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Cats/An odd behavior when playing and petting

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Expert: - 4/19/2007


Question
Hi, my name is Mike and I have a cat that I recued out of a barn as a kitten. I raised her and this cat looks up to me with every breath in her body. Anyway, since she has gotten older (4-6 yrs old) she has been displaying odd behavior.

When she jumps on the bed and I stroke her, she quickly sits down, turns and nips (NOT bites, NIPS) at my hand and begins to swat at it. She also when she catches my hand, if I let her, licks my hand. Its very odd and has been bugging me for quite some time. HELP!

Answer
Hi Mike,

Since this is a new behavior I would first get her to a vet to be checked. She may have something going on inside and where you are touching her is causing some type of discomfort. If all checks out okay we go on to the next step.
I have two cats who do that. I have found that they want the attention and affection but they don't want me to touch them in the usual areas. When you pet her see where she doesn't like to be touched. Keep away from those ares. Also look for signs that she is done with the petting. If she switches her tail, flattens her ears or if her head moves toward your hand stop petting her. She is licking you because she looks at you as part of her family.
When one of mine starts the biting behavior I blow in his face. This startles them and they stop what they are doing. Sometimes you have to adjust the way you pet them. There isn't much else you can really do to stop this Jekyl and Hyde behavior. Just love the for who they are and be careful. 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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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