I adopted my beautiful cat, who just turned 1, from a shelter when he was 4 months old. I had just lost a 5-year-old cat to a vaccine-associated sarcoma, and was devastated.
Meanwhile, my new kitty adjusted very well to his new home, and has an adorable personality, plus is usually sweet. However, he bites … hard.
Two weeks ago, I landed in the hospital for three days, because he bit my leg so hard that I developed a severe infection. A week later, he bit my leg again, and I bled like the dickens. Then, we went to visit my parents this past weekend, and he bit my mom on her wrist (just missing the bone) while she was petting him, and she landed in the ER.
Meanwhile, I took him to the vet this past Saturday, to have him tested for any possible medical issues. Turns out he's as healthy as a horse. The vet, who is holistic, says he suffers from acute play aggression. He told me to change his diet, and gave me a bottle of flower essences for him. He further suggested that I get a kitten for him to play with. He also said that, if it came down to it, he would work with me on re-homing him.
After he bit my mom, my family and I initially thought that trying to re-home him would be the best option. We can't run the risk of winding up in the hospital again. But we are now having second thoughts, because we are attached to him.
I am supposed to hear from the vet today. Otherwise, I am at my wit's end, and heartbroken.
Enlisting a cat behaviorist is out of the question. I live in an isolated area, and the closest cat behaviorists are many hours away. Plus, they are very expensive, and I have very little money. I also contacted Jackson Galaxy from "My Cat From Hell," who I happen to know personally. But I received a form e-mail, saying that he is too swamped to help me.
I would greatly appreciate any insight and advice.
Meanwhile, my new kitty adjusted very well to his new home, and has an adorable personality, plus is usually sweet. However, he bites … hard.
Two weeks ago, I landed in the hospital for three days, because he bit my leg so hard that I developed a severe infection. A week later, he bit my leg again, and I bled like the dickens. Then, we went to visit my parents this past weekend, and he bit my mom on her wrist (just missing the bone) while she was petting him, and she landed in the ER.
Meanwhile, I took him to the vet this past Saturday, to have him tested for any possible medical issues. Turns out he's as healthy as a horse. The vet, who is holistic, says he suffers from acute play aggression. He told me to change his diet, and gave me a bottle of flower essences for him. He further suggested that I get a kitten for him to play with. He also said that, if it came down to it, he would work with me on re-homing him.
After he bit my mom, my family and I initially thought that trying to re-home him would be the best option. We can't run the risk of winding up in the hospital again. But we are now having second thoughts, because we are attached to him.
I am supposed to hear from the vet today. Otherwise, I am at my wit's end, and heartbroken.
Enlisting a cat behaviorist is out of the question. I live in an isolated area, and the closest cat behaviorists are many hours away. Plus, they are very expensive, and I have very little money. I also contacted Jackson Galaxy from "My Cat From Hell," who I happen to know personally. But I received a form e-mail, saying that he is too swamped to help me.
I would greatly appreciate any insight and advice.