Angry Cat
 

My wife and I picked our cat up from a cat shelter, He was a very layed back cat in his cage and liked to be petted. We brought him home and no sooner did we walk in the door and he became satan biting whom ever came near!! It's been two years and we can now pet him, but he still attacks poeple who come to visit (Bitting and hissing).Does anyone have any ideas on changing this behaviour?

Hi CS,

Some cats are not people lovers. Your cat will get more attached to YOU though. My cat took 4 years to show real 'love' toward my girlfriend and me. For you, I'd try brushing, petting, snacks and massage. That will help build the bond for you.

For strangers....you can always try catnip, or cat toys. Give a stranger a cat toy and see what happens. If it is a stranger that comes to visit often, maybe a piece of their clothing (T-shirt) lying around the cats favorite spot might ease the bad behaviour the next time that stranger comes around.

I would not force it though. Cats are special because they are so independant and choosey with those whom they bestow their love upon.

Best of luck,

Creesheh[B][/B]

Hi there
You have the same problem as me, although I've had my cat about 5 years now. I got her from the Toronto Humane Society and not long after I got her home she started attacking my feet! Anytime I would pet her she'd purr and enjoy it for a while and then suddenley attack. As for visitors first she will hide, then she will go up to them interested, then stratch or bite them!
Fast forward 5 years and nothing much has changed. Last year my vet suggested putting her on an anti-anxiety medication called Clomipramine. We put her on it for 3 months and she was a lot better. The vet wanted to wean her off to see if the behaviour was corrected or if she'd need to be on it long term, but once off she reverted back to her old behaviour. So I think its something she'll be on for a while. Its so expensive though! Not sure if its something you'd consider or not.
I think with my cat it is that she gets overly stimulated when being petted, and can only take so much. It wouldnt be so bad if she was just a grumpy cat as we could leave to do her own thing, but she initiates affection by jumping up and cuddling, then attacking! She wacked me in the face the other week, and bit my boyfriend. Anyhow I'll see how the medication works again :)