Hi
Thank you for your replies in trying to help with Sam.
It's just me that lives here with Sam, no young children although as previously stated, he lived with children before but no other cats and the rescue said he didnt seem that keen on other cats while he was there. I try to give him his own space but balance it with playtime and cuddles. I mainly notice this behaviour in the evening, whether I have just finished playing with him or not, he seems to have a strange period of time darting about the place, scrabbling up my furniture with claws out, ears backwards and tail all kinked. His eyes are wide too and he clamps onto anything that moves. I cannot work out if he wants to play, is frustrated, excited or what. Sometimes when he attacks me he has been purring and allowing me to stoke him, he is very affectionate and nudges his nose under my hand when he wants to be stroked. He is never hungry when he reacts in this way as he eats at tea time and is always super affectionate at those times to get what he wants!
I just want to get it right at the start really and not sure if I am to leave him to calm down or I should be taking action i.e. when he scales up sofas put him down again or ignore him?
He is wanting to go out and the links to those sites people posted below said sometimes that is what calms some cats down as they have too much energy to ever tire if you played with them for hours.
I have just played with him with his laser pen and he is worn out. I combined it with the occasional treat that I shone the light on and he seemed to enjoy this game. My hands and feet remained scratch free too. Another favourite toy is a fluffy feather thing with a ball attached (he pulled it off the long stick the first day I got it) I never intentionally tease him but maybe these toys are not appropriate?
Any further advice is most welcome.