Try the water bottle trick for the couch clawing. Its the cheapest and easiest way to deter him. But if you have more problems, repost and we'll give you some more ideas.

A couple of things about cats - they don't like direct eye contact - its a dominance thing. My husband, Big Scary Man, can move the cats just with a look. If when you scare your kitty, he moves off and grooms himself, that's compulsive grooming. He is just rattled and trying to regain face. If he is hiding in terror under the bed, you've got a little more work ahead of you. Long, slow, lazy blinks when you look at him show you are content and like him. Watching him sideways, or moving up to his side rather then head on is also less threatening.

When you pick him up for lap time, let him face away from you. They always want to see an escape route. I've known a few cats who generally liked a little rough lovin' but for now, be slow and gentle when you pet or scratch him until he decides you are a-okay. Talk in a soothing voice. (this will also lower your blood pressure BTW)

And a little smelly tuna can mend almost any relationship. Give him a little space but talk to him while he eats. Eventually you can stroke him a few times just to say hello. The idea is to teach furball that all good things come from you. Once that is established, if you're not a slow easy going guy by nature, you'll be able to revert back to you usual self and the cat will learn its okay.

One of my cats started out in life as a barn cat. I couldn't touch her for six months, everything terrified her. Now she handles everything but visitors and the vacuum in stride - including be whaled on by my 9 month old daughter!

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]