biting cat

[twirly]

Hi I just adopted a kitten named willow. Prob 5 mos old and came from a shelter. She is incredibly loveable but when she doesn't get what she wants she bites! Especially when it comes to food. I we are eating she insists on having some and if we won't let her she bites. Also I would love to have her sleep with us cause she's so cuddly but if u stop petting her for a while to sleep we get woke up with a bite to the face! We love her dearly but it's kinda exhausting always having to worry bout weather we will get bitten especially since I have a 7 year old. Anyone heard of this? I've had a lot of cats but never seen behavior like this.

[jolovespiggies]

I am sorry to heaad this love, I have three cats and I have never experienced anything like similar. I do hope you get some answers as I can beieve how distressing this must be for you. I have animals includin a bunny, onthe bed at night and I would not like to be without them.

WE have a young puss called Felix who was rescued from a ghastly flat in London where he was left to starve. Our neighbour's sister brough him down when she was visiting and we said we would take him in.

He bites and even though it can be hard, it is playful. He doesn't think he is hurting unless he means to and it is difficult sometimes when he wants to play.

Please let me know how you get on love and I hope you can find some more constructive advice. Sorry I couldn't help more. Please let me know.

Hugs

Jo xx

[newpig]

Sounds like a behavioural problem that has been developed either through encouragement in early kitten hood or previous owner's inability to tackle it. I've heard of them doing it so often when they've had enough of someone and one of my own cats will mouth my daughter's hand (never a hard scratch or bite) when he's had enough attention. I've never seen it myself when they want attention but he's clearly learnt that it's an acceptable way to seek attention and it will work as obviously when bitten you will wake up, stop whatever you are doing etc and turn round to deal with him.

I'd recommend looking up some of the cat behaviourists online - I follow Vicky Halls online - and see if you can find someone else who has dealt with the issue on their website/forums.

EDIT to add: the story about George on this link might help - not exactly the same but he was biting and scratching at people's feet for attention: www.fabcats.org/behaviour/overdependent/humancatbond.html

[3piggles]

I agree with Newpig. I never had a biter, but a friend did. They constantly blew it off as "oh, he does that." No. I hope you can find some advice on how to change him, but I'm not sure how to go about it. Good luck!