About rescue cat attacks my arm

Rebelsher

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Hi- I have a one year old wild child. We adopted her at two months from a rescue. She's a Tortie. She'll be across the room. If I reach over my chair for the remote in the chair pocket, she'll dash across the room, grab my arm with both feet and claws and bite the heck out of me. I don't know why or what I can do to get her to stop. I've had so many bites and scratches. I'm 75 and I love her so much. She'll also lie beside me calmly for awhile and suddenly turn and bite me. How can I get her to not bite? It hurts! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Sherry
 
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Rebelsher

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Hi- I have a one year old wild child. We adopted her at two months from a rescue. She's a Tortie. She'll be across the room. If I reach over my chair for the remote in the chair pocket, she'll dash across the room, grab my arm with both feet and claws and bite the heck out of me. I don't know why or what I can do to get her to stop. I've had so many bites and scratches. I'm 75 and I love her so much. She'll also lie beside me calmly for awhile and suddenly turn and bite me. How can I get her to not bite? It hurts! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Sherry
 

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Rebelsher

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Btw, I forgot to mention her name is Jellybean. She just turned a year on 10 June.
 

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There is actually a good chance she's playing. It's for you - Mom- to tell her she's playing too rough. Since you get the warning of seeing her coming you can be ready. When she grabs your arm right then hiss at her. Mine got it in one hiss and she was only 8 or so months old and had bitten me every day since she was 7 weeks old. It took me a long time to remember to hiss.

Now here's the bit you need to do. Go outside away from where she is and practice hissing. It's not hard, but it does require some practice. You may spit a bit at first. That's okay, she won't mind. This will not frighten her, it isn't like throwing water one her or making loud noises, this is speaking her language.

Mine had my foot in the death grip, when her teeth hit my foot I hissed. She flipped her top half away from me and grabbed her own foot and bit it. She screamed. You see she had no idea it hurt. (no cats her age to practice on) Your darling may not realize it hurts. The amount of pressure she's using, probably wouldn't hurt a cat, their skin is looser and younger (sigh, that makes a difference too.) Mine was ready to play chase the string immediately. No fear, no bad feelings, just I got 'cha, Ma.

Practice hissing five or six times. If you feel foolish, remember you are learning her language to help her. This is good for you both. You are Mom and she expects you to set the boundaries. Boundaries will make her feel safe.

It may take more than once, but the good thing is, you never run out of hisses.

Sweet Gum says 'Hi, Jellybean!"
 
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Rebelsher

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Thank you. I'll have to try that. I'm definitely tired of being bitten and scratched. Sometimes if I see her looking like she's going to grab my arm when she's sitting nearby I say, " No, don't hurt mama," and she stops. Thank goodness. Thank you again.
 

First sneakyblonde

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Thank you. I'll have to try that. I'm definitely tired of being bitten and scratched. Sometimes if I see her looking like she's going to grab my arm when she's sitting nearby I say, " No, don't hurt mama," and she stops. Thank goodness. Thank you again.
I feel your pain - literally, my cat would come in to the room and pick a fight!
(I 69 and I have had gashes in my arms!)
First, his cat box had too many lumps or his water needed refilling, etc. That was the ONLY way he could communicate HIS NEEDS to me. If everything is okay in his world, we have a peaceful existence.

Second, attacking your moving hand or laying in your lap and for no apparant reason - you get bit!
I'm guessing, Jelllybean, is an indoor only cat ?
Cats, have a need to hunt and explore, that most indoor cats DON'T get oppertunity to do.
Again, Jellybean is trying to tell you, "I'm bored, I want attention and more play". Cat's also have a "prey instinct". Used to attack and catch mice. Your hand moving or toes under the covers, trigger that prey instinct.
Schedule several "play periods" throughout the day. Try to time play when Jellybean comes to you for attention.
Only about 15 minutes of interactive play, with a "fishing wand", a laser light, or other play activities your cat enjoys 3-4 times a day. (YOU need to PARTICIPATE. A battery operated game, is not the same as YOUR ATTENTION. It's like sitting a kid in front of a TV. They can be used in between play time with you or to distract while you fix dinner.)
If you have used your finger's, (or other body parts), to wiggle and play - STOP THAT IMMEDIATELY! Substitute a feather toy or a soft toy on a "wand".
If Jellybean attacks your hand or bites you, STOP MOVING YOUR HAND!!
If the cat is in your lap, slowly stand up to get the cat off of you, keep your hands still at your sides.
PREY INSTINCT, will cause the cat to sink their claws in deeper and bite harder, this is their "automaic reflex" in prey mode - to "prevent the mouse from escaping". Hiss or snarl, this is how Mom Cat teaches babies - they are misbehaving.(youtube has videos with sounds, of mom cats with kittens.)
THEN LEAVE THE ROOM!!
Cats hate rejection! Go to another room and close the door or outside for 15-30 minutes.
I hope Jellybean, stops her undesirable behaviors, when you make these changes.
My loving lap cat, Ashes, would lay in my lap, look at me lovingly and sink his teeth into me!!
I am not well and a lot of things are going on. He was not getting enough play time. That was his only way of letting me know!
Good luck, from one old person, to another.
C.
 

First sneakyblonde

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Note:
Regarding cat bites,
Cat bites can be extremely dangerous.
Wash bites with soap and water, encourage the wound to bleed to get bacteria out. Bandage with a mixture of antibiotic cream and Benadryl cream. (Benadryl cream helps stop the wounds from over reacting to the bite and swelling closed, sealing in bacteria).
Their teeth are needle like and cause deep puncture wounds, "injecting" bacteria deep into soft tissue, tendons, muscles and even bone.
In 24 hours - a cat bite can become badly infected and a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, requiring antibiotics, a Tetanus booster, and even surgery!
Please seek medical attention for serious bites and infection.
 

Kflowers

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Once she understands that playing is hurting you, things will be better. But as First Sneakyblonde says, she wants to play. The wand is good because it keeps your hands back, watch where it is in relation to your feet.

Don't let her out. The problems with an outside cat can multiply before you have a chance to breath. Your cat isn't the problem, what happens to your cat outside is the problem. Illnesses around every corner from cat fights, and FIV and FELv are incurable though treatable, just repairs without illnesses are expensive, cars, coyotes, crazy people who hate cats... Just don't, there is no point in taking on that kind of worry at your age. I didn't before certainly wouldn't now.

You might want to buy a nice hand/body lotion to help with the elasticity of your skin.

Always remember your cat loves you. If she didn't, she wouldn't want to play with you. She will calm down with age. Really. I know, but she will.
Now mine pretend bites when she's excited, she thumps her mouth, lips back, teeth closed, against my arm or leg, no bite.

One thing she does like is to attack my feet if I'm wearing my fuzzy house shoe boots and only if I'm wearing them. She knows and she never grabs above the boot edge.
 

First sneakyblonde

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Hi All,
Sometimes, our loving cats will bite us. They are trying to communicate something the only way they know how. Frequently, if your cat bites, it is from BORED. They want and need our attention, they aren't getting enough playtime, or have things to stimulate and entertain themselves with.
Below is a link to:
The #
"UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS, VETERINARY SCHOOL." Rated #1 in the world.
This link is for
BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE".
"How to Catify Your Home". By Dr. Bain DMV behavioral medicine.
It is an excellant FREE video, that discusses CATS and ENRICHMENT FOR YOUR CAT.
She explains what "enrichment" is, why cats need enrichment in their lives and ways to add enrichment in their environment. Entertaining things to keep your cat engaged with you during play and things the cats can do by themselves.
With ideas for things you can make for free from cardboard boxes, brown packing paper and empty toilet paper tubes.
She also gives links for things to buy. (They are suggestions, not a sales pitch).
She talks about cat behaviors and briefly about how to "clicker train" cats.
There is something for everyone, I hope everyone finds this video educational and fun!

Note: UCDAVIS has many VETERINARY articles and videos for every type of animal.
There is helpful information, written by veterinarians, on almost every subject. The public is invited to view this information for free. (no sign up or membership required)
 
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Rebelsher

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I feel your pain - literally, my cat would come in to the room and pick a fight!
(I 69 and I have had gashes in my arms!)
First, his cat box had too many lumps or his water needed refilling, etc. That was the ONLY way he could communicate HIS NEEDS to me. If everything is okay in his world, we have a peaceful existence.

Second, attacking your moving hand or laying in your lap and for no apparant reason - you get bit!
I'm guessing, Jelllybean, is an indoor only cat ?
Cats, have a need to hunt and explore, that most indoor cats DON'T get oppertunity to do.
Again, Jellybean is trying to tell you, "I'm bored, I want attention and more play". Cat's also have a "prey instinct". Used to attack and catch mice. Your hand moving or toes under the covers, trigger that prey instinct.
Schedule several "play periods" throughout the day. Try to time play when Jellybean comes to you for attention.
Only about 15 minutes of interactive play, with a "fishing wand", a laser light, or other play activities your cat enjoys 3-4 times a day. (YOU need to PARTICIPATE. A battery operated game, is not the same as YOUR ATTENTION. It's like sitting a kid in front of a TV. They can be used in between play time with you or to distract while you fix dinner.)
If you have used your finger's, (or other body parts), to wiggle and play - STOP THAT IMMEDIATELY! Substitute a feather toy or a soft toy on a "wand".
If Jellybean attacks your hand or bites you, STOP MOVING YOUR HAND!!
If the cat is in your lap, slowly stand up to get the cat off of you, keep your hands still at your sides.
PREY INSTINCT, will cause the cat to sink their claws in deeper and bite harder, this is their "automaic reflex" in prey mode - to "prevent the mouse from escaping". Hiss or snarl, this is how Mom Cat teaches babies - they are misbehaving.(youtube has videos with sounds, of mom cats with kittens.)
THEN LEAVE THE ROOM!!
Cats hate rejection! Go to another room and close the door or outside for 15-30 minutes.
I hope Jellybean, stops her undesirable behaviors, when you make these changes.
My loving lap cat, Ashes, would lay in my lap, look at me lovingly and sink his teeth into me!!
I am not well and a lot of things are going on. He was not getting enough play time. That was his only way of letting me know!
Good luck, from one old person, to another.
C.
Thank you. I will definitely try what you suggest. You maybe right. Sherry
 
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Rebelsher

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There is actually a good chance she's playing. It's for you - Mom- to tell her she's playing too rough. Since you get the warning of seeing her coming you can be ready. When she grabs your arm right then hiss at her. Mine got it in one hiss and she was only 8 or so months old and had bitten me every day since she was 7 weeks old. It took me a long time to remember to hiss.

Now here's the bit you need to do. Go outside away from where she is and practice hissing. It's not hard, but it does require some practice. You may spit a bit at first. That's okay, she won't mind. This will not frighten her, it isn't like throwing water one her or making loud noises, this is speaking her language.

Mine had my foot in the death grip, when her teeth hit my foot I hissed. She flipped her top half away from me and grabbed her own foot and bit it. She screamed. You see she had no idea it hurt. (no cats her age to practice on) Your darling may not realize it hurts. The amount of pressure she's using, probably wouldn't hurt a cat, their skin is looser and younger (sigh, that makes a difference too.) Mine was ready to play chase the string immediately. No fear, no bad feelings, just I got 'cha, Ma.

Practice hissing five or six times. If you feel foolish, remember you are learning her language to help her. This is good for you both. You are Mom and she expects you to set the boundaries. Boundaries will make her feel safe.

It may take more than once, but the good thing is, you never run out of hisses.

Sweet Gum says 'Hi, Jellybean!"
Thank you, I will try hissing. We'll see if it works.
 
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Rebelsher

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Note:
Regarding cat bites,
Cat bites can be extremely dangerous.
Wash bites with soap and water, encourage the wound to bleed to get bacteria out. Bandage with a mixture of antibiotic cream and Benadryl cream. (Benadryl cream helps stop the wounds from over reacting to the bite and swelling closed, sealing in bacteria).
Their teeth are needle like and cause deep puncture wounds, "injecting" bacteria deep into soft tissue, tendons, muscles and even bone.
In 24 hours - a cat bite can become badly infected and a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, requiring antibiotics, a Tetanus booster, and even surgery!
Please seek medical attention for serious bites and infection.
Thank you. None have been that bad thank goodness. Btw, I'm allergic to tetanus shots. 😜
 
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Rebelsher

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Hi All,
Sometimes, our loving cats will bite us. They are trying to communicate something the only way they know how. Frequently, if your cat bites, it is from BORED. They want and need our attention, they aren't getting enough playtime, or have things to stimulate and entertain themselves with.
Below is a link to:
The #
"UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS, VETERINARY SCHOOL." Rated #1 in the world.
This link is for
BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE".
"How to Catify Your Home". By Dr. Bain DMV behavioral medicine.
It is an excellant FREE video, that discusses CATS and ENRICHMENT FOR YOUR CAT.
She explains what "enrichment" is, why cats need enrichment in their lives and ways to add enrichment in their environment. Entertaining things to keep your cat engaged with you during play and things the cats can do by themselves.
With ideas for things you can make for free from cardboard boxes, brown packing paper and empty toilet paper tubes.
She also gives links for things to buy. (They are suggestions, not a sales pitch).
She talks about cat behaviors and briefly about how to "clicker train" cats.
There is something for everyone, I hope everyone finds this video educational and fun!

[/URL]
Note: UCDAVIS has many VETERINARY articles and videos for every type of animal.
There is helpful information, written by veterinarians, on almost every subject. The public is invited to view this information for free. (no sign up or membership required)
Thank you. My mother lived in Davis and new some people at the college there. I'll definitely watch the video.
 
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Rebelsher

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Once she understands that playing is hurting you, things will be better. But as First Sneakyblonde says, she wants to play. The wand is good because it keeps your hands back, watch where it is in relation to your feet.

Don't let her out. The problems with an outside cat can multiply before you have a chance to breath. Your cat isn't the problem, what happens to your cat outside is the problem. Illnesses around every corner from cat fights, and FIV and FELv are incurable though treatable, just repairs without illnesses are expensive, cars, coyotes, crazy people who hate cats... Just don't, there is no point in taking on that kind of worry at your age. I didn't before certainly wouldn't now.

You might want to buy a nice hand/body lotion to help with the elasticity of your skin.

Always remember your cat loves you. If she didn't, she wouldn't want to play with you. She will calm down with age. Really. I know, but she will.
Now mine pretend bites when she's excited, she thumps her mouth, lips back, teeth closed, against my arm or leg, no bite.

One thing she does like is to attack my feet if I'm wearing my fuzzy house shoe boots and only if I'm wearing them. She knows and she never grabs above the boot edge.
Thank you. No Jellybean is an inside cat. I love her too much to let her out. She is a single cat for the moment, but I'm socializing a feral kitten, we rescued the litter of four from under our shed, and we're keeping one. So eventually she'll have a sister. A whole nother fun experience when I introduce them. 😜 The kitten is about six weeks old so it will be awhile. Sherry
 

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As a LAST resort, the only way I have cured a persistent cat of this is by scruffing, if hissing or saying NO loudly does not work. It is also something that mama cats do when their youngsters get out of hand. They take them by the loose skin on the back of the neck and pin them to the ground until they become still and quiet, mama is often growling. (you can say NO) Grab yours by the skin on the back of the neck and pin them to the ground until they quiet, say NO loudly, or hiss, and they should get the hint. if she struggles wildly, lift her front feet off the ground for a few seconds until she quiets. Then lower her. NEVER lift a cat this way completely off the ground, that could injure them. This has to be done EVERY time until she stops. She may come right back at you at first. They don't like this and it is instinct to settle down when mama grabs them by the scruff. She most likely was removed from the family unit at too young an age, between 6 and 12 weeks, when they learn manners and limits from their siblings and mama.
 

First sneakyblonde

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Thank you. None have been that bad thank goodness. Btw, I'm allergic to tetanus shots. 😜
I used to be allergic to the old Tetanus shots.
The new ones are DIFFERENT, ask your doctor about the DIFFERENCE between the old and new Tetanus shots. You might be okay with the newer ones.
Please, keep my updated on your progress with Jellybean. If what I've suggested DOESN'T work for you, there are some other things I can suggest. I have trained K9's and my last cat knew over 60 commands, (he viewed them as "suggestions") and he retieved like a dog.
All my cats have been feral rescues. They can be "complicated".
Have PATIENCE and trust my experience, we will STOP the biting.
Cindy
 
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