>>>>My new cat, a 10 mos old Persian who is declawed is a biter. He is very matted and hates to be groomed. I am awaiting a Oct. 14th vet apt to have him given anesthia and then shaved. I try to comb him and cut some of the mats out but he freaks out and bites me. In fact I could be walking across the room and he runsnover and jumps on my leg, almost like hugging my leg and bites my calf. I shout at him and he stops. Any suggestions? Other thanthis and the mats he is great. but one more bad point...after eating moist cat food he flips the bowl. I bought those heavy aluminum bowls which helps a little bit. I am sick of seeing the food all over the floor.>>>

There are several steps you can take to minimize the ankle hugging and biting. When he does bite, yell "OUCH" in the highest loudest shriek possible. This mimics a kitten's cry of "uncle" and will usually make a cat back off if he is in the play agression mode.

Play at least fifteen minutes in the evening with your cat using a feathered wand or fishing pole type toy. This can also alleviate a lot of aggression.

There is a substance called Bitter Apple or Bitter End found at many pet supply places. It is harmless to humans, but tastes bad to cats. You can apply this stuff to your legs and the cat will most likely leave you alone. My cat took one whiff and decided no go. The stuff smells rather pleasant to humans!

Finally - your cat has figured out there is a positive for flipping the dish, maybe more food comes out, or maybe it is just plain fun. You'll probably have to just get heavier dishes that can't be flipped unless you can figure out what reward you cat gets for flipping the dish and then mimimizing the reward.

Good luck!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

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