Topic: Advice please (Read 5923 times)

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #32 on:** July 07, 2007, 00:32:10 AM »

I agree too and it will be so hard for rosie to give Bagpuss up.....this is not a decision taken lightly.

I am so pleased he is going to a home that he may find more suited to his needs.

I have a cat who cannot be touched by me cos she is terrified and its not she hasnt been socialised its because she has been mistreated and she hasnt forgotten

She doesnt attack but then I dont threaten her and she knows that although she is scared I wont hurt her. She has a a normal cats instinct that if she is scared she runs. Its sad but at least she is safe with me and maybe one day she will learn to trust me enough to get the strokes that she really does love.

Good luck Bagpuss in your new home and hope that your son will not be scared of cats in the future when he understands that Bagpuss didnt hurt him deliberately.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #31 on:** July 06, 2007, 17:56:00 PM »

Quote from: Kittybabe (Ruth) on July 06, 2007, 17:08:10 PM

Rosiesmum is doing what is best not only for her family but for Bagpuss as well. A week sometimes is all you need to know if a cat will integrate. It is very clear that the decision Rosiesmum has come to is not an easy one for her, but the end result is that she will not worry about her son, and Bagpuss will be able to be placed in a home that is more suited to his temperament.

Couldn't agree more

Edited to add: Just seen this, am so pleased for him

Quote from: rosiesmum on July 06, 2007, 17:38:48 PM

...they have already found a home with someone who has experience with strays and who has the space he needs.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #30 on:** July 06, 2007, 17:38:48 PM »

crazycatz

I appreciate what you have said, however, the Rescue have admitted that he may be better suited to a home with outside access, I don't have that, so he is confined indoors, which I also feel is making Bagpuss unhappy. Bagpuss does not swipe - he attacks, with teeth and claws, I have the scratch marks and bites on my back!

As Kittybabe has said, I am doing this for Bagpuss and my Son. My Son is scared from being attacked he is 8yrs old and will remember this, I know Bagpuss has only been with us for a week - and will be with us now until 14 July as the Rescue cannot get him until then, but they have already found a home with someone who has experience with strays and who has the space he needs.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #29 on:** July 06, 2007, 17:16:54 PM »

Quote

cats only attack when they are scared and/or havent been socailised with humans properly

My childhood cat was neither of the above yet would have episodes where he would go mental on one of us. Luckily it didnt happen much as he was a very outdoorsy type of boy.

Taking a stray of an unknown background and putting him in an indoor environment with another cat is always going to be a abit of a gamble, so rosiesmum shouldnt doubt her decision.

Kittybabe (Ruth) · « **Reply #28 on:** July 06, 2007, 17:08:10 PM »

I disagree with that statement Crazycatz. Rosiesmum is doing what is best not only for her family but for Bagpuss as well. A week sometimes is all you need to know if a cat will integrate. It is very clear that the decision Rosiesmum has come to is not an easy one for her, but the end result is that she will not worry about her son, and Bagpuss will be able to be placed in a home that is more suited to his temperament.

crazycatz · « **Reply #27 on:** July 06, 2007, 16:57:18 PM »

cats only attack when they are scared and/or havent been socailised with humans properly
i understand you have to put your son first but i feel you are giving up a bit too soon considering you have only had the cat a week . When we got our cats 1 of them were so spiteful at first and my daughter who was 18mths at the time was sitting on the back door step and as she turned her head her earring moved and the cat swiped at it and scratched all her face and neck and pulled her earring out sretching the hole in her ear , there was blood everywhere and she screamed the place down.
6 months on my cat is a lot calmer and doesnt swipe or attack half as much as she use too , her sister however has always been an angel .

CurlyCatz · « **Reply #26 on:** July 06, 2007, 06:40:08 AM »

So sorry it hasnt worked out for you, His behaviour sounds very much like my parents cat sophie. They've had her from a young kitten so we know her history and with her she's happy living her life coming and going when she pleases..sometimes you can stroke her head but i darent stroke her body LOL.
she could be happily snoozing in the livingroom and can for no reason what so ever launch into attack mode..normally feet and ankles. She also can by quite a bully to other cats in the street apparently.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #25 on:** July 06, 2007, 06:33:21 AM »

Thank you Gill and Ruth.

Your comments and the others make me feel that I am doing the right thing. I won't get another Rescue until my Son is more comfortable with the idea. I just wish you could all see Bagpuss. he is such a lovely lovely cat except for his 'episodes'. Jenny will be coming to collect him on Sunday, I hope she is ok with taking the blanket and the toys we bought for him. I know, that even after a short time, this little man has won my heart and it will be difficult to see him go.

Kittybabe (Ruth) · « **Reply #24 on:** July 05, 2007, 23:39:42 PM »

Agree with all said here.

I recently had the experience of homing a cat which was lovely, but my current master would just not have it and reverted to completely the opposite behaviour. Just smelling the other cat made her hide, stop eating, she even toileted under my bed where she was hiding. It broke my heart but I knew I couldn't keep the new little one as she was very confident and would land up taking over and it would damage Lexy.

At the end of the day you have to do what you think is best and don't feel guilty. I know its easier said than done. People told me the same thing and I still felt guilty, but when you weigh out the benefits to Bagpuss being in a home that he maybe can relax in and your son is not being harmed, then it helps ease the guilt.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #23 on:** July 05, 2007, 23:34:19 PM »

Poor Bagpuss, I reckon he is scared of the unfamiliar environment and also at being locked inside.

I think that its good to explain to your son that its not Bagpuss's fault as you are and also that other cats do not have his problems.

I would listen to your son however concerning getting another cat and do not do it until he is ready and happy about it.

Do not let the lady from the rescue bully you into doing what is not right for you cos you feel guilty, its better to settle again and then make a decision.

She sounds like a good lady as she is taking Bagpuss back but she need to be sure about the cats before she rehomes them.

I hope poor Bagpuss will find the right home for him, maybe one as an only cat and access to outside safely from the start. I am sure he really wants to love someone but isnt quite sure how to behave.....................this was my Sasa too and she had become unhomeable.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #22 on:** July 05, 2007, 11:48:36 AM »

Hi Millys Mum

At the moment, my Son calls the door that leads to the room Bagpuss is in as 'the door of doom'.

I have spoken to him and tried to reassure him that it isn't Bagster's fault at all, it's just that he is not used to the environment he has been put into. I asked him if he thought we should rehome another cat and he said no! I know that in a few weeks he'll come around. Jenny from the Rescue said that she would talk to my Son and explain things to him when she comes to collect Bagpuss.

Shame really as I spent about an hour with Bagpuss this morning having cuddles and playing, he did take a swipe at me, but managed to avoid his claws, then left the room.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #21 on:** July 05, 2007, 11:09:32 AM »

Sorry to hear things havent worked out, if you had a garden he may have been safer to have around kids. You cant have your son terrorised so your doing the right thing.

Some strays just wont adapt to an indoor life, they have free spirits.

Has your sons confidence been damaged by this? Maybe getting a cat who has come from a home environment so its history is known would be better. Theres often some lovely raggies put on here.

Pinkbear (Julie) · « **Reply #20 on:** July 04, 2007, 17:45:20 PM »

Quote from: rosiesmum on July 04, 2007, 17:29:58 PM

He is very bold! He doesn't hide at all, he just comes at you! Then sits down and stares/watches you - I leave at this point!

Don't feel guilty. He'd test the likes of anyone...

But you were the one that took him into your home and that's heroic by anyone's standards.

It's sounds as if the rescue didn't have the time to do a proper assessment of him. He's obviously not been handled well at all and he needs a specialist home.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2007, 17:29:58 PM »

Hi Julie

He is very bold! He doesn't hide at all, he just comes at you! Then sits down and stares/watches you - I leave at this point!

I do feel guilty, but I want him to be happy and I don't think he is.

Pinkbear (Julie) · « **Reply #18 on:** July 04, 2007, 17:26:41 PM »

I do have to agree with the Rescue, and you. When children are involved, you really can't have them injured - in any way.

You say he was tipped? Sounds to me as if he's been in the hands of someone who hasn't followed through with the tameing down process and has just let him go. Poor little soul!

Does he hide behind things and leap out as you are passing? Or does he come up to you when you're standing or sitting still and do it? If it's the first one, he really is playing and he really is a naughty big kitten. If its the latter, then that's more serious and I'd think it's related to his taming down experience. Either way, it's sounds like he's not the cat for you, and he needs perhaps a quieter environment and more suitable things to 'play' with than your son's legs.

As you've had him only briefly, he won't have time to feel settled, so yes, he probably is still upset...

I really hope you do find a needy puss that's a better match - there's a lot around!

Juliexx

rosiesmum · « **Reply #17 on:** July 04, 2007, 16:45:55 PM »

Hi Pinkbear

Bagpuss is 4 years old. He was a stray, but was caught by the Rescue only a couple of weeks ago. He had obviously been caught previously as he had been neutered and tipped.

If I was on my own, I would not hesitate in keeping him and working with him, however, I have an 8 year old Son who has also been on the receiving end of his 'games' and has deep and long scratch marks on the backs of his legs.

Having said all that, he really really is a lovely cat, most of the time very friendly and loving. I also get the impression that he may not be happy? and that is why he is lashing out perhaps? He hasn't been homed before, so this is his first experience of being an indoor cat. The Rescue think he may better off somewhere with an outdoor space, which I don't have.

Pinkbear (Julie) · « **Reply #16 on:** July 04, 2007, 16:34:57 PM »

Can I ask how old this cat is?

I must be on cats number 12 and 13 over a 25 year period. They were all rescues and ranged in age from 5 weeks to 8 years. I've played this leaping on your ankles game before....

When we think about feline development, we think mostly about the best age to neuter. But after that, we don't really think about when a kitten stops being a kitten and is a fully grown, sensible adult. I believe cats don't fully mature until 3 or 4 years of age, because I've noticed very kitten like behaviour in cats of that age. Indeed, something seems to happen to them, and much like a teenager, they stop being a pain ALL the time around 4.

I have also noticed that at a period between 6-12 months after I've taken in a cat, it's personality changes. The cat starts to feel secure and safe, and will 'push boundaries'.

I think Bagpuss is merely play hunting with you and I believe he will grow out of it. I can't say when, but it sounds to me as if he still needs to 'grow up' a little.

I also believe that remedies, and Feliway, and similar stuff will have no effect because there isn't anything wrong with him other than he's being a roughie toughie who doesn't play nicely. He's dead happy with his world...

You have to weigh all that up and make a choice about whether you can wait for him to stop being a naughty big kitten.

Jxx

rosiesmum · « **Reply #15 on:** July 04, 2007, 13:24:34 PM »

Rosie does need a companion, but like you say, I think I will leave it a week or two. I don't want to say yes straight away, because if I did it would be because I felt guilty with letting Bagpuss down.

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #14 on:** July 04, 2007, 13:18:36 PM »

Maybe give it a week or so and see how you feel.

Just don't let the experience put you off getting another companion for Rosie.

The rescue I got Smoke from didn't tell me anything beyond her name and age. My OH didn't believe me when I told him how lucky we were at getting such a sweet cat. And she learned to stand up to our Burmese who's a bit of a spoiled brat

You've just got to find the right cat for your family, everyones ankles and Rosie.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #13 on:** July 04, 2007, 13:07:26 PM »

They have asked me if I would be willing to rehome another cat. Not sure really, at least not straight away.

The Lady was very persuasive and she was telling me about a Siamese, who is 11 years old etc, etc.

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #12 on:** July 04, 2007, 13:02:44 PM »

Oh I'm sorry!

Will you be trying a different furbaby as a companion for Rosie?

rosiesmum · « **Reply #11 on:** July 04, 2007, 13:00:50 PM »

9 Lives have just called me. It looks likely that Bagpuss will be going back on Saturday. Because he was a stray and I believe this is the first time he has been homed, he still has the hunting instinct. The Lady said it may then be better he goes somewhere with a garden so he can fulfill his hunting needs.

They also said it was unacceptable to keep him in a home especially where young children are if he was going to attack. She said she was sure he was only playing and not realising the damage he is doing, which is fair enough, I can't blame him, he has been taken from being a stray to being an indoor cat, but I wished that perhaps he had been observed for a longer period before being rehomed.

It is such a shame, because when he is good, he is lovely and adorable, but when he goes for you it's scary as it is completely without warning!.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2007, 10:47:57 AM »

Went in about 30mins ago with my wellies on!

Will leave him alone for the best part of today and will give the Rescue Remedy a go. Thanks everyone, will let you know what the Rescue says when they get back to me!

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2007, 10:43:23 AM »

Only 2 weeks? Well then there is a chance that they don’t know about the behaviour or only thought it was due to stress.

For now maybe keep your son away from him as you don’t want your son hurt, wear jeans or long sleeve shirts when around the Bagster and maybe don’t go in the room he is in much.

Maybe he just needs to settle down and get used to things first.

Hope a bit of rescue remedy and time will sort him out.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2007, 10:32:11 AM »

Dawn - sounds just like Bagpuss(Bagster)! He is great when he is being nice, but the unpredictability is a worry as my Son is 8yrs and if Bagster had caught him like I was this morning, the damage would have been alot worse.

Auferstehen - I don't think the rescue had him for long - that is my concern, 2 weeks is all they had him for. I emailed the Rescue as you know, this morning, asking about what he was like with other people etc.

ccmacey - it's definatley not play, I was sat on the bed this morning putting my earrings in and he went for me. Unfortunately, Bagpuss uses teeth and claws!

ccmacey · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2007, 10:27:24 AM »

My Harry does this when I walk past him, he goes for the ankles with claws out I think he just wants to play?

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2007, 09:59:30 AM »

See what the rescue says; they may have encountered this behaviour from him when he was with them and it could be that it’s just a new environment so he lashes out.

If they had him for a while they should have an idea of his habits and be able to help.

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2007, 09:53:07 AM »

I have one in like that at the moment, he is very intimidating both to the cats and humans. He is gorgeous and came from a farm, I have actually had a farm home offered to him but was unsure what was best for him

He can be so loveable and then will turn for no reason.........when Lainey was here, I was fussing him and he went to bite me and then gave me a slap

Dudley is scared of feet and hands and I think it's a defence mechanism that he will get you first before you get him, he's definitely been ill treated at some point and ideally, he needs a home where there's no other cats, and somewhere he can chill out when he wants and isn't expected to be a lap cat. Last week I was adamant he was off up to the farm to be rehomed but yesterday he had his nice head on, so I'm back to being undecided.

rosiesmum · « **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2007, 09:52:42 AM »

Thanks Auferstehen

I read that article on Sunday, but it doesn't say anything about the way Bagster is doing it. He has his toys and up until this morning's episode both my Son and I would go in and play, in all honesty, it doesn't seem to be one that enjoys playing - wierd, but true. I have perservered and he just does not want to know, he walks away!

Ela - Thank you, I have also bought the spray and it doesn't seem to have any effect on him at all, Rosie on the other hand is in bliss!

I will try the Rescue remedy, but will not be putting in his mouth, I'll try in his food first!

Ela · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2007, 09:44:18 AM »

Can't give much advice I am afraid as I have over the years had some cats who do this, I think you are right to ignore the cat when he acts like this.

Although I know others on here have had success with the Feliway plug in I nor any of our fosterers ever have, we have however had great sauce's with the Feliway spray.

You could try Rescue Remedy a couple of drops in the water or on the food or even direct into the mouth (if you dare)

Sabrina (Auferstehen) · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2007, 09:43:41 AM »

Gosh, I’m sorry he’s swiping at you and your son so much.

After a quick look I found this in the health & behaviour section,

http://wizz-catz.co.uk/aggression.html

Look under the heading - Interactive Aggression

I’ve never had a cat swipe that bad so I’m useless but I hope you find a solution!

rosiesmum · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2007, 09:34:00 AM »

Dear All

As you know I rehomed a stray cat last weekend. Very friendly, constantly purrs, loves head rubs................................but............................... is attacking both me and my Son.

This morning was the last straw, my foot and ankle looks as though it's been caught up in a garden strimmer! I am wearing flip flops as I can't get my shoes on and don't have any plasters big enough to cover the area.

Yesterday, he went for my Son and caught the backs of his legs. I have felliway plugged in, he has a box he can hide in, blankets, toys, litter tray and food. I pop in and see him often and spend time with him to play.

I just don't understand it. There is no warning from him AT ALL. One minute he is purring happily or lying down, the next he's launched himself at you. My back and arms are covered in scratches and bruises and my Son refuses to go near him now and I have to admit after this morning, I am a bit wary too.

Even after he has attacked, he doesn't run away or anything, he sits there and stares at you and watches you. It's almost as though he is 'wild' for that period of time. I then leave the room and let him get on with it.

It is definately not a play thing. I spoke to my vet yesterday and he thinks it may be that as he was a stray previously, he may not be used to being indoors. My Vet checked him over on Monday and said he was in good health. I have emailed the Rescue and told them what is happening and just waiting to hear back.

Any advice appreciated!

Author Topic: Advice please (Read 5923 times)

ccmacey