help! rescue cat is bitey bastard

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

As some of you may remember, we lost our beloved elderly LandingCat two weeks ago. We wanted to fill the cat shaped space in the house and our local rescue were advertising that they were full so we decided to go and look, and ended up taking home a beautiful big lad who'd been a stray then in the shelter for a few months. He's confident, purry and friendly - but he bites. Not hard enough to break the skin, but he's a big guy and it still hurts. It's a shock especially for my DH and the DC who have been used to a little, gentle soul who could be relied on for good behaviour except if very stressed.

I think partly it's misguided rough play and partly pent up energy because he's not been allowed out yet but it's the unpredictability that bothers us. A previous cat of mine was a bit cantankerous but she would give you fair warning, He comes for a fuss or brings a toy to play with you and sometimes enjoys it, sometimes immediately grabs your arm. I know he was a hunter so have provided lots of toys to beat up and have been playing with a rod toy rather than close up with hands. When he bites, we don't pull away, but say No firmly and as soon as he lets go, walk off and ignore him, although he often follows us purring and rubbing against us, so I don't think it's aggression or stress. I think he doesn't know how to behave.

DH is already talking about taking him back to the shelter but I've persuaded him to give it a few weeks before making any decisions so if anyone has suggestions about how to teach him better manners I'd be so grateful.

[cozietoesie]

PS - and he was 14 at the time.

[Moln]

My cat (found dumped as a teeny tiny kitten) bits. He's not agessive though. When he came to us (five weeks) he would nip in that kitten way. We used to say firmly "don't bite" and he'd then lick instead; or we'd remove ourselves from him. Mind you he's (and we) still doing this now but he has adult teeth!! It doesn't happen that often now: when he's over petted only as far as I can figure.

[cozietoesie]

It's always best to let them tell you when they want a cuddle. (And to be 'restrained' when you do it.)

[cozietoesie]

PS - I think that that latter is as important as the first. A request for eg a chin chuck is usually only that and not an invitation for a whole session.

[Rollypoly100]

Our 10 yr old rescue girl was a bit of a biter and swatter. Five months on and with full access to the garden, she's a very chilled out cat. It takes quite a bit of time for them to settle - and we are trying to have a fixed bedtime routine if we can get her in from the garden!

[EnlightenedOwl]

oh don't take him back he sounds lovely and friendly and I'm sure he'll settle down. My lad is 14 now and always been prone to having a nibble at you (and an odd swipe with a paw!!) but he's generally affectionate - will knee sit etc and come for fuss - his fave trick though is inviting you to rub his belly and if you fall for it he bites you! Git!

[Moln]

Cats are gits really aren't they. Mine doesn't sit on laps. He sits next to you grabs your hand with his front legs and sticks his head in = 'rub my cheek/chin/ear'. Get it wrong and you're in trouble.

[cozietoesie]

Half of the time, I think they actually want you to get it wrong. (Needing an excuse to rumble.) If you've got that sort of cat, I reckon you're as well to always have a toy to hand to give them an excuse to get it out of their system. Beat something else up!

[Moln]

Sound advice indeed. I have four different toys left out for him.

[cozietoesie]

Ah - you've probably got to hold them, Moln, at least initially, so that they can get rid of that spleen with real purpose. (Later on, they'll likely just go to town on the toy even if it's lying behind the sofa or something.)