Expert: Melissa Burg, Veterinary Technician - 10/20/2010

Question
Please can you help. I have a 1 year old neutered tom cat who continuously attacks the family, wether we are walking around the house, sitting watching tv or asleep in bed. He will jump at us, bite and claw then race round the house like a mad man. hes distroyed carpets, my vertical blinds, clothes and numerous cables. we give him loads of love and attention but nothing seems to slow him down. even when washing dishes he will climb in the sink of water just to get in your way. this is really tiring me out as i dont get much sleep and work full time although someone is always at home for him.

Answer
What he needs is something to distract his time. Do you have plenty of toys? Whenever you suspect he is going to act, toss a toy across the room. But make sure he can either hear it or see it being tossed. One thing I read I would like you to try as well as that's making a playtime for him throughout the day. It doesn't have to be a long time, but schedule it so that it turns into a routine, typically when he's at his worst.

Between that and distracting him, I think this will work out for you. But don't expect an immediate change and it sounds like he has a lot of pent up energy.