Re-home? wondering if keeping my cat is the best thing

[SimLondon]

I took on a rescue feral cat/kitten - the rescue society were certain that he would always be an outdoor cat and not tame. However, he has grown into an indoor cat role and hates the idea of going outside.

But, he is constantly biting and scratching, us and the furniture - its like his way of communicating and he intimidates the toddler :-( and he bites and claws me every night. So i have to put him outside during the day which he hates - should i go back to the rescue place, or go with the status quo?

How long have you had him? Does he have scratching pads? Are you playing with him and giving him some attention after kids go to bed of during nap time?

I realise I've given you no help whatsoever, I guess you probably need to stick it out for a while...

Young cats often bite and scratch because they think they are playing. When he does it say "no" and turn away from him and give him no attention. He will probably calm down.

How old is he? Has he been castrated yet?

Thanks he's just over 18 months - and yes has been 'done'. I don't think he's being nasty - it's just how he his, currently he digging his claws into me, he's been fed, cuddled but just wants to curl up next to me and sink his claws in. I have never known a cat like it - he's the first male cat though that i've had (previously had 3 females).

Could you clip his claws? The vets sell nipper for the job & I'm sure would show you if you asked nicely.

:-) it's not just the claws he bites all the time as well.

But the problem is - he doesn't want to go outside at all - but because he bites and claws constantly i can't let him stay inside all day - i have to supervise closely with the toddler

The minute he bites or claws deprive him of your company - pick him up, put him outside the room and shut the door. (Ignore any pitiful howls.) Let him back in after - say - 20 minutes by simply opening the door and them ignoring him if he comes in.

And repeat. He obviously yearns for company (the cuddling next to you) but he has to learn manners.

When you say that he sinks his claws in, what do you mean? Is it playful or is it that kneading thing that they do when they purr? What is his general demeanour when he is doing this? You say that he was feral but he cuddles up next to you which sounds like he has been socialised to a large extent.