Expert: Tomay - 9/13/2004

Question
My cat Osiris will not let me brush his stomach. He loves to be brushed evrywhere else. Touch his stomach and he attacks. He is also very mean to my friends that come over, he attacks them from behind chairs he bites and claws(very violent)
but he LOVES me and never bites or scratches. unless I try to brush his stomach.
Have any answers?
William

Answer
William,
Thank you for your inquiry.  I, also, have a cat named Osiris! But he LOVES to have his belly rubbed.  Most of my cats do, however, in my experience with other people's cats, there are certainly those who just HATE it, like your guy.  I have always just considered it a personal preference and what they got used to as kittens.  However, biting or clawing should not be accepted as normal behaviour.  If he were mine, I would confine him to another part of the home when guests visit.  Some people are suseptible to 'cat scratch fever', a most unpleasant experience making the recipient very ill, via scratching and/or biting.  Animal bites can become dangerous if not treated promptly. It would be a good idea, also, to consult someone who specializes in cat behaviour and modification for advice on deterring and discouraging unwanted and/or violent behaviour.  Hope this is helpful.
Tomay