Hi Guys,
I wanted to post a few weeks ago about Charlie but then had a read of some of the earlier posts about what to do about biting cats and thought I'd put some of your advice into practice. So I come to you with arms like I've been self-harming!!!
I really, really hope you can help with this one because I'm really at a loss as to what to do.
Charlie's just over a year and we got him at around 6/7 mos. He displayed limited aggressive behaviour beyond constantly chasing our feet and occassional mauling of hands which we put down to being a kitten. We bought lots of fishing rod type toys - anything we could get to take the 'fun' away from our hands. We looked for signs when we were petting him that he would bite and paid heed to those etc.
The problem was that Charlie would attack for no reason. I'd be at my lap top and he'd go for my hands. I was advised to clap at him and then started removing him from the room I was in and closing the door. He's a very sociable cat so I guessed this would be a real punishment for him. Sure enough, when we saw each other again, he'd be all sweetness and light.
Lately though, Charlie isn't responding to this 'punishment' at all and his aggression has become worse. It's always at bed time. Charlie doesn't sleep with us - we close the door on him and I'm guessing his behaviour is to do with not wanting to be shut out although, that said, he's very good about going to his bed each night once he is locked out and only then makes a fuss to be let in at 5-6am - we always oblige.
What he'll do is hurl himself at my arms (usually bare) and chomp at them. He starts kicking his back legs too which I believe is what they do when they're killing prey!! How on earth has he come to see my hands/arms as prey? A few months ago a clap and a hiss would've held him off but when I do that now he's started pouncing at my face. I realise this is about attention, in fact I did a little test the other night. While he mauled one arm, I switched my book to the other hand and ignored him. He quickly jumped onto the opposite hand and as I continued to switch, so did he.
This always leads to him being put out the door but he doesn't go without a fight and last night I had to yank my hand in and shut the door as he was still clinging to me as he mauled me. I find this so, so upsetting because it's like he's fuelled by some kind of dislike for me (which I know is daft but I'm getting paranoid...)
Also, where before when he'd curl up with us and fall asleep for a cuddle, the first thing he does when he gets on the bed is go for mine or my partner's arms.
Charlie's an indoor cat and has always been. I'm aware that they need extra stimulation. Both my partner and I work from home so we're around all day. I chat to Charlie constantly and have little five minute plays throughout the day. I've made feeding time more interesting for him by making him chase his pellets and I hide the rest all over the flat. I always try to have a good half hour play in the evening with him where he'll run around but I've been away a lot the past month or so and wonder if that may be something to do with it?
I'm now considering using a water spray on him when he bites as nothing else seems to act as a deterrant. I'm loath to do this because I hear it really freaks them out.
Has anyone got any advice at all? It would be most appreciated!
Many thanks as always,
Sally