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The litter tray

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

Rescue kitten constantly attacking me

5 replies

lxzlxz · 16/09/2018 07:15

Hi there :) Last week I rescued a kitten at about eight weeks old (we think). He came from a young family friend who could not look after him any more, and so my sister took him into for a few days until it was the weekend and I wouldn't be leaving him for work all day. This means he's on his fourth home, and it also means that he was taken from his mother far too early - something like four or five weeks old. The family friend said this was because he was rejected by his mother, but we're not sure if that is true.
He's settled in really well. He's got into a routine and I'm playing with him before and after work as much as possible with different toys on a string. However, he has started attacking me constantly. He bites unprovoked, leaps at me with his claws out, and he stalks and pounces on me. I understand that he's just a baby and he's learning, but I counted 32 bites yesterday so it's not occasional!
I've read that being taken from his mother won't have helped with this - I know it's the same with puppies. He also doesn't like being stroked or held at all. Sometimes (normally when he's sleepy) he can tolerate a few seconds of affection but generally I'm leaving him be. When he bites, I tell him no firmly, either move him away or leave the room, and don't play with him for a couple of minutes. He's due at the vets this week so I'm planning on asking them, but I thought I'd see if anyone on here has any words of wisdom for me in the meantime!

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 16/09/2018 10:44

It's normal play behaviour, if you look on youtube theres videos of rescue workers teaching ferals that fuss is nice. Have a look at them.

The poor things had an awful start in life.

FermatsTheorem · 16/09/2018 10:51

Perfectly normal behaviour in a kitten, I think. Poor wee thing, though, having such a sad start to life.

With our adult rescue cat, the blue cross gave the advice of making sure pouncing play was carried out with toys - mouse or feathers on a string, foam balls to chase, rather than with your hand, so that they get a very clear distinction going in their minds that human hands stroke them (when they're in the mood - you have to learn to read your cat's signals on that one, which it sounds like you're doing), and pouncing is reserved for toys. (My previous rescue cat didn't get this at all, and used to lurk on the stairs ready to claw my legs Shock Grin).

Re. reading cat signals - you probably want to have a talk to the vet about how best to approach building up a bit more of a tolerance of being handled, if for no other reason that that there will be times when you have to handle your cat, and you want it to be as un-traumatic as possible for them. (And obviously ideal outcome is they get to like it, so you can enjoy stroking their lovely catty fluffiness).

Good luck with your kitten.

lxzlxz · 16/09/2018 17:09

Thanks for the replies! He definitely has had a bad start in life so I want to make sure he's not seeing me as a threat but as someone who wants to look after him and play with him. I'm glad to hear that it's normal play behaviour and to carry on as I'm doing. I'll have a look on youtube too.

OP posts:
flapjackfairy · 16/09/2018 17:18

Yes our cat / kitten is 10 months and beginning to outgrow the bitey phase. He also pounces and scratches but he is calming down a bit and has gone from being v aloof to being affectionate at last . He wont cuddle on your lap but can be picked up and stroked now.
I was a bit despairing a few months ago but he is building a nice bond with us now and talks to us loads and follows us about so give it time.

BigusBumus · 16/09/2018 17:24

Its normal kitten behaviour and not malicious! Puppies do it too. They are starting play fighting an its massive fun for him, he doesn't hate you! In fact he loves you. Just watch a few YouTube vids of kitten behaviour training and you will get the hang of it. FWIW its awful that he was taken away from his mum too early (she didn't reject him otherwise she would have done that at birth or the first few days) but he will be fine with your love and guidance.

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