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my cat gnaws on me all the time...HELP!

post #1 of 4
3/9/10 at 5:05pm
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I have a young cat that I litterally found in the middle of the highway this past September. He was only 3wks old according to my vet, I bottle fed the little guy for weeks...he only weighed 12 ounces. His name is Lazarus because one night around 2am while I was feeding him...he quit breathing. I rubbed him really briskly with his blanket and did what was kitty CPR. Long story short...he now weighs 8 pounds, has recently been neutered and is in excellent health. Even before he was neutered and still ongoing, he just gnaws on my hands, feet, face...he does not break skin...just kinda chews. I really love this little guy...he is so special...strictly inside kitty, but this is so frustating....I cannot even hold and love him like I want to. Does anyone have any ideas on why he does it....how I can change the behavior.....I have loved cats all of my life and had many over the years....this is a constant behavior....only stopping when he sleeps. Thanks to everyone in advance for any advice.
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post #2 of 4
3/9/10 at 5:11pm
Wow, a little miracle kitty, I LOVE it! Meant to be! How old is he? Could he possibly be losing his baby teeth? I have a couple of kitties who will "love nip" and always have. It's never really bothered me though and certainly isn't a constant thing.
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post #3 of 4
3/9/10 at 6:19pm
I have two gnawers. One was weaned very early, hand raised, and chewed on fingers and anything she could get hold of. I finally designated ONE finger for her to gnaw on, and now, at two, she rarely does it. I think (may be way off base here) that it is a reaction to early weaning...latent suckling reflex that never quite goes away. The other, well, I got him as a wee kitten who was able to eat but he has a fascination for chewing on fingers too, but his digit of choice is a thumb and he is 10. Both are dedicated to covering me with cat spit as well...maybe because they were away from mamma too soon...no idea about that one
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post #4 of 4
3/9/10 at 7:07pm
If the chewing is really bothersome you should try reinforcing when kitty is doing the correct act. For example, take your hand away if the cat chews it and then put it back and give kitty lots of praise for not chewing. It takes a little while but my one chewer now knows that she gets lots of extra attention when she doesn't bite and no attention when she does.
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