#Middlebury #Pets
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Our male cat, Buster, is celebrating his third birthday. While he’s a good kitty most of the time, he has these moments where he decides to “attack” and take a bite out of my arm or leg. He’s not a cuddler, and when being petted he only permits me to pet a few times and then snips at me to signal that’s enough. When he attacks, I’ve tried spraying him with a squirt bottle or distracting him with toys – which works for a few minutes. He is declawed, and I wonder if this is behind his behavior, but I’m not sure what else to do. Any suggestions? – Martha L., via email
DEAR MARTHA: I feel your frustration. Nipping and biting are generally dominance behaviors, and there are a few options for curbing them. If Buster has not been neutered, consider doing so as this can reduce aggression in male cats.
Make sure you’re not inadvertently rewarding Buster for his behavior. If you sometimes give him a toy right after he attacks, he remembers that attacking you got him a toy he enjoys – so he’ll do it again! Instead, hiss at him or use the squirt bottle. Give him a toy when he interacts less aggressively, such as meowing or tapping you with his paw.
Observe what he does after he nips or attacks. Does he sit, waiting for something? Does he meow and try to lead you somewhere, like his food bowl? Note the times of day that he exhibits these behaviors.
Again, don’t reward dominance behaviors. Immediately hiss at nipping or biting. Reward calm behavior. It will take several tries, but create that pattern and Buster eventually will get it.
Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.
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