I need advice, and I have checked the how to stop cats aggression towards people thread, however, it hasnt worked.
Heres the background: Merlin is one of three kittens that are now 8 months old. I kept him, and his brother and his sister, and I still have their mama. The problem is, that he has always been skiddish, and doesnt really like to be pet unless its his idea. We have accepted this about him, and don't force him to be anymore social than he chooses to be. The issue is, he BITES. I am pregnant...so I have a poochie belly. When I get ready for work in the morning, it is common practice for him to sprawl on the vanity in the bathroom while I apply my makeup. I usually scratch his ears and continue getting ready. Here recently, he has started pushing aside my pajama top and biting my stomach! At first, I thought it was because I wasn't petting him...nope, if I pet him, he bites me anyways.
He will initiate a petting, and I watch for signs that hes fed up...twitchy tail, changes in expression...theres nothing...he just all of the sudden stands on both back legs and begins to gnaw on me with is sharp little teeth. I usually very firmly say "NO." And look at him, and he lets go...I certainly don't jerk away.
I don't know what to do. I tried the timing how long he lets me pet him before hes fed up, and its inconsistent. I tried watching for the agitation, but there is no warning. I don't know what to do, but my stomach looks like a mouse took little nibbles all over! My hands look like I played chicken with a piranaha tank. Short of never petting him again, what can I do?
Heres the background: Merlin is one of three kittens that are now 8 months old. I kept him, and his brother and his sister, and I still have their mama. The problem is, that he has always been skiddish, and doesnt really like to be pet unless its his idea. We have accepted this about him, and don't force him to be anymore social than he chooses to be. The issue is, he BITES. I am pregnant...so I have a poochie belly. When I get ready for work in the morning, it is common practice for him to sprawl on the vanity in the bathroom while I apply my makeup. I usually scratch his ears and continue getting ready. Here recently, he has started pushing aside my pajama top and biting my stomach! At first, I thought it was because I wasn't petting him...nope, if I pet him, he bites me anyways.
He will initiate a petting, and I watch for signs that hes fed up...twitchy tail, changes in expression...theres nothing...he just all of the sudden stands on both back legs and begins to gnaw on me with is sharp little teeth. I usually very firmly say "NO." And look at him, and he lets go...I certainly don't jerk away.
I don't know what to do. I tried the timing how long he lets me pet him before hes fed up, and its inconsistent. I tried watching for the agitation, but there is no warning. I don't know what to do, but my stomach looks like a mouse took little nibbles all over! My hands look like I played chicken with a piranaha tank. Short of never petting him again, what can I do?