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cat attacking legs.

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deetu Apr 09, 2003 09:04 PM

Hello everyone. I have a little problem hopefully someone can help with. I live on a farm and my barn cat (who is a love) has started doing something that has me upset.

At first, he used to hide and jump out at me. Then he would run up and grab my leg with his paws. Then he started using claws (when he did this, I took him by the scuff and said no. He would be good for a long time) The last time, he not only used claws but also bit me. He was again repremanded but I'm scared of him now. I walk to the house with one eye on him and when I see him run up from a crouch, I face him and yell "No" which he respects and walks away. This progression has been over a few years. It is always after he and the other animals are fed while I am walking away from the barn to my house.

He is well cared for. Fed twice a day and eats whatever he catches. He has a padded box with a heat pad for the winter. He is also up to date with all his shots.(rabies are given every year because of his wildlife diet)

He really is a love, greeting you in the morning. Purring away at any little rubbing. Comes to visit whenever you are outside and will just climb right into your lap (even if you are in a rope hammock...that's another story) But as time goes by, I know I'll forget to watch for him. Any ideas on how to get him to stop? Sorry so long.

Replies (7)

Shortstff467 Apr 09, 2003 11:34 PM

I really cant say that it is the same thing, but I have had cats do that to me when they want attention. Could it be that he is feeling neglected for some reason and is trying to tell you? If he is a strictly outdoor cat and this started after winter set in when you didnt spend as much time outside, like in the hammock or just sitting maybe he is trying to say he misses you...
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Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Shorty

Martisimo Apr 10, 2003 08:07 AM

His behavior sounds both attention-seeking and playful. That's probably how it began anyway. Now, after several years, it's probably both attention-seeking and a well-ingrained habit. Even if you do pet him daily when you go out to the barn, for such an affectionate-sounding, people-loving cat as he is described as being, (a "love" and wanting to lounge with you in the hammock, etc.), he probably feels it's not enough. It sounds like he craves your attention, even if it's negative.

I have to admit, I don't know how to go about changing such behavior in an outdoor cat, because you can't necessarily correct him and then remove yourself or him from the situation like I would suggest you do if he were indoors. If he were inside he would feel more secure about his place in your life and that would probably help a lot, but I know many outdoor-only cat owners don't go for that suggestion. Perhaps someone else will have an idea for how to use some behavior modification techniques on an outdoor kitty.

pmantone Apr 11, 2003 09:28 AM

My cat that died last year was an outdoor-only cat and was also part wild bobcat. Throughout his kitten and adult life he would do this. As a kitten, it was more playful behavior and I would distract him with other items to "attack". However, as an adult he would do this when he wanted attention. Sometimes he would get very frustrated with me, sitting there meowing, and if I just moved around him, he would attack me and really bite hard. I never showed him any fear but tried to figure out what he was telling me. Most of the time, if I just sat down with him for a little bit and gave him some extra attention, he would settle down. It is hard to figure out what a cat wants sometimes. Evaluate each time that it happens and try to figure out just what he is trying to get you to do. If all else fails, a harsh no or a loud sound can stop behavior problems but you must be consistent. For your information, when I got this kitty, my vet suggested putting him down because of his wild nature, along with the other person's vet who had his mama. He was a handful but once we learned how to communicate, we did much better. He lived until last May and he was 12 yrs old. That is quite an acomplishment for an outdoor-only cat.
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Boris's Human

Ninga Apr 11, 2003 03:35 PM

You didn't mention if this boy was neutered or not. This may or may not have anything to do with it.

Something you might try is to get into a scheduled routine with him for attention. This way he will know that you are totally his during your special time together, and might not be so inclined to attack to get attention.

Other than that, if you see him getting ready to attack you might try to carry a squirt bottle and when you see him get ready to pounce just spray the ground in front of him and then walk away with no word to him at all.

Just a few ideas I was kicking around in my head.
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Topaz an Da Idyho Clan
Vester, Mystry, Trey, Gidget, Tuff. Rusti, Michael, Carmen, KC, Badger, Panda, MamaCat, Tasha, Chip, Sierra and Tribble

karlacue Apr 12, 2003 10:14 PM

Maybe he just needs a little bit of quality time...Buy one of those 'fishing pole' type of toys and try to play with him. That will release some energy, will give him attention and may help him get the idea and redirect the agression to the toy
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Bob, Daisy, Karla and the Goldfish

deetu Apr 15, 2003 09:31 PM

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have started picking him up and petting him the whole time while walking up to my house. This has taken care of two things, the attention and him not being able to sneak up on me. He loves it so far. Thanks again.

Martisimo Apr 16, 2003 07:59 AM

Sounds like a good plan.