE to go outside to hunt...even if it's a leaf. To keep a hunter cat well adjusted inside (and keep the from attacking your legs because they move) get some little sparkly crafts balls (I get mine at Wal Mart in the crafts dept. or at a craft store). My cats will retrieve them when I throw them. They also like little stuffed furry toy mice. Even pull a shoestring around for him to chase.

Giving them a raw beef rib bone (I have the butcher cut them in half) satisfies the "fresh kill'. Plus the fibers help clean their teeth.

His actions about being held and petted are very typical of a cat who had a feral parent. They are not like domesticated house cats and do not like being petted for very long or restrained. They can be very loving, follow you around, and lay next to you, but not loved on or cuddled. AND they usually only bond to one person. Distrust of humans is inbred in them. To protect yourself from bites or scratches you need to watch the feral  closely. They will give you warnings when they have had enough petting or touching. Ears will pin back, they may growl, but the main sign is their tail. If it starts twitching or swishing back and forth, the time to stop petting them is....NOW! When you have a feral that doesn't like to be touched....don't. Respect how the cat is and accept it. It will make for a happier living situation. Biting is a reflex action for protection. Pet from behind the head. Coming from the front is a recipe for claws coming out or being bit.

Try playing with him an hour before you go to bed. Then give him a can of catfood. With him being tired from playing, and a full tummy, he should sleep during the night. Also leave a bowl of dry catfood, like Iams Kitten Chow, so he can munch if he gets hungry before you wake up.

He's a special cat....love him for the annoying little monster that he is. You don't say how old your cat is, but if he is under a year old then don't worry, he will grow out of it and settle down...probably within another year! (smile)

I hope this helps.

Tabbi