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Cats/My Attension Seeking Cat

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Expert: - 9/26/2007


Question
My cat bites. Usually when I'm sitting down watching TV, brushing my teeth, washing the dishes , getting ready to sleep etc. She starts biting me what do U think this caused from and she also is kicking my other pregnant cat in the stomach and they then start fighting. Why is she doing this.

Answer
Hi Nelly,

You have answered your question in your title. She is doing the biting to you because you are responding in some way that she likes. It is an attention seeking behavior that you are reinforcing. I would suggest that the next time she goes to bite you blow in her face. This will startle her and she will back away. Keep this up each time she tries to bite you. This should break her of her biting you.

The kicking and fighting between her and your other cat is just natural behavior with cats. It has to do with mostly "You're in my space, now get out". Let them deal with it. I bet right afterwards they are fine like nothing happened. It is normal.

I have a suggestion for your pregnant cat. If you aren't, start to feed her kitten food now. This will give her the extra nutrients that she needs during her pregnancy. And keep feeding her it while she nurse the kits. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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