I had a roomie years and years ago that adopted an older cat who bit me. She had already been declawed front and back, her teeth were all she had left! This cat hated me the moment she met me.

My vet suggested we put her in a bathroom for a couple of days and I'd be the only one to take care of her - "the bearer of all things good." (and lay on the treats) It worked. She wasn't ever a lazy lap cat, but she was safe after a week or so, she didn't attack anyone in the next two years.

I always wondered if she didn't attack me instead of my roomie because I was the 'mama' of the dominant cat in the house. his scent was all over me. And I wondered if she hadn't been roughed up in her pervious home - why was she so aggressive with them they had to declaw her front and back but she settled into an okay house cat with us?

Its tough - aggressive cats are a worry with immune compromised family members. Someone suggested calling the shelter back for insight on the cat's personality before making up your mind - sounds like a really good idea. If nothing else you might find a little more peace with your decision either way.

All the best,
Elizabeth

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