AJ P
Posted : 1/25/2007 10:34:50 PM
It's good that the cat is younger, that gives you more room in his personality for flexibility, but one thing you have to be prepared for is that some cats Simply Won't Do It. Whatever 'it' may be, they will refuse, and nothing, I mean
nothing you do will deter them.
I've shaped my cats into socially flexible pets, which means they aren't required to greet visitors, or to play with or get along with every animal brought in the house, but they are expected not to make a huge fuss, and if they don't like someone/thing, they just go around it. It's important for them to know all the good stuff comes from you. Food comes from mommy and only mommy. Water comes from mommy. Treats. Catnip. Toys. Play time. As long as mommy likes you, the good things keep coming. That pillar of security means a lot to cats.
That established, Warick sounds like he's frustrated. Plus, he's a young man, practically a kitten, so he's full of zip-zoom energy. Play with him using toys that are specifically his/cats-only, without offering him a juicy bodypart to chomp on. He needs more distractions and more variety in his environment. Wal-Mart sells a GREAT cat tree that goes from floor to cieling; it braces against the ceiling via internal spring, is carpet covered, and has three square landings going up the post, which is something like 7.5' tall when assembled. I place mine near a tall window with a good view. They can race up it, race down, and the upper platforms provide the 'high place security' cats really like. Climbing it requires a lot of energy and effort, and the height will give him a definate safe place from pets/people. The best part is that it goes for something like $29. Compare that to average cat tree prices! And it only takes up less than a square foot of your floor space.
As for the biting people thing.... When he bites you too hard, grab a full, firm grip on the scruff of his neck and pull back just a little so that he knows you want him to back off. At the same time, make a sharp and loud inhale to signal pain or something done wrong. Hang on to his scruff until he loosens up those teeth or lets go entirely. After that, no more rough play. Try nice petting. Chances are he will go right for some more bites because he's hyper, but just repeat the process until he gets the connection between the mommy-neck-pinch, the gasp, and the biting. If he refuses to calm down, take him out out of the room, set him down, and go back in and shut the door. It's a little late in the game to be starting this, but most all domestic cats can get it as adults too.
My cats will freeze and stop anything they're doing at the sharp-inhale sound, then look to me for direction. If they already know what they're doing isn't allowed, they will just jump down/stop/scurry off. (It's that gasp most mothers make when they see you do something unbelievably sassy, or dangerous, or something like that.
) All of them play fight with people but are super careful with nails and teeth, and often follow up playbites with some apology kisses just in case.
Good luck with your kitty.... He's very handsome. [&:]