topic Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me! in Pet Lovers

Help! My cat is going to kill me!

this is my nic — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:17:29 GMT

We adopted a stray cat a number of years ago, can't recall exactly when. Walter is huge; we think he is either a Maine Coon or has a lot of that breed in him.

Most of the time he's really laid back, however, sometimes he attacks me out of nowhere. Usually, it occurs when I'm brushing him; he gets brushed daily and enjoys it. He jumps up on the bench where I brush him, so I'm not making him do this. I'll be in the process of brushing and without warning he has his claws and teeth in my hand and wrist. He's very strong and has a huge mouth and sharp teeth! He draws blood. I stop immediately and walk away.

Also, sometimes when I'm walking past him he attacks, clawing and biting my legs.

I appreciate any advice! Thanks!

BTW, I know he's over weight!

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

halfpint1 — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:28:16 GMT

Wow--Have you taught him the word NO? My shelter cat doesn't do that but she wanted out and when I didn't close the door fast enough out she ran. It took awhile and she understands now. My other cat has gained alot of weight too. Likes nibbling.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

FranandZoe — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:30:01 GMT

When you're walking past and he attacks I think he's just playing. I remember as a kid one of our cats doing this to my Mom.

With the brushing it sounds like when he's had enough he's just letting you know. Maybe don't brush him as long. My cat loves to be flea combed even tho she doesn't have fleas. They seem to get overstimulated sometimes then they'll attack. Even when being petted for too long.

He's beautiful!

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

sophiesofers — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:35:50 GMT

@this is my nic Walter is beautiful and looks very happy napping on the bed. As for why he sometimes bites like that, I'm sorry I have no real answer. My cat Lily does the exact same thing. She does not like to be brushed. She is a short haired cat that does not need it as much. But she does like to attack me every now and then when I walk by. And when I pet her and she has had enough, (usually after about 3 minutes) she lets me know thats enough by grabbing my wrist and digging her claws in me and biting me. Otherwise, she is a good and a sweet cat. We love our pets anyway.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

ILTH — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:45:33 GMT

@this is my nic wrote:
We adopted a stray cat a number of years ago, can't recall exactly when. Walter is huge; we think he is either a Maine Coon or has a lot of that breed in him.

Most of the time he's really laid back, however, sometimes he attacks me out of nowhere. Usually, it occurs when I'm brushing him; he gets brushed daily and enjoys it. He jumps up on the bench where I brush him, so I'm not making him do this. I'll be in the process of brushing and without warning he has his claws and teeth in my hand and wrist. He's very strong and has a huge mouth and sharp teeth! He draws blood. I stop immediately and walk away.

Also, sometimes when I'm walking past him he attacks, clawing and biting my legs.

I appreciate any advice! Thanks!
BTW, I know he's over weight!

If this is new behavior, have his thyroid checked. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include new aggressive behavior, manic episodes, more vocal.

If this isn't new behavior, he's overstimulated by the brushing, and hunting and stalking and playing when you walk past.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

Estates — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:43:25 GMT

I had read about this some time ago.Petting or brushing them stimulates some cats to become aggressive.I forgot the name? Anways,it suggested knowing your cat's limits. I have had cats that didn't like being petted below the neck or their stomach. I had one cat that would knock the brush out of my hand. WE had to always remember their individual preferences.I have a black beauty now who sits in my lap and lets me pet her stomach at will. I would have come up with a bloody stump with my other cats!

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

FranandZoe — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:48:30 GMT

By the way - my cat attacks me when I stop combing her lol.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

this is my nic — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:15:18 GMT

@halfpint1

Indeed, I do shout NO! I don't allow cats on my table tops or counter tops. Walter understands NO! However, during an attack he doesn't seem to be aware of much other than when I'm screaming in pain.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

this is my nic — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:21:34 GMT

@FranandZoe

Yes, that may be the problem. Normally, a cat gives signals such as swishing the tail, flattening ears, and/or hissing. Walter does none of those; it's just a full on attack. I plan to cut the brushing/petting time drastically.

BTW, Walter is just one of many kitties and dogs we have rescued over the years. I have never experienced this problem with the others. He is the only one we have now and won't bring another into the house until Walter stops attacking.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

this is my nic — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:24:21 GMT

@ILTH

Thank you! I will have that done!

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

CrazyDaisy — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:44:51 GMT

Would never put up with a cat (or any pet) biting me. A cats bite can be very dangerious.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

PickyCindy — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:59:26 GMT

My orange kitty thinks he's playing when he reaches out and attacks my leg as I'm walking by, usually bare skin. I told him no it hurts. So now he continues doing it but without his claws out. lol

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

2blonde — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 20:49:51 GMT

@this is my nic I've had a lot of cats over the years, and each one has been different, having different personalities and quirks. I never had a problem with biting or serious attacking until my last two cats.

I had Zoe for 15 years, and her mom was a stray. She was so mean with the biting when she was younger, but as she aged, she turned into the sweetest girl, and I couldn't keep her off my lap!

My current fella, Al, had a stray tabby mom. He's way bigger than she was and has long fur, which she didn't. So at 15 lbs of pure muscle, I'm guessing he has Main Coon in his background (his two siblings were a short-haired orange tabby and an all-black!). Since he was barely 6-weeks when he moved in, he became quickly attached to me. Even so, there was a mean streak, and I can't tell you how much blood has been shed. I think there's something genetic with certain cats in this regard.

One thing I learned was, when petting him (which he enjoys), I never let him see my hand. I always make sure I approach from the back, and this has made a huge difference. I'm betting if he had another cat in the house to wrestle with, he wouldn't need to take out his aggressions on me at all. He'll be 4 on May 1, and has settled down a lot, which is good because I have thin skin and a problem with bleeding! When he does anything bad, I yell his name AL! Sometimes, like a kid, I think he acts out just to get my attention.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

Venezia — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 20:55:45 GMT

@CrazyDaisy wrote:
Would never put up with a cat (or any pet) biting me. A cats bite can be very dangerious.

@CrazyDaisy- So what would you do? What suggestions do you have to help the OP?

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

Venezia — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:01:31 GMT

@this is my nic- I'm going to assume you keep his claws clipped to minimize any damage from them?

Have you tried the Comfort Zone plug-ins? I used them several years ago, when we had introduced a new cat to the mix and all he!! broke loose. They did help to calm things down. I put one in each room of the downstairs. They also have sprays and towelettes, but I found the plug-ins to be the most useful.

I agree with others who've said this may be two different things: a) he's telling you he's had enough brushing and b) when he jumps out at you, he's just displaying normal cat play and hunting instincts.

Come back and tell us, if you find a solution. (Have you talked to the rescue center or your vet?)

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

blackhole99 — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:09:27 GMT

My cat does the same thing, actually he looks like your cat. My cat has no one to play with so he does the smack and run with us.LOL Moe can get rough at times so we we tell him NO,in a loud voice and he understands we are not playing and stops. My cat doesn't like to get brushed either and has clawed and actually hit me hard enough to cause bruises numerous times. I finally wised up and my husband holds Moes front legs with his leather gloves on, while I brush him. Of course the cat doesn't like it, but he tolerates it. Good luck.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

giraffe77 — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 22:05:52 GMT

Have on hand .... a spray bottle filled with water.

Every time he bites, spray him... will stop negative behavior quickly. (Just don't slip on the water if you do not have carpeting!)

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

CrazyDaisy — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 23:22:48 GMT

@Venezia wrote:
@CrazyDaisy wrote:
Would never put up with a cat (or any pet) biting me. A cats bite can be very dangerious.
@CrazyDaisy- So what would you do? What suggestions do you have to help the OP?

I am not a cat person and the one I previously had was enough for a lifetime. However from working at shelters I do know that a cat bite is much more hazardous than a dog bite and can easily develop into a sever infection. People are all to fast to state that a aggressive, biting dog needs to be rehomed or even out down. Not sure why cat owner needs to put up with that behavior.

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

hayseed00 — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 23:23:49 GMT

We have an adopted kitty with a thick coat like Maine Coon. She loves to get brushed but when she's had enough she makes this crabby sounding meow and leaves, I think she just gets one brush to many for her liking. Her name is Honey Bee and we love her but at times she can be a brat. We have two other adopted cats and they know not to mess with the Honey Bee !!!!!

Re: Help! My cat is going to kill me!

candys mine — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 01:26:27 GMT

@this is my nicHe's a big handsome guy. Overstimulation with the brushing. Sometimes youve really got to watch for the cues. It may be no more than a gleem in the eye or him going Very still a moment before the blow up. Quit the grooming sessions BEFORE he looses his cool. Even if you don't know when he's going to blow up you know when he hasn't yet so quit while you're ahead. Vary the length of grooming and then go on to play time to redirect his energy. same thing for the feet chasing. if you know he's there waiting to pounce roll a ball before you to break his focus. Designated fun time will make him happy. Work with him to expend that energy on something other than you. You're the only one's he can romp with. If you don't start the game He will.