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Cats/Cat Attacks Legs

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Expert: - 1/11/2009


Question
Hi Ali-

 I would appreciate your help in answering a question about  one of my
american domestic short hair cats. His name is George and starting from
when he was about 9 months or so, he seems to take enjoyment in constantly
pouncing on my thighs. He will only do this in the morning and night.  He
hides behind and under things like my dining room table or boxes and waits
for me to walk by. Then he jumps out, yowls, and pounces on my thighs. He
doesn't unsheath his claws. If it helps, he is a strictly indoor cat. He only does
this to myself, not my husband or my son. I've heard of products that you
plug into the wall like and air freshener and spray "fumes" that supposedly
calm the animal down. Would these help? Thank you again for your help.

   Donna

Answer
Donna,

How long has George been attacking your legs?

What have you tried to deal with this less than desirable behavior?

To be completely honest there isn't much call to use the pheromone plug ins, they likely wouldn't work in this situation...This is a behavioral issue that can be changed with some basic behavioral work and consistency....With the answers to the above questions I may be able to help you to figure out how to stop this behavior so that you and George can live more happily with one another.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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