Hello, to one and all in this forum. This is my first post. Although it's probably better "form" to post a short message introducing myself first, my girlfriend and I have a problem with a ferile kitten that she rescued, which is so severe that we are even considering giving him up to a no-kill shelter nearby. I have a lot of experience with cats, and love them dearly, while my girlfriend is both mildly allergic and has no fondness for them, at all. Yet it is she who rescued this kitty, barely two weeks old, by our vet's estimation, at the time she spotted him near her office, and decided to bring him home.
He is the most playful kitten (now three months old) that I have ever been around, but his play often turns into very painful biting and scratching. We have tried every remedy and suggestion that internet searches have turned up, with little to show for it other than more bloody attacks. He is a dear thing when he's sleepy, or in the mood for affection, but you just never know when he'll go for your legs, or will bite uncontrollably upon any attempts to pick him up. Having read a few posts in this forum, could I ask for some input on three areas that may represent some hope, long term, or at least until maturity might moderate this behavior significantly?
First, I read about a pheromone atomizer called Feliway. Has anyone used Feliway successfully to moderate aggressive behavior, not just to prevent spraying?
Second, has anyone used St. John's Wort successfully, and if so can you recommend a doseage (I will be stopping at our vet's office for counsel on this subject, as well)?
Third, we are hearing and reading mixed reports on the effects of neutering on male kitten behavior. Is there a consensus here on whether we should hold out any hope that his aggression will be at all reduced after his "family jewels" are removed? As a footnote, is there any feeling about early castration for males? Our vet is a believer in the "six months old" rule of thumb, with respect to castration, but I'm also aware that there are vets who are not opposed to earlier removal.
Any help or advice that you kind folks can offer would be so very appreciated. I am such a sappy animal lover, and cat lover in particular, that it breaks my heart to think that we may have to give up on "Einstein", if some solutions cannot be found. My girlfriend seems to be bearing the brunt of his ankle attacks, and she only has so much blood she can spare. :-)
He is the most playful kitten (now three months old) that I have ever been around, but his play often turns into very painful biting and scratching. We have tried every remedy and suggestion that internet searches have turned up, with little to show for it other than more bloody attacks. He is a dear thing when he's sleepy, or in the mood for affection, but you just never know when he'll go for your legs, or will bite uncontrollably upon any attempts to pick him up. Having read a few posts in this forum, could I ask for some input on three areas that may represent some hope, long term, or at least until maturity might moderate this behavior significantly?
First, I read about a pheromone atomizer called Feliway. Has anyone used Feliway successfully to moderate aggressive behavior, not just to prevent spraying?
Second, has anyone used St. John's Wort successfully, and if so can you recommend a doseage (I will be stopping at our vet's office for counsel on this subject, as well)?
Third, we are hearing and reading mixed reports on the effects of neutering on male kitten behavior. Is there a consensus here on whether we should hold out any hope that his aggression will be at all reduced after his "family jewels" are removed? As a footnote, is there any feeling about early castration for males? Our vet is a believer in the "six months old" rule of thumb, with respect to castration, but I'm also aware that there are vets who are not opposed to earlier removal.
Any help or advice that you kind folks can offer would be so very appreciated. I am such a sappy animal lover, and cat lover in particular, that it breaks my heart to think that we may have to give up on "Einstein", if some solutions cannot be found. My girlfriend seems to be bearing the brunt of his ankle attacks, and she only has so much blood she can spare. :-)
