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Cats/My cat has been attacking my face.
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Question
My cat will be a year old sometime around the end of July beginning of August. My father found her when she was a few weeks old in front of our house. For the past 3 months or so my cat has been attacking my face. When she first started to do it she would stop after I would pop her. Lately though it has been getting worse and she's getting a lot meaner when she does it. I can be sitting in my chair and her sitting on my floor or in my lap and she jumps up from were ever she is to my face and start to attack. Now when she attacks my face and I go to move her she goes straight to my hand and attacks it. She’s also starting to leave scars on me. I don't know what’s wrong with her. She has always has been nice to me up until this. She has nothing to do with my mom or dad unless they feed her for me when I’m not home or sick, nor does she do this to them. I love my cat and she is usually very loving to me. Any ideas on how I can get her to stop attacking me like this?
Hi Ashley,
The first thing you want to do is take her to the vet. A change in behavior like that might be the symptom of something bothering her. If she checks out okay let's do a walk through of different things that can cause the aggression. Has anything changed in the house? Is there a new person or animal around? Does she see or hear an animal outside? Have you been someplace where there are animals? All these things can trigger her behavior.
Think at when she has this behavior. What happened right before? Was she at a window or door? Was someone over?
You have to play detective here. If you can't figure out anything that is upsetting her, and she checks out okay, write back and I'll be able to help you further. But I think one of these things are the problem. Good luck and write back.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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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