Hi,
I've done a fair bit of searching on the internet but nothing seems to fill my exact situation, so I'm sorry if this is a common topic. I've had my cat Dante (18 months) for about a month, he was very shy at first but has gained confidence so quickly. He used to come and rub up on me and love pats, however in the last 10 days or so I can barely touch him without getting my arm clawed. He has been so outgoing and affectionate with visitors to the house who are meeting him for the first time, they can give him rubs all over as much as they want with no backlash. For example, I'll put my hand down at my side while sitting in my chair, he will chirp and run over, give my hand a headbutt and then either rub a little or sit back. I try and remove my hand as soon as he pulls away, but if I take a millisecond too long he scratches. Even if he is actively rubbing (I won't add any pressure, just move where he is putting me), after a maximum of 2 seconds if I don't get my arm out of the way I'll get scratched. I've never had a bad incident with him, he always comes to me (I never reach out to touch him) and is happy to lie behind my chair, follow me around like a furry shadow and have playtime with me (only ever with toys, no hand play), but pets are not allowed (even though he sits next to my chair and stares and chirps like he wants attention). Not a single other person has even looked like they are going to be scratched, but my hands and arms are covered I'm at a complete loss and no one else seems to have any ideas.....why does he seem like he wants my attention but then aggresses as soon as I give it? Why is it only me who gets this treatment despite treating him with nothing but gentleness....even if I hold a treat I need to drop it as soon as he gives the initial headbutt or else I might end up bleeding. I live alone so do all of his feeding/caregiving unless visitors are over to give him some treats and love
sorry for the long post, I just wanted to get all the details I could. Thank you for any help, I just want to be able to love on my baby like everyone else can
I've done a fair bit of searching on the internet but nothing seems to fill my exact situation, so I'm sorry if this is a common topic. I've had my cat Dante (18 months) for about a month, he was very shy at first but has gained confidence so quickly. He used to come and rub up on me and love pats, however in the last 10 days or so I can barely touch him without getting my arm clawed. He has been so outgoing and affectionate with visitors to the house who are meeting him for the first time, they can give him rubs all over as much as they want with no backlash. For example, I'll put my hand down at my side while sitting in my chair, he will chirp and run over, give my hand a headbutt and then either rub a little or sit back. I try and remove my hand as soon as he pulls away, but if I take a millisecond too long he scratches. Even if he is actively rubbing (I won't add any pressure, just move where he is putting me), after a maximum of 2 seconds if I don't get my arm out of the way I'll get scratched. I've never had a bad incident with him, he always comes to me (I never reach out to touch him) and is happy to lie behind my chair, follow me around like a furry shadow and have playtime with me (only ever with toys, no hand play), but pets are not allowed (even though he sits next to my chair and stares and chirps like he wants attention). Not a single other person has even looked like they are going to be scratched, but my hands and arms are covered I'm at a complete loss and no one else seems to have any ideas.....why does he seem like he wants my attention but then aggresses as soon as I give it? Why is it only me who gets this treatment despite treating him with nothing but gentleness....even if I hold a treat I need to drop it as soon as he gives the initial headbutt or else I might end up bleeding. I live alone so do all of his feeding/caregiving unless visitors are over to give him some treats and love
sorry for the long post, I just wanted to get all the details I could. Thank you for any help, I just want to be able to love on my baby like everyone else can