Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: JackSpratt on May 23, 2007, 23:16:11 PM
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I've just had a text from a friend that works in an animal shelter. She has had a lady get in touch to ask her about her cat. The lady in question cares for the (family) cat solely. She feeds it, cleans out its tray, fusses it....none of the other family members are actively involved. But every few months this cat will launch itself at the woman. She has scratch marks all over the bottom of her legs apparantly.
Could this aggression be based on the cat "demanding" this lady work to the cats schedule? Or maybe it's craving more attention and knows she is the only family member that will give it? These are my two first thoughts, but other suggestions are welcome. I need to phone the girl back ASAP with any input I can get. (to try and save the womans legs!)
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Suspect the cat does want more attention and would suggest that she gets a toy on a fishing line or a long stick, like a wiggly waggler and try to get the cat to play with this when it trys to attack her.......basically divert its attention away from her legs.
Others will prob have other suggestions too ;D
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Thank Gill. I figured the attention part was the problem! (Heck, we all know just how demanding a cat can be! ;) But we love em anywhoo.)
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Hi JS when Thomas first came to me he would attack my legs and the vet said exactly what Gill said........distraction with something even a noise
Poor lady............ maybe someone could clip his/her claws too
good luck
x
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It could be that the cat isn't getting enough attention and every now and then the frustration spills over into agression.
I agree with the distraction technique and with clipping the claws! also more play with fishing rod style toys in general.
An interesting article on aggression here.
http://www.messybeast.com/nervous.htm
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Thanks, guys. :) I'll find out if my friend has an email addy and forward her that article.
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That's an excellent article Susanne
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That's an excellent article Susanne
Messybeast has some great articles. Well worth checking out.
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Just read the article about taming adult ferals. Seems I instinctively did everything right with Polly.
JS what sex is the cat? Is it neutered/spayed. If it's an unneutered tom, this may expain these outbursts (sexual frustration).
Is it left alone for long periods? In that case it needs more attention and play. Is it totally indoors? Then it needs much more play and maybe some time outside if poss.