Tattoo For U

Question:

Bugsy has written to me off ng and apologized —-apparently he thought I was another Carol—who electrocuted her cat somehow—-sometime, about which I know nothing, zip!  I am totally new to this group, having only posted a few times, and have  helped, hopefully. Thanks for sending the email, Bugsy, i appreciate it.   I hadn;t read any posts since this morning so I knew not what was happening. As far as the biting cat, i hope you try my suggestion, April,   it really worked for me—and my cat; I have completely stopped biting! Cheers, all! Carol in central Va, who would never sentence a cat with corporal punishment—-!  

Response:

Thank you, BugsBunny!!  I am glad it wasn’t me that is her——I am happy to be me!  I am also happy to join in this list when I can as you all have a lot of excellent knowledge and good ideas regarding our feline friends…… Peace — Carol  —(the Good Witch)  

Response:

I’m a female BunnyButt!!  But a BIG welcome to the group, Carol.  By the looks of your posts (rescuing ferals and all), you sound like a purrrrrrfect cat person!!  ;o) Cheers! — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bugsy has written to me off ng and apologized —-apparently he thought I was another Carol—who electrocuted her cat somehow—-sometime, about which I know nothing, zip!  I am totally new to this group, having only posted a few times, and have  helped, hopefully. Thanks for sending the email, Bugsy, i appreciate it.   I hadn;t read any posts since this morning so I knew not what was happening. As far as the biting cat, i hope you try my suggestion, April,   it really worked for me—and my cat; I have completely stopped biting! Cheers, all! Carol in central Va, who would never sentence a cat with corporal punishment—-!

Response:

Posted and privately emailed: Hello Carol, I’d like to take this time to open my mouth and insert my foot.  I posted under your post about the biting cat…  I thought you were another Carol/WebTV (who accidentally electrocuted her cat). Many apologies to you. Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

OH MY GOD, it’s CAR-Hell!!! April, do not listen to this person!!!  She electrocuted her kitten!!! Jeez, they’re coming out of the woodwork!!  (Fullmoon out there?) — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

OH MY GOD, it’s CAR-Hell!!! April, do not listen to this person!!!  She electrocuted her kitten!!! Jeez, they’re coming out of the woodwork!!  (Fullmoon out there?) — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

Thanks for idea Carol, I’ll give it a try! April

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you > sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a > piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. > Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her > another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point > where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting > time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up > and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, > and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for > her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get > right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, > ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs > to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did > this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite > and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and > patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with > her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that > what petting will become: rough play. > Hope this helps— > Carol

Response:

There have already been good replies on this, so I’m just popping my head up to say, I LOVE this girl!  Fabulous that she identifies biting as a minor problem, means to me she deserves to have cats!  Hurray! — Peace freedom & justice Deanna

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

exactly what I would have said … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > IMHO, a good approach to solving a problem with a cat is to first > find the reason behind the undesirable behavior.  Ask yourself > what precedes a bite.  If you pet her and she bites, she may not > be used to getting petted much.  Watch for signs that she is getting > upset.  If she twitches her tail or lays her ears back, stop what > you are doing.  These are signs that she is getting irritated and > may be ready to bite.  If she hasn’t had a lot of attention, she > may become overstimulated rather easily. > Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major > adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything > she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe > what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore > her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for > affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to > trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) > Good luck! > Eva > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

– Y2K? Because *one* K just isn’t enough.

Response:

Just to clarify, most of this biting happens after she has come to me.  This cat is *so* affectionate (minus the biting) that I’m barely seated and she’s already curled up in my lap.  The people a the Humane Society did say she bit when she thought you were playing rough, so I did expect it, despite the fact that most of the time there is no rough play involved when she bites. Thanks for the advice Eva! DC

<snipped some> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major > adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything > she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe > what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore > her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for > affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to > trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) > Good luck! > Eva > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

Hello everyone, I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be very appreciative. Thanks! DC — "her hair bears silent witness to the passing of time tattoos like mile markers map the distance she has come winning some, losing some"

Response:

IMHO, a good approach to solving a problem with a cat is to first find the reason behind the undesirable behavior.  Ask yourself what precedes a bite.  If you pet her and she bites, she may not be used to getting petted much.  Watch for signs that she is getting upset.  If she twitches her tail or lays her ears back, stop what you are doing.  These are signs that she is getting irritated and may be ready to bite.  If she hasn’t had a lot of attention, she may become overstimulated rather easily. Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) Good luck! Eva – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

Bugsy has written to me off ng and apologized —-apparently he thought I was another Carol—who electrocuted her cat somehow—-sometime, about which I know nothing, zip!  I am totally new to this group, having only posted a few times, and have  helped, hopefully. Thanks for sending the email, Bugsy, i appreciate it.   I hadn;t read any posts since this morning so I knew not what was happening. As far as the biting cat, i hope you try my suggestion, April,   it really worked for me—and my cat; I have completely stopped biting! Cheers, all! Carol in central Va, who would never sentence a cat with corporal punishment—-!  

Response:

Thank you, BugsBunny!!  I am glad it wasn’t me that is her——I am happy to be me!  I am also happy to join in this list when I can as you all have a lot of excellent knowledge and good ideas regarding our feline friends…… Peace — Carol  —(the Good Witch)  

Response:

I’m a female BunnyButt!!  But a BIG welcome to the group, Carol.  By the looks of your posts (rescuing ferals and all), you sound like a purrrrrrfect cat person!!  ;o) Cheers! — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bugsy has written to me off ng and apologized —-apparently he thought I was another Carol—who electrocuted her cat somehow—-sometime, about which I know nothing, zip!  I am totally new to this group, having only posted a few times, and have  helped, hopefully. Thanks for sending the email, Bugsy, i appreciate it.   I hadn;t read any posts since this morning so I knew not what was happening. As far as the biting cat, i hope you try my suggestion, April,   it really worked for me—and my cat; I have completely stopped biting! Cheers, all! Carol in central Va, who would never sentence a cat with corporal punishment—-!

Response:

Posted and privately emailed: Hello Carol, I’d like to take this time to open my mouth and insert my foot.  I posted under your post about the biting cat…  I thought you were another Carol/WebTV (who accidentally electrocuted her cat). Many apologies to you. Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

OH MY GOD, it’s CAR-Hell!!! April, do not listen to this person!!!  She electrocuted her kitten!!! Jeez, they’re coming out of the woodwork!!  (Fullmoon out there?) — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

OH MY GOD, it’s CAR-Hell!!! April, do not listen to this person!!!  She electrocuted her kitten!!! Jeez, they’re coming out of the woodwork!!  (Fullmoon out there?) — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

Thanks for idea Carol, I’ll give it a try! April

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you > sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a > piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. > Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her > another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point > where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting > time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up > and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, > and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for > her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get > right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, > ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs > to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did > this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite > and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and > patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with > her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that > what petting will become: rough play. > Hope this helps— > Carol

Response:

There have already been good replies on this, so I’m just popping my head up to say, I LOVE this girl!  Fabulous that she identifies biting as a minor problem, means to me she deserves to have cats!  Hurray! — Peace freedom & justice Deanna

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

exactly what I would have said … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > IMHO, a good approach to solving a problem with a cat is to first > find the reason behind the undesirable behavior.  Ask yourself > what precedes a bite.  If you pet her and she bites, she may not > be used to getting petted much.  Watch for signs that she is getting > upset.  If she twitches her tail or lays her ears back, stop what > you are doing.  These are signs that she is getting irritated and > may be ready to bite.  If she hasn’t had a lot of attention, she > may become overstimulated rather easily. > Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major > adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything > she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe > what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore > her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for > affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to > trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) > Good luck! > Eva > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

– Y2K? Because *one* K just isn’t enough.

Response:

Just to clarify, most of this biting happens after she has come to me.  This cat is *so* affectionate (minus the biting) that I’m barely seated and she’s already curled up in my lap.  The people a the Humane Society did say she bit when she thought you were playing rough, so I did expect it, despite the fact that most of the time there is no rough play involved when she bites. Thanks for the advice Eva! DC

<snipped some> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major > adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything > she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe > what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore > her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for > affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to > trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) > Good luck! > Eva > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

Hello everyone, I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be very appreciative. Thanks! DC — "her hair bears silent witness to the passing of time tattoos like mile markers map the distance she has come winning some, losing some"

Response:

IMHO, a good approach to solving a problem with a cat is to first find the reason behind the undesirable behavior.  Ask yourself what precedes a bite.  If you pet her and she bites, she may not be used to getting petted much.  Watch for signs that she is getting upset.  If she twitches her tail or lays her ears back, stop what you are doing.  These are signs that she is getting irritated and may be ready to bite.  If she hasn’t had a lot of attention, she may become overstimulated rather easily. Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) Good luck! Eva – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

Bugsy has written to me off ng and apologized —-apparently he thought I was another Carol—who electrocuted her cat somehow—-sometime, about which I know nothing, zip!  I am totally new to this group, having only posted a few times, and have  helped, hopefully. Thanks for sending the email, Bugsy, i appreciate it.   I hadn;t read any posts since this morning so I knew not what was happening. As far as the biting cat, i hope you try my suggestion, April,   it really worked for me—and my cat; I have completely stopped biting! Cheers, all! Carol in central Va, who would never sentence a cat with corporal punishment—-!  

Response:

Thank you, BugsBunny!!  I am glad it wasn’t me that is her——I am happy to be me!  I am also happy to join in this list when I can as you all have a lot of excellent knowledge and good ideas regarding our feline friends…… Peace — Carol  —(the Good Witch)  

Response:

I’m a female BunnyButt!!  But a BIG welcome to the group, Carol.  By the looks of your posts (rescuing ferals and all), you sound like a purrrrrrfect cat person!!  ;o) Cheers! — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bugsy has written to me off ng and apologized —-apparently he thought I was another Carol—who electrocuted her cat somehow—-sometime, about which I know nothing, zip!  I am totally new to this group, having only posted a few times, and have  helped, hopefully. Thanks for sending the email, Bugsy, i appreciate it.   I hadn;t read any posts since this morning so I knew not what was happening. As far as the biting cat, i hope you try my suggestion, April,   it really worked for me—and my cat; I have completely stopped biting! Cheers, all! Carol in central Va, who would never sentence a cat with corporal punishment—-!

Response:

Posted and privately emailed: Hello Carol, I’d like to take this time to open my mouth and insert my foot.  I posted under your post about the biting cat…  I thought you were another Carol/WebTV (who accidentally electrocuted her cat). Many apologies to you. Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

OH MY GOD, it’s CAR-Hell!!! April, do not listen to this person!!!  She electrocuted her kitten!!! Jeez, they’re coming out of the woodwork!!  (Fullmoon out there?) — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

OH MY GOD, it’s CAR-Hell!!! April, do not listen to this person!!!  She electrocuted her kitten!!! Jeez, they’re coming out of the woodwork!!  (Fullmoon out there?) — Bugsy…. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

Thanks for idea Carol, I’ll give it a try! April

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you > sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a > piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. > Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her > another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point > where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting > time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up > and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, > and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for > her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get > right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, > ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs > to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did > this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite > and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and > patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with > her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that > what petting will become: rough play. > Hope this helps— > Carol

Response:

There have already been good replies on this, so I’m just popping my head up to say, I LOVE this girl!  Fabulous that she identifies biting as a minor problem, means to me she deserves to have cats!  Hurray! — Peace freedom & justice Deanna

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

April—try this:  keep a packet of little soft treats nearby  when you sit down—-and right away when she gets in your lap, give her a half a piece to eat, and WHILE you give it to her, pet her and speak softly. Then wait a couple of seconds, not minutes, and while you give her another, pet her again……then pet her a little longer, past the point where the treat is gone and keep this up always extending the petting time at the end of the treat tme.  After she has had 3-4 treats, get up and walk away and go do something, then come back 5- 10 minutes later, and repeat the process, always having the treat in your hand, ready for her. If at any time she acts like she is going to bite, or bites, get right up and walk away. Never punish her or raise your voice; never, ever play rough with her! This sounds like a learned behavior she needs to un-learn! I kept a feral cat I rescued several years ago that did this, but she bit  out of fear, and she now sits on my lap every nite and I can pet her freely with no fear. It will take time and patience—-the main thing to remember is not to ever play rough with her, as that reinforces her reaction to being petted—–she thinks that what petting will become: rough play. Hope this helps— Carol

Response:

exactly what I would have said … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > IMHO, a good approach to solving a problem with a cat is to first > find the reason behind the undesirable behavior.  Ask yourself > what precedes a bite.  If you pet her and she bites, she may not > be used to getting petted much.  Watch for signs that she is getting > upset.  If she twitches her tail or lays her ears back, stop what > you are doing.  These are signs that she is getting irritated and > may be ready to bite.  If she hasn’t had a lot of attention, she > may become overstimulated rather easily. > Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major > adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything > she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe > what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore > her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for > affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to > trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) > Good luck! > Eva > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

– Y2K? Because *one* K just isn’t enough.

Response:

Just to clarify, most of this biting happens after she has come to me.  This cat is *so* affectionate (minus the biting) that I’m barely seated and she’s already curled up in my lap.  The people a the Humane Society did say she bit when she thought you were playing rough, so I did expect it, despite the fact that most of the time there is no rough play involved when she bites. Thanks for the advice Eva! DC

<snipped some> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major > adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything > she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe > what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore > her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for > affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to > trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) > Good luck! > Eva > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response:

Hello everyone, I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be very appreciative. Thanks! DC — "her hair bears silent witness to the passing of time tattoos like mile markers map the distance she has come winning some, losing some"

Response:

IMHO, a good approach to solving a problem with a cat is to first find the reason behind the undesirable behavior.  Ask yourself what precedes a bite.  If you pet her and she bites, she may not be used to getting petted much.  Watch for signs that she is getting upset.  If she twitches her tail or lays her ears back, stop what you are doing.  These are signs that she is getting irritated and may be ready to bite.  If she hasn’t had a lot of attention, she may become overstimulated rather easily. Since you just got her yesterday, she is still making a major adjustment to her new home.  She has been taken from everything she knows, and she is scared.  Be patient with her and observe what is happening just before she wants to bite.  Let her explore her new territory.  Don’t pick her up.  Let her come to you for affection.  Entice her with toys and treats, and let her come to trust you.  I think she just needs time and patience.  :) Good luck! Eva – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello everyone, > I’m hoping maybe you guys can help me with a minor problem.  I adopted a > beautiful 1 year old female cat from our local humane society yesterday, and > although I know that older cats have their quirks, she (Bryne is her name) > has one I would like to try and get rid of.  She bits.  Hard.  And quite a > bit, often when there is no playing going on either.  Thankfully I am a > student with no children around and no other pets, so this isn’t a *Huge* > problem, but if anyone has any ideas on how to curb this behaviour I’d be > very appreciative. > Thanks! > DC > — > "her hair bears silent witness > to the passing of time > tattoos like mile markers > map the distance she has come > winning some, losing some"

Response: