Question:

Don’t you dare flick your cat in the nose, that’s more likely to incite her. Removing your hand with a good firm "No" might get the point across, it did with my Melly.  :) — Peace freedom & justice Deanna

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Try to teach your cat how to behave and good manners. When she tries to grab > you, flick her gently in the nose with your finger. Cats do not like it and > will remember. > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

Response:

[...] She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.

My 1.5 year-old spayed female tuxedo does this as well. She’s even drawn blood. As I’ve gotten to know her moods, I can now tell the difference between "I want to play harder! I challenge you to a duel by BITING!" and "Enough petting me! Go away." [...] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve read some comments recently about thumping a cat on the nose to correct > its behavior because that’s what mama cats do.  I’m more of an advocate of > positive reinforcement and distracting the cat away from unwanted behavior, > or at most giving a loud clap of the hands and/or a loud, sharp "No!" – all > of which I think work just as well or better than anything physical.  But I > just want to say, for anyone who does the "thump on the nose" or is thinking > about doing it – remember, you are a heck of a lot bigger and stronger than > the cat, or its mama, and if you are going to thump, do it *gently*! It’s a > matter of getting the cat’s attention, not punishing it – more of a "tap" > than a "thump".  But don’t do it at all if you don’t have to.

I agree about not thumping on the nose. I’ve found, with this cat and with others who owned me before her, that cats don’t generally respond well to physical correction of any kind. Instead, try hissing at her, cat style. I find that my cat understands this catspeak warning very well, and she’ll stop whatever she’s doing the instant I do it. Cate

Response:

My kitty, Artemis, is also a DSH, former stray, picked me, etc., and he also nips me but not really a bite (no blood, no broken skin, just a grab).  I’ve gotten to the point where I know more or less his message. For instance, in the morning, still in bed, it means "Get up and feed me you lazy-assed human!".  If I’m petting him, "I’ve had quite enough attention now, thank you."  If he’s lying on the floor and I’m trying to pet him, "Not now, you idiot!"  If I’m walking across the floor and he pounces, "Live prey!!" Of course, your results my vary. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted >from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping >into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the >attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss >her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been >petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll >grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. >This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then >I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my >hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, >but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within >their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time >cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but >it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be >that way.  Any suggestions?

Spray your wrists with bitter apple spray before you start the petting sessions.  It tastes terrible to cats and she’ll soon get the message that biting you tastes bad.  She’ll probably also get up and run away from the awful taste.  This could be a bonus since you want her to know that the rough stuff means the end of her petting time. I have a theory that this type of biting is psuedo-sexual.  The cat gets excited (not turned on) because the petting is a pleasurable event.  So, it gets this type of pleasure (that it doesn’t get from other cats) confused with a type of pleasure it can get from other cats (following me?) and initiates a "love bite".  I’ve also noticed that it’s most common in younger cats early in their sexual maturity, whether spayed or not. Michelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Before you buy.

Response:

This link will help: http://www.catcaresociety.org/aggression.htm Megan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions?

As someone else mentioned, it probably means one of two things – either "I’ve had enough petting, leave me alone" or "I want to play!".  Either way, the thing to do is to go limp and then as soon as she relaxes her grip, remove your hand and don’t give her any attention for a while.  I have had several cats who did this (and in fact I have one now who is a recent adoptee) – and in every case, they do get over it after a while.  One thing you can do is to stop petting her while she’s still purring and don’t give her the chance to get over-stimulated and aggressive.  As you get to know her better, you’ll be able to read her better and know when is the right time to stop. I’ve read some comments recently about thumping a cat on the nose to correct its behavior because that’s what mama cats do.  I’m more of an advocate of positive reinforcement and distracting the cat away from unwanted behavior, or at most giving a loud clap of the hands and/or a loud, sharp "No!" – all of which I think work just as well or better than anything physical.  But I just want to say, for anyone who does the "thump on the nose" or is thinking about doing it – remember, you are a heck of a lot bigger and stronger than the cat, or its mama, and if you are going to thump, do it *gently*!  It’s a matter of getting the cat’s attention, not punishing it – more of a "tap" than a "thump".  But don’t do it at all if you don’t have to.

Response:

When we got our first cat, I like you was familiar with dog behavior and actions, but not cats. Let me tell you right now~ you are talking two different worlds…Your kitty is probably telling you one of 2 things: leave me alone- I have had enough OR let’s play! Good luck, it does get easier. Try to find yourself a good basic book on cat behavior   because she is going to be doing other things that will totally perplex you. She knows what she is doing. Just remember one thing, SHE is the boss She says thank you for saving her at the shelter and letting her own you now. Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

Response:

Try to teach your cat how to behave and good manners. When she tries to grab you, flick her gently in the nose with your finger. Cats do not like it and will remember. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

Response:

I stopped our cat from nipping my face to wake me up and feed him in the AM by making a loud, unpleasant growl (well, yes, maybe it included some unprintable words).  He must have hated that sound, because he stopped the nipping and now wakes me by treading on (and pulling) my hair! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My kitty, Artemis, is also a DSH, former stray, picked me, etc., and he > also nips me but not really a bite (no blood, no broken skin, just a > grab).  I’ve gotten to the point where I know more or less his message. > For instance, in the morning, still in bed, it means "Get up and feed > me you lazy-assed human!".  If I’m petting him, "I’ve had quite enough > attention now, thank you."  If he’s lying on the floor and I’m trying > to pet him, "Not now, you idiot!"  If I’m walking across the floor and > he pounces, "Live prey!!" > Of course, your results my vary. > Eric and Artemis *meow* > * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * > The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

After reading the whole series…. hm…I suppose I can sympathise with you a lot! cos My Baby of 4 motnhs also bites/used to scratch. He kinda realized he doesn’t get the enjoyment from scratching me anymore since i trim them regularly nowadays…and they aren’t that sharp anymore. As for the biting… I’ve tried MANY THINGS: 1. spraying in the face with a bottle. He turns away, runs off, makes a U-turn then comes back for another round of biting. 2. Pushing my hand in his face. He used to take the opportunity to bite the hand that was being delivered to him on a silver platter! Now he would tilt his head back with the pushing motion, and well..i get momentary relief 3. Getting him biting toys. He still prefers my fingers and ankles anytime! 4. Ignoring him. He comes promptly for whichever part of my body he can reach. 5. Grabbing him by his scruff and cowering over him like his big mama would in the same direction he is facing, and telling him – I am BIG CAT, you are SMALL CAT. He prob thinks I am mad, trying to act like a cat, just as everyone laughs at me when i do that. I have since stopped using this method. So seriously, I have not tried bitter aple. I suppose, I don’t want him to stop liking me, as a result of it. He might think that I ALWAYS have that smell on me and hence reject me. Ah well…the only thing i take comfort in, is knowing that when he grows, he will mellow with age…..and so will I. So, look forward to the GREAT future! ) Cheers… Rachael, and the rascal, Baby PS. On a last note, I do agree that sometimes, it does mean that the cat doesn’t like something you’ve done. Like Baby willuse his front paw to push my hand away sometimes when i try to clean him. And he hates me touching his hind paws and lower body. So he’ll "kick" my hand away. When that doesn’t work, he’ll resort to biting me. So i take care not to do things which i know will provoke a respnse from him. )

Response:

I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be that way.  Any suggestions? Before you buy.

Response:

Don’t you dare flick your cat in the nose, that’s more likely to incite her. Removing your hand with a good firm "No" might get the point across, it did with my Melly.  :) — Peace freedom & justice Deanna

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Try to teach your cat how to behave and good manners. When she tries to grab > you, flick her gently in the nose with your finger. Cats do not like it and > will remember. > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

Response:

[...] She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.

My 1.5 year-old spayed female tuxedo does this as well. She’s even drawn blood. As I’ve gotten to know her moods, I can now tell the difference between "I want to play harder! I challenge you to a duel by BITING!" and "Enough petting me! Go away." [...] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve read some comments recently about thumping a cat on the nose to correct > its behavior because that’s what mama cats do.  I’m more of an advocate of > positive reinforcement and distracting the cat away from unwanted behavior, > or at most giving a loud clap of the hands and/or a loud, sharp "No!" – all > of which I think work just as well or better than anything physical.  But I > just want to say, for anyone who does the "thump on the nose" or is thinking > about doing it – remember, you are a heck of a lot bigger and stronger than > the cat, or its mama, and if you are going to thump, do it *gently*! It’s a > matter of getting the cat’s attention, not punishing it – more of a "tap" > than a "thump".  But don’t do it at all if you don’t have to.

I agree about not thumping on the nose. I’ve found, with this cat and with others who owned me before her, that cats don’t generally respond well to physical correction of any kind. Instead, try hissing at her, cat style. I find that my cat understands this catspeak warning very well, and she’ll stop whatever she’s doing the instant I do it. Cate

Response:

My kitty, Artemis, is also a DSH, former stray, picked me, etc., and he also nips me but not really a bite (no blood, no broken skin, just a grab).  I’ve gotten to the point where I know more or less his message. For instance, in the morning, still in bed, it means "Get up and feed me you lazy-assed human!".  If I’m petting him, "I’ve had quite enough attention now, thank you."  If he’s lying on the floor and I’m trying to pet him, "Not now, you idiot!"  If I’m walking across the floor and he pounces, "Live prey!!" Of course, your results my vary. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted >from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping >into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the >attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss >her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been >petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll >grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. >This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then >I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my >hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, >but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within >their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time >cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but >it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be >that way.  Any suggestions?

Spray your wrists with bitter apple spray before you start the petting sessions.  It tastes terrible to cats and she’ll soon get the message that biting you tastes bad.  She’ll probably also get up and run away from the awful taste.  This could be a bonus since you want her to know that the rough stuff means the end of her petting time. I have a theory that this type of biting is psuedo-sexual.  The cat gets excited (not turned on) because the petting is a pleasurable event.  So, it gets this type of pleasure (that it doesn’t get from other cats) confused with a type of pleasure it can get from other cats (following me?) and initiates a "love bite".  I’ve also noticed that it’s most common in younger cats early in their sexual maturity, whether spayed or not. Michelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Before you buy.

Response:

This link will help: http://www.catcaresociety.org/aggression.htm Megan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions?

As someone else mentioned, it probably means one of two things – either "I’ve had enough petting, leave me alone" or "I want to play!".  Either way, the thing to do is to go limp and then as soon as she relaxes her grip, remove your hand and don’t give her any attention for a while.  I have had several cats who did this (and in fact I have one now who is a recent adoptee) – and in every case, they do get over it after a while.  One thing you can do is to stop petting her while she’s still purring and don’t give her the chance to get over-stimulated and aggressive.  As you get to know her better, you’ll be able to read her better and know when is the right time to stop. I’ve read some comments recently about thumping a cat on the nose to correct its behavior because that’s what mama cats do.  I’m more of an advocate of positive reinforcement and distracting the cat away from unwanted behavior, or at most giving a loud clap of the hands and/or a loud, sharp "No!" – all of which I think work just as well or better than anything physical.  But I just want to say, for anyone who does the "thump on the nose" or is thinking about doing it – remember, you are a heck of a lot bigger and stronger than the cat, or its mama, and if you are going to thump, do it *gently*!  It’s a matter of getting the cat’s attention, not punishing it – more of a "tap" than a "thump".  But don’t do it at all if you don’t have to.

Response:

When we got our first cat, I like you was familiar with dog behavior and actions, but not cats. Let me tell you right now~ you are talking two different worlds…Your kitty is probably telling you one of 2 things: leave me alone- I have had enough OR let’s play! Good luck, it does get easier. Try to find yourself a good basic book on cat behavior   because she is going to be doing other things that will totally perplex you. She knows what she is doing. Just remember one thing, SHE is the boss She says thank you for saving her at the shelter and letting her own you now. Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

Response:

Try to teach your cat how to behave and good manners. When she tries to grab you, flick her gently in the nose with your finger. Cats do not like it and will remember. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

Response:

I stopped our cat from nipping my face to wake me up and feed him in the AM by making a loud, unpleasant growl (well, yes, maybe it included some unprintable words).  He must have hated that sound, because he stopped the nipping and now wakes me by treading on (and pulling) my hair! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My kitty, Artemis, is also a DSH, former stray, picked me, etc., and he > also nips me but not really a bite (no blood, no broken skin, just a > grab).  I’ve gotten to the point where I know more or less his message. > For instance, in the morning, still in bed, it means "Get up and feed > me you lazy-assed human!".  If I’m petting him, "I’ve had quite enough > attention now, thank you."  If he’s lying on the floor and I’m trying > to pet him, "Not now, you idiot!"  If I’m walking across the floor and > he pounces, "Live prey!!" > Of course, your results my vary. > Eric and Artemis *meow* > * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * > The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

After reading the whole series…. hm…I suppose I can sympathise with you a lot! cos My Baby of 4 motnhs also bites/used to scratch. He kinda realized he doesn’t get the enjoyment from scratching me anymore since i trim them regularly nowadays…and they aren’t that sharp anymore. As for the biting… I’ve tried MANY THINGS: 1. spraying in the face with a bottle. He turns away, runs off, makes a U-turn then comes back for another round of biting. 2. Pushing my hand in his face. He used to take the opportunity to bite the hand that was being delivered to him on a silver platter! Now he would tilt his head back with the pushing motion, and well..i get momentary relief 3. Getting him biting toys. He still prefers my fingers and ankles anytime! 4. Ignoring him. He comes promptly for whichever part of my body he can reach. 5. Grabbing him by his scruff and cowering over him like his big mama would in the same direction he is facing, and telling him – I am BIG CAT, you are SMALL CAT. He prob thinks I am mad, trying to act like a cat, just as everyone laughs at me when i do that. I have since stopped using this method. So seriously, I have not tried bitter aple. I suppose, I don’t want him to stop liking me, as a result of it. He might think that I ALWAYS have that smell on me and hence reject me. Ah well…the only thing i take comfort in, is knowing that when he grows, he will mellow with age…..and so will I. So, look forward to the GREAT future! ) Cheers… Rachael, and the rascal, Baby PS. On a last note, I do agree that sometimes, it does mean that the cat doesn’t like something you’ve done. Like Baby willuse his front paw to push my hand away sometimes when i try to clean him. And he hates me touching his hind paws and lower body. So he’ll "kick" my hand away. When that doesn’t work, he’ll resort to biting me. So i take care not to do things which i know will provoke a respnse from him. )

Response:

I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be that way.  Any suggestions? Before you buy.

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Don’t you dare flick your cat in the nose, that’s more likely to incite her. Removing your hand with a good firm "No" might get the point across, it did with my Melly.  :) — Peace freedom & justice Deanna

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Try to teach your cat how to behave and good manners. When she tries to grab > you, flick her gently in the nose with your finger. Cats do not like it and > will remember. > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

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[...] She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.

My 1.5 year-old spayed female tuxedo does this as well. She’s even drawn blood. As I’ve gotten to know her moods, I can now tell the difference between "I want to play harder! I challenge you to a duel by BITING!" and "Enough petting me! Go away." [...] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve read some comments recently about thumping a cat on the nose to correct > its behavior because that’s what mama cats do.  I’m more of an advocate of > positive reinforcement and distracting the cat away from unwanted behavior, > or at most giving a loud clap of the hands and/or a loud, sharp "No!" – all > of which I think work just as well or better than anything physical.  But I > just want to say, for anyone who does the "thump on the nose" or is thinking > about doing it – remember, you are a heck of a lot bigger and stronger than > the cat, or its mama, and if you are going to thump, do it *gently*! It’s a > matter of getting the cat’s attention, not punishing it – more of a "tap" > than a "thump".  But don’t do it at all if you don’t have to.

I agree about not thumping on the nose. I’ve found, with this cat and with others who owned me before her, that cats don’t generally respond well to physical correction of any kind. Instead, try hissing at her, cat style. I find that my cat understands this catspeak warning very well, and she’ll stop whatever she’s doing the instant I do it. Cate

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My kitty, Artemis, is also a DSH, former stray, picked me, etc., and he also nips me but not really a bite (no blood, no broken skin, just a grab).  I’ve gotten to the point where I know more or less his message. For instance, in the morning, still in bed, it means "Get up and feed me you lazy-assed human!".  If I’m petting him, "I’ve had quite enough attention now, thank you."  If he’s lying on the floor and I’m trying to pet him, "Not now, you idiot!"  If I’m walking across the floor and he pounces, "Live prey!!" Of course, your results my vary. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted >from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping >into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the >attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss >her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been >petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll >grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. >This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then >I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my >hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, >but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within >their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time >cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but >it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be >that way.  Any suggestions?

Spray your wrists with bitter apple spray before you start the petting sessions.  It tastes terrible to cats and she’ll soon get the message that biting you tastes bad.  She’ll probably also get up and run away from the awful taste.  This could be a bonus since you want her to know that the rough stuff means the end of her petting time. I have a theory that this type of biting is psuedo-sexual.  The cat gets excited (not turned on) because the petting is a pleasurable event.  So, it gets this type of pleasure (that it doesn’t get from other cats) confused with a type of pleasure it can get from other cats (following me?) and initiates a "love bite".  I’ve also noticed that it’s most common in younger cats early in their sexual maturity, whether spayed or not. Michelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Before you buy.

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This link will help: http://www.catcaresociety.org/aggression.htm Megan

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions?

As someone else mentioned, it probably means one of two things – either "I’ve had enough petting, leave me alone" or "I want to play!".  Either way, the thing to do is to go limp and then as soon as she relaxes her grip, remove your hand and don’t give her any attention for a while.  I have had several cats who did this (and in fact I have one now who is a recent adoptee) – and in every case, they do get over it after a while.  One thing you can do is to stop petting her while she’s still purring and don’t give her the chance to get over-stimulated and aggressive.  As you get to know her better, you’ll be able to read her better and know when is the right time to stop. I’ve read some comments recently about thumping a cat on the nose to correct its behavior because that’s what mama cats do.  I’m more of an advocate of positive reinforcement and distracting the cat away from unwanted behavior, or at most giving a loud clap of the hands and/or a loud, sharp "No!" – all of which I think work just as well or better than anything physical.  But I just want to say, for anyone who does the "thump on the nose" or is thinking about doing it – remember, you are a heck of a lot bigger and stronger than the cat, or its mama, and if you are going to thump, do it *gently*!  It’s a matter of getting the cat’s attention, not punishing it – more of a "tap" than a "thump".  But don’t do it at all if you don’t have to.

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When we got our first cat, I like you was familiar with dog behavior and actions, but not cats. Let me tell you right now~ you are talking two different worlds…Your kitty is probably telling you one of 2 things: leave me alone- I have had enough OR let’s play! Good luck, it does get easier. Try to find yourself a good basic book on cat behavior   because she is going to be doing other things that will totally perplex you. She knows what she is doing. Just remember one thing, SHE is the boss She says thank you for saving her at the shelter and letting her own you now. Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

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Try to teach your cat how to behave and good manners. When she tries to grab you, flick her gently in the nose with your finger. Cats do not like it and will remember. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted > from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping > into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the > attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss > her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been > petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll > grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. > This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then > I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my > hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, > but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within > their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time > cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but > it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be > that way.  Any suggestions? > Before you buy.

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I stopped our cat from nipping my face to wake me up and feed him in the AM by making a loud, unpleasant growl (well, yes, maybe it included some unprintable words).  He must have hated that sound, because he stopped the nipping and now wakes me by treading on (and pulling) my hair! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My kitty, Artemis, is also a DSH, former stray, picked me, etc., and he > also nips me but not really a bite (no blood, no broken skin, just a > grab).  I’ve gotten to the point where I know more or less his message. > For instance, in the morning, still in bed, it means "Get up and feed > me you lazy-assed human!".  If I’m petting him, "I’ve had quite enough > attention now, thank you."  If he’s lying on the floor and I’m trying > to pet him, "Not now, you idiot!"  If I’m walking across the floor and > he pounces, "Live prey!!" > Of course, your results my vary. > Eric and Artemis *meow* > * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * > The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

After reading the whole series…. hm…I suppose I can sympathise with you a lot! cos My Baby of 4 motnhs also bites/used to scratch. He kinda realized he doesn’t get the enjoyment from scratching me anymore since i trim them regularly nowadays…and they aren’t that sharp anymore. As for the biting… I’ve tried MANY THINGS: 1. spraying in the face with a bottle. He turns away, runs off, makes a U-turn then comes back for another round of biting. 2. Pushing my hand in his face. He used to take the opportunity to bite the hand that was being delivered to him on a silver platter! Now he would tilt his head back with the pushing motion, and well..i get momentary relief 3. Getting him biting toys. He still prefers my fingers and ankles anytime! 4. Ignoring him. He comes promptly for whichever part of my body he can reach. 5. Grabbing him by his scruff and cowering over him like his big mama would in the same direction he is facing, and telling him – I am BIG CAT, you are SMALL CAT. He prob thinks I am mad, trying to act like a cat, just as everyone laughs at me when i do that. I have since stopped using this method. So seriously, I have not tried bitter aple. I suppose, I don’t want him to stop liking me, as a result of it. He might think that I ALWAYS have that smell on me and hence reject me. Ah well…the only thing i take comfort in, is knowing that when he grows, he will mellow with age…..and so will I. So, look forward to the GREAT future! ) Cheers… Rachael, and the rascal, Baby PS. On a last note, I do agree that sometimes, it does mean that the cat doesn’t like something you’ve done. Like Baby willuse his front paw to push my hand away sometimes when i try to clean him. And he hates me touching his hind paws and lower body. So he’ll "kick" my hand away. When that doesn’t work, he’ll resort to biting me. So i take care not to do things which i know will provoke a respnse from him. )

Response:

I have a 6 – 7 month old DSH Tuxedo spayed female kitten that I adopted from the shelter a little over two weeks ago (she chose ME by jumping into my lap and purring like crazy while I was trying to get the attention of a different cat).  She’s a very good cat, has yet to miss her litter box, is very affectionate, etc., but lately after I’ve been petting her awhile and she’s purring contentedly, all of a sudden she’ll grab my hand with her mouth and grab my wrist with her paws, claws out. This comes out of the blue.  The first time, I jerked my hand away; then I thought maybe if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been hurt by pulling my hand across teeth/claws.  So the next time, I held my hand very still, but was still scratched.  Dogs have a way of "holding" your hand within their mouth, and I thought perhaps this was similar (I’m a first-time cat owner), but I don’t think so.  I hear this may be "play biting", but it makes me tentative when she wants to be petted, and it shouldn’t be that way.  Any suggestions? Before you buy.

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