Kittenhood to blame for psychopathic cat? (Love him..)

[CraigRevelHorwoodsPetCat]

I have a grouchy old cat, love the bones of him. He is called Izzy - due to a slight gender mix up any way, Izzy is extremely hostile. He won't let me pick him up, and I'm just waiting for the day my neighbour tells me he's eaten her little Yorkshire Terrier. I've tried everything with him over the years - he's just grumpy and does what he wants.

I got him when (IMO) he was far too young; only seven or so weeks. But in my defence, his mother had died and he was going to be drowned.

He's now about ten years old. But I'm just wondering - because he was so young and didn't have a mother, (to keep him in line give him a little nip when he was naughty) did this contribute to his psychopathic highly strung nature? He's always been a biter. Literally would snuggle around you for two minutes and then sink his teeth in to your arm.

I know his signs and I can handle him. He doesn't bother with other people or children - but I've always wondered.

Please advise, lovely cat people

[Fluffycloudland77]

It's advised to home them at 8 weeks now so perhaps he's just his own man?.

Some cats don't give much back.

[CraigRevelHorwoodsPetCat]

Really? Just eight weeks? I remember him biting me the whole way home in the car; and he hasn't stopped since. He is totally pandered to; he must just have a wee personality problem

[Bogburglar99]

I had as a teenager a huge, eccentric, crashingly stupid and totally psychopathic black and white tomcat, name of Blott (as in On the Landscape).

He was part of a semi feral litter at a riding stables and was delivered to us at 4 weeks old as they were worried the horses were going to stand on them. This tiny ball of fluff stalked out of the cardboard box, put up all his hackles and swore at my parents Labrador. It went from there really .

He was never a safe bet but we all loved him. It's entirely unscientific but I have always thought he must have missed out on some pretty significant parts of socialisation by being taken so early.

So plural of anecdote is not data but I think there's something in your theory.

[Bogburglar99]

Actually I'm wondering if 4 weeks is right - it is a little while twenty years since I was a teenager. But very small, anyway.

[CraigRevelHorwoodsPetCat]

Aww I love his name. My psychopath is black and white too; with the longest tail you'd ever see. A beautiful boy but you cannot relax with him. He is the cat who gives other cats a bad name but I've always wondered if his mum had have been around a wee while longer; would he be more well balanced

[CMOTDibbler]

2 out of 3 of my cats are pretty evil - the other is just psychologically damaged. One of them was rehomed as a kitten from a dumped litter, and we do wonder if that was the issue.

[Curiouserandcuriouser30]

Many years ago my family had a little rescue cat, who we had from very young (can't remember now her exact age, but I know the vet said she was younger than a kitten normally would be when they leave their mother) and she was a little psychopath, pretty much as you describe! We loved her though, she was such a cute little thing, but she would also do that thing where they sit on your lap for 5 minutes, and then bite you and run away if you move! Never had a cat quite so mental challenging since, so perhaps it was down to the lack of kitty parenting she had had.

[Atomik]

Some cats are just like that. It's the luck of the draw,

DMC1 we found abandoned in nearby woodlands. He was five weeks tops. The most lovely, well mannered boy you could hope to meet.

DFC was brought to me as found abandoned at around nine days old. Bottle fed. Spoilt rotten. Isn't utterly convinced she is a cat, seems to think DH is her boyfriend (sleeps on his chest, one stretched out paw on either cheek, licks his face vigorously despite all his protests if he takes a two second break from kissing the top of her head). If DH isn't free she take any warm human going for claw free cuddles. Does misbehave A LOT, but without malice.

DMC2 was abandoned in NDN's garden. Around six weeks old. Looks like an angel. Is a complete psychopath. We have to shut him in another room when people come over becuase he likes hurting unsuspecting humans (who are taken in by the beauty of a pure white ball of fluff) as often as possible. And he breaks our stuff. On purpose. He miaows, looks at you, and just as you are leaping to your feet sends something breakable flying with a pink toed paw and a smirk. If there is nothing to break he will spray something you love. Despite being neutered at the right time.

I love him, but he is an utter utter bastard.

I've known other psychopath-kitties who arrived at the right time and under ideal circumstances that have been every bit as bad, if not worse, than DMC2

It is worth sticking to the guidelines when circumstances allow, cos that will probably up the chances of the best possible adult temperament for that particular cat. But it won't eliminate all potential to share your life with cat who has a ... dark side.

[orangeyellowgreen]

My two were trapped from a feral colony and separated from their mum at 4 weeks to be socialised. Both are gentle and loving but only with our family, they hide away if anybody else comes into the house.
I think a cat's nature is innate.

[Oldraver]

I once had a kitten that was thought to be 5 weeks old. His Mum was a 'barn cat' as the vet described her. She was feral and would only allow the lady of the farm to go anyway near her. Mum was run over hence getting the kitten early.

He was always a terror and was very choosy over who he would let touch him. You could never touch his belly or his back.

Next two were 6 week old boy and girl litter mates and they spent weeks clinging togetherbut turned out to be very friendly cats

Ernie cat id 16 weeks and we got him at 8 weeks. He had been in house with 4 DC's and was very used to being handled. He lies on his back and invites you to tickle and kiss his stomach. I was woken this morning by him licking my feet