Conference misery::feline_v1

    The first thing I would do is bring her to a Vet.  She should be 
    checked over thoroughly, because there may be an underlying cause
    why she is doing this.  I know my male Siamese started this one day,
    and I took him to the Vet to find out that he had an intestinal
    blockage that he was suffering from.  He just got so sick, and didn't
    want to be bothered.  He was never like that until he became ill.
    
    She probably is just having a hard time adjusting to the new
    environment too, and hasn't got your trust yet.  Sometimes it takes
    a few weeks before they settle down.  Be patient, but keep your face
    away from her!
    
    -Nance

    
    I'm glad this note was entered.  I too have a similar problem.
    Chomondly was taken from the pound by my siter when he was 8
    weeks.  I had to take him at 10 weeks because her boyfriend's
    dog would try to make a meal of him.  He is now close to 5
    months old and I find him unpredictable.
    
    As a kitty he Loved affection, but now he will be help for just
    a short time and then give a bite.  As a kitty he would nibble
    and it didn't hurt so I didn't do too much to discourage it.  As
    he got to bite more, I didn't know how to discipline him.  I tried
    holding him at waiste level and dropping him.  My vet said that it
    would have no affect and that I should hit him on the nose with
    something that makes a loud noise.  For a while I couldn't get my
    self to hit my kitty.  Now he BITES! and I have started being more
    firm, but I want him to like me.
    
    Help, I want my kitty to stay as a kitty.
    
    aud...
    

    In order:
    
    1.  A vet visit to rule out medical problems.
    
    2. Is there a particular area of hte cat that is off limits?  Many
       cats will not tolerate their stomachs or backs near the tail
       being touched.  Solution; don't touch.
    
    3. Some cats will get overexcited after a bit of petting (that sounds
    like what's happening with these two cats), and it you continue they
    will lash out.  With a small amount of practice you can recognize when
    this is starting to happen -- the cat's body will tense up or he or she
    will get a wild look in their eye.  When you see those signs, stop
    petting the animal.  That's probably sufficient, but you can gently
    get up and so (gently) dump the cat off your lap or whatever.  Do not
    engage in "punishment" as this will make the situation worse.  Some
    cats are just this way, and you can have a comfortable relationship if
    you adapt.
    

    Re . Biting.....
    
    We flicked Casey in the nose when he bit....
    
    His biting is now a rare thing....usually if
    he is aggrevated, or startled.
    
    L-

    
    Cindy used to be a "love bug" one minute, and then "coil-up and
    strike like a rattle snake" the next. She stopped acting like
    that after she was spayed.
    

    I want to caution you that a cat's nose is VERY fragile and
    sensitive.  A simple "tap" is sufficient for admonishment.  Do NOT
    hit a cat with a newspaper or something like that on the nose.
    
    Another thought - keep a squirt bottle nearby and squirt the cat
    when it bites you.
    
    That is AFTER you have ruled out any sort of physical problem.
    
    Also, at 5 months old a male's hormones cat be coming into play.
    One effect of testosterone is increased aggression.  Perhaps its
    time for him to be neutered.
    
    CHECK WITH YOUR VET.
      Nancy DC
    

    
    I tried the water approach to keep him off the furniture.  He
    is now well trained to stay off the leather furniture and we
    let him play on the other furniture.  As he got older he started
    climing on the kitchen table, so I got out the trusty water gun.
    Now, he's a smart kitty and he just stands there with this look
    like "You think water scares me? Huh!".   So I had to start shoot-
    ing him in the face.  He just closes his eyes and bears with it.
    
    It probably is the hormones.  He'll be fixed in just a couple of
    short weeks.
    
    Now if only I can get him to make all his poops in his box instead
    of my white w-to-w carpetting that was installed the day I got him.
    
    aud...
    

ice water.  Yep, it's cold.  But, it works....even for stubborn old Missy
Hannah.  I keep a squirt bottle in the fridge when one of my older kids
starts misbehavin.  They get one warning.  Next time, COLD WATER in the
butt.  It seldom takes a third time.  

Yes...I am a cruel cat pet....but they still love me...I know because
Missy Hannah ran up to me this morning, looked up at me with adoring
eyes....and hacked up a fur ball on my bare foot.  Nice way to start
my day.  I'm sure I heard The Flash and Dilly snickering in the
background, but I can't be sure...

    Dian....You just gave me a great laugh!!!
    
    Thanks,
    Bonnie