out of ideas to stop adolscent cat with aggressive play

Hi everyone -

I am owned by a ten month old Cornish Rex named Atticus who, 95% of the time, is the perfect cat. He loves people and is incredibly affectionate. He meets me at the door when I come home from work and actually sleeps in my arms.

True to the Cornish Rex personality, he is very  playful. He doesn't really lounge - he is either dead asleep or running around chasing things or just plain doing laps around the house.

But then there are times where he misdirects his playfulness and attacks me and there is nothing I can do to stop him. He bites repeatedly, even on the face, pounces hard (target number one is my eye socket when I wake up), essentially treats me like prey. It is not light or controlled - for a 5 pound pound cat he can pack a punch! Any attempts to stop him actually just rile him up more. I have tried a stern no and pointing, I have tried crying out to indicate pain, I have tried hissing at him, I have tried wrapping him in a blanket (he calms down until I release him, at which point he starts back right where he left off). The only thing that does seem to work is diverting his attention with another toy. But his number one most aggressive time is the morning ("mumma I have had no one to play with for eight whole hours!") and I can't sit and play with him when I have to go to work.

Is there anything else I can try to end this destructive behavior? I know he thinks he is playing and does not intend to 'attack' me but it is really out of control.

Have you tried interactive toys?  When mine was a kitten i had an automatic laser because i couldn't play with her at times. Clicker training might work. 

 

Do you have a many designated play times with him each day?  There is a philosophy called Hunt Catch Kill Eat Groom Sleep.  The idea is to get a wand toy ( like the da bird) or laser pointer and really get the cat moving.  You want the play session to last a long time.  Since this cat has lots of energy this should not be a problem.  Play for 10-20 minutes until he is tiring. During the play session, he will hunt, catch and kill the prey.  Next offer a special treat or small meal.  This should be something extra special.  You can try plain cooked chicken, canned tuna or small bit of wet food.  This is for the Eat portion and very important.  Cats play to hunt, catch and kill.  Yet when playing they do not get the reward of the Eat.  Eating the prey is all part of the fun.  Also most cats after having a small meal or substantial snack will settle down to Groom themselves and then take a nap.

This process may need to be repeated 2-3x each day.  Young cats have lots and lots of energy. The key is to play with him before he attacks.  If he attack, remove him or walk away.  He may need a time out of 5-10 minutes.  Then regroup and bring out the toy.