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- Apr 7, 2008
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Hi everyone,
I am new on these boards, and introduced myself in the new cats thread. I have a 6 year old female domesticated cat, and just took in a 6 month old stray kitten last week. There he was, by the stairs in a train station, meowing and reaching out with his paw to everyone who came down the stairs. When I made kissy sounds he came over to me and nuzzled repeatedly.
The cops' only advice was: "If we call the locals they'll probably just put him to sleep, so why don't you take him home?" They spent a half hour constructing a makeshift carrier out of cardboard boxes and caution tape. I couldn't just leave him there!
As it turns out, the cat really was crying for help, because the vet saw a large, painful abscess on his back. They explained that he probably got bitten, and the wound became infected. He is feeling much better since the vet lanced it. We've named him Lucky, 'cause he is a lucky boy!
If you don't mind, I have some behavior / socialization questions, and would reeeeeeeaalllly appreciate any advice you could give. We have him in a separate room right now, so he doesn't interact with our other cat. He is very affectionate towards people, and is always nuzzling our ankles and feet.
However, he does have some biting issues. Most of the time we can trace it back to overstimulation or a faux pas on our part. (For ex, yesterday I made the mistake of preparing his food in front of him and attempting to walk from the kitchen to his room with the bowl. Usually, I bring it in already prepared. D'oh! Well, of course he chomped my leg for that one, he thought I was taking it away!) Once, it seems like he just attacked my husband unprovoked. My husband and I were standing next to him talking, not doing anything in particular to upset him and all of the sudden he wrapped his forelegs around my husband's leg and bit.
Unlike my other cat, he doesn't give you much time between the attack and the body language indications. My 6 year old female will let you know a few minutes ahead of time when you are petting her too much or whatever, and if you get nipped, it's your own fault, lol.
How do we deal with this?? We are certainly allowing that he has only been off the street for a week, and this is going to take time. His life depended on a quick reaction out there. But the rapid, unpredictable bites are very unnerving. He is being neutered this week -- will that help significantly? Otherwise, you can tell that he wants to give and receive affection. But he is very mercurial.
I've never dealt with a stray before, and do want to integrate him into our family. This biting makes us nervous not so much for ourselves, but for our other cat. She's never had to deal with this and has progressive heart disease, so the less stress the better.
Any ideas? Do you guys think this situation is viable?
Thanks so much,
Kitty
I am new on these boards, and introduced myself in the new cats thread. I have a 6 year old female domesticated cat, and just took in a 6 month old stray kitten last week. There he was, by the stairs in a train station, meowing and reaching out with his paw to everyone who came down the stairs. When I made kissy sounds he came over to me and nuzzled repeatedly.
The cops' only advice was: "If we call the locals they'll probably just put him to sleep, so why don't you take him home?" They spent a half hour constructing a makeshift carrier out of cardboard boxes and caution tape. I couldn't just leave him there!
As it turns out, the cat really was crying for help, because the vet saw a large, painful abscess on his back. They explained that he probably got bitten, and the wound became infected. He is feeling much better since the vet lanced it. We've named him Lucky, 'cause he is a lucky boy!
If you don't mind, I have some behavior / socialization questions, and would reeeeeeeaalllly appreciate any advice you could give. We have him in a separate room right now, so he doesn't interact with our other cat. He is very affectionate towards people, and is always nuzzling our ankles and feet.
However, he does have some biting issues. Most of the time we can trace it back to overstimulation or a faux pas on our part. (For ex, yesterday I made the mistake of preparing his food in front of him and attempting to walk from the kitchen to his room with the bowl. Usually, I bring it in already prepared. D'oh! Well, of course he chomped my leg for that one, he thought I was taking it away!) Once, it seems like he just attacked my husband unprovoked. My husband and I were standing next to him talking, not doing anything in particular to upset him and all of the sudden he wrapped his forelegs around my husband's leg and bit.
Unlike my other cat, he doesn't give you much time between the attack and the body language indications. My 6 year old female will let you know a few minutes ahead of time when you are petting her too much or whatever, and if you get nipped, it's your own fault, lol.
How do we deal with this?? We are certainly allowing that he has only been off the street for a week, and this is going to take time. His life depended on a quick reaction out there. But the rapid, unpredictable bites are very unnerving. He is being neutered this week -- will that help significantly? Otherwise, you can tell that he wants to give and receive affection. But he is very mercurial.
I've never dealt with a stray before, and do want to integrate him into our family. This biting makes us nervous not so much for ourselves, but for our other cat. She's never had to deal with this and has progressive heart disease, so the less stress the better.
Any ideas? Do you guys think this situation is viable?
Thanks so much,
Kitty