Hurricane Kitty

Alright, I have a cat whose name is pepper. I rescued her from New Orleans in hurricane katrina. As usual with cats she was nervous with me until she began to realize I wasn't so evil. On the other hand, she would his at my significant other. They got into a knock down drag out fight where she pooped on herself and he had a bite mark. It toook me telling her to stop and go to her room and him that i would dump him if he harmed a hair on her head for either of them to stop.

Lately, she has been a great cat. The only problem is she is bites. She only bites when she is scared or irritated, and I know what sound she makes before she attacks...the only problem is that today, while I was sleeping..she was on my side sleeping with me. I got up to move and she hissed. After that she attacked my arm and put various scratches on it. Her health is fine, so what am I doing wrong?

Maybe you moved too fast.

possibly..i wish i could be more calm around her....

You aren't doing anything wrong. This kitty is more than likely going through PTSD and yes, cats do get that. She has been traumatized beyond belief, and she just needs gentle handling and comfort. She needs to know that her world will not change and I would be doing everything possible to make sure that her life is orderly and there are no surprises. Food at certain times every day, water bowl emptied and cleaned same times every day- feed in the same spot using the same bowls, liter box patrol same thing. Playtime scheduled, bed time scheduled. She needs to relax, and once she does it will be easier on her. Try not to yell (don't know if you are) but if you are don't. Keep her environment as stressfree as possible, and thank you for rescuing this hurricane kitty and for pity's sake keep your significant other away from her. Who would get in a knock-down drag out fight with a cat in the first place? I wouldn't want that person in my life