New Cat Owner

Hi...

I am new to this site, and in my introduction, posted a couple of days ago, I talked about the behaviors of my new cat the concerned me.  In short, I complained about the cat jumping on everything and the smell.   I got a lot of feedback that I thoroughly appreciate.  It was helpful.

I now have a new concern.  It's kinda of funny though.

Last night, I allowed my tabby to sleep on the bed with my hubby and I.  My husband slept peacefully and uninterrupted.  Me on the hand---a whole different story.  My cat playfully attacked my toes most of the night.  I think he stopped some time around 2:30am.  Just as I began to drift off into a blissful sleep, Simba jumped on my head.  Simba is 2 years old and weighs 11 lbs.  Lets just say I did not have the best reaction.

Simba loves my husband and he is so gentle with him.  When my husband calls Simba, he walks over all purring like and rubs against him.  He lays calmly next to my husband and sleeps peacefully.  With me, I cannot walk past him without him jumping my feet.  Why?

I can identify with you as my 3 year old cat is 9 1/2 pounds and has a habit of jumping on me.  He tends to jump at my head when I am sitting or standing though rather than in bed.  He did land on my head when I was in bed on a couple of occasions but he quickly learned that that was not an OK thing to do.  All that weight through paws is painful even when they just walk over you!

It sounds like Simba is still quite playful at age 2.  I wonder if you move differently to your husband, as shorter, faster or more jumpy movements will tend to attract a cat's attention and hunting instincts. It may also be the time of day you are around as cats will have times they are more awake and easily aroused for play.   If Simba hasn't had this energy run off through play he will seek out oportunities when you don't expect them or would prefer he was quiet.

If he is jumping out at your legs as you walk past, or at your arms, it is best to stay still, push your limb very slightly in towards him and then remain still.  If you do need to move then do this slowly and smoothly to minimize the risk of Simba thinking you are being aggressive with him or inviting play.  The same principle goes for the jumping on your head in bed if possible:  to stay still, try to avoid shouting or crying out but do say 'ouch' or 'ow' in a firm voice.  If he tries to play, paw and bite you once he has jumped on you remain still and slowly draw the bed covers over you as protection.

Good luck with this.  You may have other thoughts, as other members might so it will be good to hear how you get on.