New kitty!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:19pm

I've just taken in a 9 year old cat from a friend, and I'd love some advice. When she arrived, she immediately went under my bed, but then came out and walked all around the apartment. She allowed me to pet and scratch her, and rubbed her face on me and the furniture. After that, she went back under the bed. I coaxed her out a bit and she was letting me pet her, rolling around on the floor and rubbing her face on the rug and me. All of a sudden, she bit me twice. Do we think this is probably just due to the new surroundings and too much stimulation? I'd hate for the behavior to continue. Any tips on how I can make her feel more comfortable? I've put her bed under my bed so she can perhaps sit in there. Also, if indeed she calms down and adapts, do you think it would be all right to rename her eventually?

[midnghtdolphin]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:23pm

if you're going to rename her, do it immediately. if you change her name after she's been there it'll be way more confusing. also, with cats (kittens at least), you usually introduce them to 1 room of the house for a few days and then gradually let them into the whole thing (not that we ever did that), so it very well could be the stimulation, or it could be her way of telling you she's had enough attention for the moment.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:26pm

Well, since I'm in a studio apartment, the only room I can introduce her to is the whole apartment! Thanks for your help.

I'm just a little nervous because in the future I don't want to pet her and suddenly be bitten.

[Jane2]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:31pm

I"m not a cat expert but I've had previously owned pets. My last parrot must have had a mean owner because he wouldn't let me put my hand inside the cage without biting me. This lasted a loooon time. Do you know anything about the cat's background? Any traumatic events?

A friend of mine also adopted an older cat and for the first three months, the cat stayed under the bed and whenever my friend walked past it, the cat reached out and grabbed his ankles and attacked.


Sounds funny, I know.

[midnghtdolphin]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:31pm

ah. you can possibly train her a little. if she bites you again say "NO" sternly. they learn pretty quickly. although, cats have personalities... so, you never know what you're gonna get.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:31pm

That behavior sounds normal. That was exactly how my foster cat acted when I brought her in the house. I think though that it would be better to leave the bed out for the cat though. I know you want her to be comfortable, but I think putting it under the bed will make her think she is supposed to stay under there. Just give it some time. If she really is uncomfortable on the floor, she'll come out.

And I was speaking to someone from the shelter my cat came from, and it could take a long time for the cat to feel completely comfortable. They even said 6 months or more if needed.

Could you ask your friend about the biting? My sister's cat does that when you are playing with him, and he gets too excited. Another cat at the shelter would bite too if he wanted attention. It isn't a hard bite, but more like a love bite.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:35pm

This cat's always been very mellow, according to my friend. She's quiet, likes to be petted, and will sit with you. She was obviously well cared for and loved; I don't think there was anything traumatic for her in the past.

Marianne, I've moved the bed out a little further. She hasn't moved from her spot since biting, and she's not meowing anymore. I figure I'll just let her come out when she wants to and hopefully she won't do it again, because she broke the skin and I'd really rather not have her pounce on me in the middle of the night or something.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 4/15/09 at 10:46pm

Yeah, that is behavior you definitely do not want to continue. She'll more than likely be fine though. Just give her a few days and see what happens. The transition might be a little harder too, since she is kind of old.

[jessica0414]

Posted: 4/16/09 at 12:10am

I've had 2 cats now, and sometimes if I've been scratching them for a long time and they're really enjoying it, they will nip at me. It's pretty normal behavior as far as I've experienced, but like others have said you can just sort of take your hand away and say "no" when the cat bites you. I adopted my 2nd cat and she is VERY shy, so I was hesitant to discipline her at first also, but the more comfortable the cat becomes with you the less it will mind. As long as you aren't physically abusive (which I'm sure you aren't!) or too harsh (also sure you aren't!) you and your new kitty will be okay :)