arsey cat

[CaipirinhasAllRound]

Our cat is 75% lovely, 25% horrid. Every now and then he stalks us attacking our feet and ankles and jumping up at us with teeth and claws. He's horrible like that and we have to back away pulling him off us. It only lasts a few minutes but we've both been scratched loads

Luckily we don't have children and he scarpers if any come to the house

He's about 3 and we got him from the Rspca when he was 8 mths. He can be really soppy and likes to suckle on our clothing and he follows us around as loves company. We think he was seemed to early and I assume he wasn't treated we'll as a kitten

I really want to stop the aggression aggression he's lovely other than that but I don't know how

Any words of wisdom?

[cozietoesie]

Could you work out any common factors in what's been happening before he lets loose?

[CaipirinhasAllRound]

It's normally last thing at night but seems to come out if nowhere, just see the ears go back and we know we're in trouble

I just read my first post, it's meant to say weened early

[cozietoesie]

That's OK - knew what you meant.

If one of my cats was doing that (and they've all had moments in their lives), I'd assume that I was doing something unacceptable (to them) in providing a good environment. Without any real information, I'd initially be thinking too little or too much interaction couple with a lack of discipline.

Sorry if that's rather wide but we have so little to go on. I'm assuming he's neutered but what is your normal household routine ? eg

Does he go outside and if so does he still use a tray in the house ?
Do you both work outside the house and how long would he be alone for?
How long do you play with him every day and when?
Where does he sleep ?

All those sorts of things.

Tell us a bit about him and you.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Do you wear slippers at night before bed? Toes spring up as we walk, it's not noticeable really unless you video it and slow the motion down.

I'm a podiatrist so we do that kind of thing at university.

Toes springing up is more noticeable to a predator at mid calf height though, and rather tantalising too.

Unless you do wear slippers, in that case ignore me.

[Iseeall]

Cats are nocturnal creatures so attacking you in the evening is just about the time your cat is up and about and ready for playtime/hunting his human.
Does he have lots of toys, lots of little balls for you to throw and for him to fetch. I think you need a good long evening playtime session with him.

[yetanotherworry]

We used to have a cat like this. We rescued him when he was approx 2 and previously he'd spent a few months living outside in someone's garden - they phoned the cats shelter when winter came and they were worried.
Basically we adapted out behaviour slightly to suit him. We couldn't stick our feet out of the bed as he would pounce on them, we wouldn't touch him in places he didn't like, etc... His behaviour did calm down as he got older.
If you're worried about how he'll behave with children, our cat was wonderful when ds was born. We rehomed the cat (went overseas) when ds was 3.5 and the cat never pounced/scratched him in all that time even though he was poked and prodded on several occasions.

[deliasmithy]

Mine can act up when bored or in a playful mood and want attention. If I don't respond the level of naughtiness increases.

Do you play fight with him at other times with your hands or feet? I had to have words with my dh as I spotted him doing this and it definitely aggravated our formerly foul tempered cat - they dont understand when its acceptable or not.

I behave in a hostile manner when they attempt bad behaviour - loud claps frighten them off.
I ensure I offer lots of head rubs, chin strokes, tummy rubs and other rewards when they are being nice.
Currently trying to teach my new male kitten that i dont appreciate biting!