my cat has started biting, any advice?

lou--b

thanks to everyone for their advice. Have noticed a wee change in him over the last day or two. Hes definitely more affectionate and less bitey (is that even a word!) had a day off work yesterday so spent the day at home with him, what an eye opener that was. I had absolutely no idea of what he was having to put up with when Im out. My upstairs neighbours are sooooo noisy. Shouting and fighting, throwing things around, no wonder wee Smudge was biting, he was probably scared wittless. I can only assume from Smudges reaction that it wasnt a one off. Left the radio on for him today and he seems much calmer. (neighbours still shouting though)
Also have been reading about Feliway...has anyone used it, does it work?

paddypaws101

Feliway is great stuff.

meritaten

Feliway is great my son says - he has tried it with his two hyper kits and says they have calmed down a lot.
as for your cat - I would say the visit from previous owner unsettled him. try Feliway and see how it goes.
but i would let him know the biting is unacceptable. I would suggest if he bites to shut him away for ten minutes...........sort of like putting kids on the naughty step.
dont support hitting or tapping cats on the nose - they are sensitive there and cats dont forget or forgive!

no1catman

Yes, as others have said - play with the cat, either with it chasing - to mimic what they may do with a mouse!
Or, in a box - cats seem to love boxes - but beware of the claws.
Even, with a newspaper - put in the floor - pretend your are reading, cat sits on it, gently move a page or two, cover him with some sheets of it.
It's better when trying this to use an old one - it will ge ripped, and if you get caught by the claws - so what.

A little bit of 'rough' play could be considered good for the cat, helps his confidence in dealing with other animals - be they dogs or cats; and if he bites - so what? Is he going to tear you limb from limb?

Aputsiaq

Cats do not understand English so saying a stern NO just makes him think you are capable of making scary noises.
If you want him to stop biting you and attacking you, you have to be dominant in return and smack him away as another cat would. He will soon leave you alone.