Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/15/2009

Question
I have had my cat Simba for 3 years and he was around 4months old. The
woman who gave him to me stated that she could no longer keep him
because she could not take care of him any longer. At first I knew he had
to get adjusted to me and my husband. When we would have guest come
over he would cry, hiss, and run in the room. Lately if anyone would come
over he would attack them unprovokingly especially children who are very
young ( 5 months old). Recently he has started attacking me when I'm
walking around the house. Simba will attack my feet and recently dug his
claws into my calf. I don't know what to do anymore. I have grown
attached to him but I can not go through this in my own home. Is there
some kind of medication he can take?

Answer
Monique,

First is he neutered? That helps a lot of behavior problems.

Some cats, especially ones with feral parents, are fiercely protective of their caregiver and perceive strangers as threats. The best way to help the problem behavior with guests is to lock him up (with his necessities...food, water, litter box) before your guests arrive, or come in the house. That way everyone is safe and the cat is less stressed. Let him out again when the 'coast is clear'.

Cats with a feral background are natural hunters and if they are inside-only cats they need to satisfy that hunting urge. The cat may be 'hunting and attacking' your ankles and legs only because they move. He may not be doing it to hurt you intentionally and may not know he is doing so.

I would try to give him a scratching post tree (kitty condo) that he can climb on. Also 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!

If the cat is attacking your legs from a certain place, then take a toy mouse or ball with you and throw it in another directon when you think he will ambush you. Realize that the cat's behavior may be a way of telling you he wants to play and be ready for it. Spend some quality time playing with him and help him burn some energy.

Sometimes letting that type of cat outside for a while (under supervision) helps improve their temperament. Being inside when it's instinct makes him want to be outside to hunt (even if it's a leaf) can make a cat unhappy and bitter.  A cat with a feral background is not a domesticated housecat and will not act or behave like one. They carry alot of inherited bagage and an inbred distrust and fear of humans.

Something 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!

If you don't feel that the cat is playing, have a folded newspaper handy or carry one when you think the cat is going to attack your ankles or leg. Whap him with the newspaper when he goes for your ankles to scare him, and at the same time loudly say "NO ANKLES!" That is so he can associate the newspaper and loud voice with your ankles. Make sure to wait a few minutes then love on him. You want him to be scared to attack your ankles but NOT to be scared of you! You may want to throw one of his toys to show him toys are OK to attack but your ankles aren't!

A cat with that behavior it is sometimes helpful to get another cat about the same age to keep your cat company and to play kitty games with (after about a 2 week introduction process which I can tell you about if needed).

Behavior problems can be signs of illness or pain. It is important for a cat with an aggression problem to be examined by a vet. Ear infections, arthritis, bite wounds, abscessed teeth, etc. can cause aggression.

You can speak to your vet about a prescription for 'kitty Prozac'. It is commonly used for cats who are stressed, aggressive, or have emotional issues. Sometimes a short term dose will work, others need it long term.

Tabbi