Thread: Biting and Scratching

Some ( many ? ) cats are easily overstimulated by petting and react by biting and grabbing.

MC Elvis is like that and I have the scars to prove it...

It's not being vicious or malicious, he just gets spun up and loses it, I think.

The first hint is the tail twitch. It's a sign to pet more gently. If I ignore it, I eventually lose blood.

If I let out a loud "OW" when he grabs me, he usually comes right back to Earth and
realizes that he's doing damage and pulls in most of the claws. Usually.

If I firmly hold him, which isn't always the easiest thing with a large Coonie, and talk softly to him
while scratching under his chin he usually calms right down. It's best to not get them too excited.

With a kitten, it's best to discourage this behavior while they're still young.

Clipping the claws helps, too.

I think i'd consider the following :-
a) A playmate ;)
b) Some vigorous play before bedtime
c) Encourage play with toys on string only, no hand play at all
d) A ban from the bedroom!!

He sounds like he might be a bit lonely and frustrated that you are not tending to his playful whims. You definitely need to act on it though, because it can become habit, and you don't want a giant cat attacking you in the night!

Sounds like he needs a kitty pal to play with, it doesn't have to be a MCC you could rescue a Moggy from the shelter.
MCC are social creatures especially when they're young.
You do need to watch for the signs of a over stimulated kitty, even when Samantha was old she'd still get worked up and latch onto Papa's arm.

Bitey scratchy means no interactive play at all as that is encouraging him to carry on doing it you are better to play with him quietly & if you notice a change say no & walk away ignoring him,he is behaving like a child seeking attention & at the moment he sure is getting it,same with sleeping with you no way should you be getting attacked in your own bed give him his own sleeping space when he has grown up a bit & respects you as boss then you can always allow him back in if you wish although I am one of those nasty people who loves her animals but think you should all have your own space,would never allow a child to behave like that so why should your animal however spoilt,although I have only had to use it with one cat she used to have time out in her room when she was really naughty which did involve bites,to start with I had to brave grabbing her by the scruff & put her in the room but in the end she got that if she did slip up she would run off & put herself in there,eventually she turned into one of the best luv bugs ever....Of course a playmate is also a very good idea as they do love company but you might still just have to give him a few guidelines....Good luck x

I'm not sure what happened to my post but I think I have already replied to this thread.

My name is Chris and I also have a himalayan cat fond of biting and scratching even when I was just trying to pet him. It could be dangerous at times because well, it hurts and you might get injured or something. I was able to get this book suggested by a friend on how to stop cat biting that you might want to try? Though I'd also consider cooncatbob's suggestion to get your cat a playmate but usually it's more of behavioral because some cats are ok without any other pets around. If you want, you can see the book below might help you.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Stop-Cat-B.../dp/B0074F55E0

Really have to thank you for recommending that book which has such great advice! I have to admit though the biting is all my fault because I definitely do not stop when my kitten is trying to ask me nicely!