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Painful decision

mommytobayla Mar 03, 2006 03:13 AM

After trying since we brought him home to break Ricky II of his "nipping" habbit (I an not sure if he is trying to nurse or if he is teething, although I am beginning to doubbt the latter) I have to bring him back to the breeder. He prefers to do his nipping in the middle of the night when we are asleep, and not only is it affecting my sleep, my five year old daughter is terrified of him and last night she wet the bed, a first since she potty trained at two. I have a million photos of Bayla and Levi but not one with her and Ricky. She won't go near him to bond, and it is adversely affecting her. I asked my Vet for advice, nothing worked. I asked on the Behavior board, and nothing worked. I tried spraying Bayla with bitter apple each night, and Ricky would manage to bite her still. He bites me too, but I can deal with it. Bayla is only five, and she has sensory integratition issues already. How can I keep him if my own daughter does not feel safe in her own bed at night because of his behavior? The breeder agrees and is being really sweet about it. The bed wetting was the final push for me, I can't keep doing this to Bayla in homes that Ricky learns to stop biting us, especially when he has shown no signs of easing up.
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Mindy

Replies (3)

Yakster Mar 03, 2006 11:15 AM

You must do what's best for your family. I think the thing that is hardest with regard to a decision like this is that when we bring a cat into our home, we quickly get attached.
You're doing the right thing and I hope Bayla feels better quickly.
Who knows? Ricky may do famously in a different home. It is so hard to identify stressors.

TONKS RULE!

stacyann98 Mar 03, 2006 12:35 PM

oh, that's so sad. sounds like the right choice to make, but it is really tough.i have a nipping issue with rigby, but he only does it at 6 am. i am trying to see what will stop this.... and hiding under the covers does not! he just burrows underneath however he can. this is the only time of day he does the nipping... and once i'm awawke, he'll stop nipping and start cuddling with me...
i love him, but i just want to sleep in!!

mskc Mar 03, 2006 01:12 PM

I am sorry you have to make this decision. If you are not taking him back today, I would encourage you in the meantime to crate Ricky at night or at least shut him in another room so Bayla doesn't have to be afraid of being bitten in her sleep.

Some cats are just "biters" as we refered to a friend of mine's cat. Perhaps he will be better in a different home.
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Ms KC

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