Re: Cat Behaviour

PHA86 — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:20:18 GMT

I really don't know much about his background. If I recall correctly, the people that had brought him in had been feeding him for a period of time, decided he was 'too naughty' to have around the house and decided that they didn't want this 'stray' in their house any longer. Yes, he was entire when we got him, however brought him back to work after a couple of days for castration. He also displays some other 'survival' behaviours that you explained, ie, he will never feed at a food bowl, he'll always take some away and eats elsewhere.

To be honest I've always had more of a mad cat lady connection with my cats than my dogs growing up, so as you say I'm quite flattered, it's just a bit uncomfortable at times! I'll definitely consider his conflicting emotions a bit more now, bless the little tinker!

Cheers.

Re: Cat Behaviour

Lesley Stinson — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:03:56 GMT

This stray that you took in was he entire when he first came in? How old is he? what was his reason for coming to you?

It sounds to me that when he lash's out at you he is struggling with conflicting emotions. These can be what he likes and what he is unsure of. Up to now he has learnt that by reacting this way has kept him alive. Cats are more likely to be prepared for the unexpected than most animals as they are very in-tune with their surroundings.

You need to become more aware of him and watch out for the slight change that he will show just before he lash's out. At this time you should try to redirect his attention which should eventually break the habit.

In connection to him plucking and biting your scalp he is just mutually grooming you. Cats will bite there own hair while grooming to remove mites and dirt.

I am not saying that you have dirty or infested hair but to him it is a slightly different texture so he assumes that it is dirty. This mutual grooming is only done to the ones that he trusts and you should take it as a compliment . Unfortunately you either put up with it or stop it.

I have a cat that most nights groom my head while i sleep. I usually wake up with one portion of my head that i would swear a hairdresser had spent ages backcombing.

I hope this helps you understand a bit better his behaviour.