Biting cat

[AlexaAmbidextra]

I took on a two year old Ragdoll in sad circumstances in January. Owner had a terminal illness. Cat settled well and has been a sweetie although not cuddly. Loves being stroked and brushed though and will lay on the bed with me. She started to bite about two months ago. It’s when I’m walking up the stairs. She isn’t playing, she’s really serious and is persistent. I’ve tried completely ignoring her, pushing her away etc. Nothing stops her. I get the whole cat fight mode, yowling, flattened ears etc. My legs are covered in wounds as she grabs me with both front legs and sinks her teeth in. I can’t understand why she’s started to do this. There have been no changes in the house, it’s just me and her. I’m at my wits end. Can anyone please help?

Oh dear, they are very sensitive cats aren’t they. Is it every time you walk up the stairs, day and night?
You could try distracting with a long dangly something to trail behind you or a laser pointer.

How do you react when she does it?

I’ve tried staying silent, I’ve pushed her away, I’ve very firmly said NO! Nothing stops her. It’s pretty much every time I go upstairs. If she’s already upstairs she will hear me go down and will rush downstairs to get into position to pounce.

Try a water spray every time she does it?

My old cat was like this, I started wearing jeans & boots in the house so she couldn't hurt my legs. Then I would just ignore her so she got no reaction or attention when she attacked.

When she was good I would make a lot of fuss of her.
She gradually grew out of this behaviour.

Just remember animals are like young children in that any attention is what they want. If you've reacted to her behaviour in any way then she's got the attention she wants.

Also animals get bored & frustrated easily - does she have enough play time to keep her stimulated?