Less love wanted. Kiss, tease for attention and then bite

Hello everyone, 

I am a first time cat owner and rescued my little Lady (her name is Lady). She was previously owned by a family that had her fully declawed! (My heart breaks that someone would do this to such a sweet life).  In doing so of course it created some emotional issues and the only form of defense is to bite. We have learned slowly how she does and does not want to be petted. I watch her closely and can tell the signs of when she isn't happy and could possibly bite and we have got along just fine. 

I've learned this will be a life with her and letting her be the boss. My concern and advise needed is due to the fact she now mid purring from good loves she likes she suddenly will get that look and try to bite. (Not successfully since I've learned when she will). It is never over a specific way I'm petting her or a place that could be bothering her either. 

I'm not sure how to handle it and will work through this with her I am just not sure what I'm doing wrong. Is she not getting enough play time?

I'd hate to lose the lovey little girl that brought home with me and was so thankful to be here. 

I am wondering if it could have anything to do with the feral cats she can see out of the back window???. (They are not mine I live in a condo on the bottom floor)

Any advise is greatly appreciated!!! 

It could well be the ferals...think how she feels!  There is a clear threat to her territory, and that blasted former family TOOK AWAY HER METHOD OF DEFENSE!   Imagine that someone removed your front and back door, and there were bands of roving marauders outside!  You would get a might bit defensive too.  BTW...bless you for going out of your way to accommodate this girl.  She is, in my opinion, now "special needs" due to that declawing.

Another thing to consider is that with her gait permanently skewed, she may have sore spots in different areas, depending on what she has been doing.  She doesn't walk like a normal cat anymore.

She may, as you mentioned, not be getting enough play time...and I'll promise you this...additional playtime, especially with a "fishing rod" type toy is NOT going to do anything but good!  

Best of luck.  I'm sure one of our rescuers who has dealt with declawed cats before will chime in here soon and give you lots more information.  I have no expertise, and am just going off of what little common sense I have! 

And before I go, welcome to TCS!  This is a wonderful , loving, caring group of people whose main interest is the well-being of all cats.  When  you have a moment, introduce yourself on "New Cats on the Block" (pictures are always good), and browse around the forums and articles!  In other words, make yourself at home!  I've been here a bit over a year, and can't imagine life without this site and the friends I have made here.