Zane again--purr, purr, rub, rub, mix, mix CHOMP!

Today when I came home from work, I started to take off my outdoor shoes. When I leaned over to remove them, Zane ran up and bit my hands. He did this two or three times before I could catch him.

As per suggestions on this board, I picked him up and put him in the bathroom for 5 min.; I have done this several times, and afterwards he is very affectionate--at least for a few hours.

Later this evening he came up and rubbed against my ankles. I leaned down to pet him and he bit me on the wrist.

He can be such a loving and affectionate cat mostly, but he gets these fits of aggression, and I don't know what to do. I've tried making loud noises, I've tried blowing in his face, I've tried confining him for 5 minute intervals (bathroom), I've tried pinching him on the shoulder (imitating a bite), I've tried summarily pushing him off my lap/the bed. The vet prescribed Prozac--all it did was stimulate his appetite. I don't know what to do. He's a dear, sweet, loving kitty most of the time, but he gets these fits of aggression. Bad enough when he does it to me, but I'm afraid that he might do it to someone else, some visitor, and we have seen on the 'Persi' thread what can happen when a cat hurts a human.

Originally Posted by Zane's Pal

Bad enough when he does it to me, but I'm afraid that he might do it to someone else, some visitor, and we have seen on the 'Persi' thread what can happen when a cat hurts a human.

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In the case of Persi, it was a defense mechanism in a very stressful situation. If Zane does not like people, he will have to be confined whenever you have visitors or give them a warning. I used to do that with Joji (has mellowed with age). She used to attack if people got too close.

Looking forward to the advise of others here. I do not have aggressive biters just one playful one which is different.

Originally Posted by yayi

In the case of Persi, it was a defense mechanism in a very stressful situation. If Zane does not like people, he will have to be confined whenever you have visitors or give them a warning. I used to do that with Joji (has mellowed with age). She used to attack if people got too close.

Looking forward to the advise of others here. I do not have aggressive biters just one playful one which is different.

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He usually likes people, but sometimes there is a short circuit in the feline equivalent of a brain and he'll strike without warning.

I would say just keep doing one thing, don't mix it up otherwise Zane won't associate the consequence with his action- my advice would be to yell NO!!!! very loudly whenever he bites. Also, as hard as this may seem to do, don't pull your hand away, just hold it very still, when you move it, it may seem to Zane that you're playing "chase". But you have to be patient and consistent. It could easily take weeks or even months before you start to see an improvement. Good luck!