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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Love/hate relationship?

3 replies

Lancashiregirl · 23/01/2014 17:41

Hello, I'm new to having a cat - just "adopted" one who refused to go in his previous owners house, but kept trying to get into ours. So with the previous owners permission, we've taken him on.

He's been living rough and scrounging for food for months. He goes out for maybe 6 hours a day, but is having regular meals and sleeping here.

The problems is that he's very affectionate, almost a bit clingy, wanting to be on my lap all the time, but then he randomly bites me when he's sitting on me (especially if I'm rude enough to try to move). Not a really hard bite - doesn't break the skin - but enough to make me a bit suspicious of him.

Any ideas from people with a bit more experience than me??

OP posts:
FushandChups · 23/01/2014 18:10

I have no real experience either but my cat also bites. Tends to be when I've over fussed her - so I tend to stroke a bit and then leave her to let me know if she wants more.

so I guess she's happy to just sit on your lap but doesn't necessarily want cuddles.

I have only had Fushcat for two months though so could be totally wrong!

Your cat seems to like you A LOT though - very affectionate Smile

cozietoesie · 23/01/2014 18:11

Are you stroking or fondling him at all when he's on your lap? Sounds as if he's so excited by being with you that he's getting over-stimulated.

cozietoesie · 23/01/2014 18:23

By the way - if that was the case, it wouldn't be a real bite. (Trust me - you'd be in no doubt if you got one of those together with some claw action.) It's more a sort of explosion of tension that they've built up inside and comes out in that way.

The trick would be do to as Fush suggested. Let him make all the running - maybe a firm stroke or two on his back as an acknowledgment when he jumps up and then leave him to it.

As you really get to know him, you'll be able to see from body language when he's had enough. Maybe a tail thrash or two or some fur-shivering on his spine would be his tell.

You might also consider instituting a large cardboard box around with an unwashed fleece inside it. (ie smelling of you.) He might take to that as a substitute.

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