Older cat getting feisty, biting

16 years ago

Our cat Pumpkin is 12 years old and seems to be getting more demanding. Lately he has taken to biting when he doesn't get his way.

A couple of weeks ago he wanted to get on my lap, but I was busy at the computer and didn't let him. So, he bit me. The bruises from that are just about healed up when something similar happened this morning. I did let him on my lap, but at one point I had to start typing rather than just reading and mousing. He apparently didn't like the movement, and bit me on the arm. This time it actually drew some blood, and left two little cuts on my arm.

Generally, he wants to be where he wants to be, he wants to eat what he wants to eat, and if he doesn't get it he's not taking no for an answer! More demanding all around--but it's the biting that is scaring me a little. It doesn't seem random, I know it's because he's annoyed, but it's getting where I don't know when he's going to be annoyed enough to bite again.

Any ideas?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

lynn_d
16 years ago
When was his last check up? A change in personality to this extent should be checked for a physical cause. Perhaps he is not seeing as well and sudden movements scare him or he just feels miserable and is trying to tell you. I hope he is doing okay, I went thru this with one of my elderly boys a few years ago as well, his was the start of feline dementia.
sylviatexas1
16 years ago
It does sound like there's something going on that only a vet can detect.

Best luck.
Related Discussions
Is this type of biting normal cat behavior?
Q
Comments (9)
I have a male cat, Tripp, who is almost 5. Of course, he's always done the kneading thing like most cats do. But, since December, he's started kneading with his back legs and hunching. Then, I hear a funny meow. At first I thought it was digestive problems because when we got our newest kitty, Boomer (who is now over a year), he got constipated and meowed funny. But now, its when he gets on my lap or climbs on me when I'm laying down. A vet told me that he is becoming aroused, which I noticed was true when I found him to lick himself after he gets down. He will also bite me at times. Now, he does this to our couch since I make him get down so much. And he has always made this same meow when we would bring our girl dog, Zoe inside. He would sit near me or my husband when we were petting/playing with her inside, and then make the meow and jump on her back and bite her, holding the bite for a very long time. I always thought he was jealous of us playing with her and not him, but now I see the correlation!
...See More
Thinking of Getting a Cat Some Day
Q
Comments (18)
Hi there. I've had my first apartment and first cat since October. I got him from the shelter and it's been a total love affair ever since! It works out very well to have a cat in a one bedroom apartment. I wanted his attention all for me, so I only got one. I have often considered getting a second for a companion for him but then I'd have to pay two pet deposits or violate the lease. The jury is still out on that one, I'm still considering it. Cat's are purrfect for apartment living because they are quiet (more so than dogs anyway). I have friends with dogs and they have to walk the dog every day several times, no matter the weather! I know having a dog isn't even an option for you, so that's not the point.. just stating another reason cats are so wonderful. Having a cat really makes the place feel like home, which is sometimes hard in an apartment. Placement of the litter box can be an issue in an apartment so try to plan that before you get one. I would also recommend against declawing, I just trim my Jasper's nails once every two weeks with a cat nail clipper. It takes 5 minutes and he purrs the whole time. I do use a spray bottle for keeping him off of counters and it works well. When people say there is NOTHING like having a happy purring cat in your lap or bed, they mean it... there is NOTHING like it. One of the best feelings in the world. Get one, get two, just do it and your life will be immensely enriched. Good luck!
...See More
Advice on getting another cat
Q
Comments (8)
I'm so sorry about your recent loss of Rocky Top. Death is especially tragic when it takes one so young. These issues vary so much depending on the personalities of the felines involved that everyone's experience is likely to be different, as is everyone's advice. As far as my own experience is concerned, if your goal is to get another feline who will hopefully develop a close bond with Abigail Rose, your best bet is to adopt a young kitten - preferably female. Adult females like Abigail Rose who has only lived with one other cat, may deeply resent another adult, young adult, or even older adolescent feline invading her territory. She may find them threatening. A young kitten, however, is not nearly so intimidating and, if you're lucky, may even trigger her maternal instincts. Male kittens tend to be relentlessly active and rowdy, making huge pests of themselves with other cats. That's why I think a female kitten may be more easily accepted by Abigail Rose. Female kittens are a bit less maniacal than males, as a general rule, and easier for an adult cat to tolerate. If you really want a male, though, avoid the most pushy and playful ones in the litters; they are the ones who will make huge pests of themselves with your female. In fact, whichever age or gender you decide to adopt, choose a feline with a middle-of-the-road personality. Avoid the more dominant, aggressively playful and affectionate kittens, as well as the shy, reclusive, "victim" types. Find an engaging feline with a non-pushy but friendly demeanor, confident and curious without being demanding, and gently playful. That's the type who will transition smoothly into your family. Good luck! Laurie
...See More
my other cats don't get along with new kitten
Q
Comments (1)
Just give it time. The fact that your timid girl will come out of hiding to watch the kitten indicates that she is slowly adjusting to her presence. Over the next few weeks (or months), the timid girl will come to realize that the kitten poses no real threat, and they will likely start playing with each other. Just don't try to force any sort of interaction between them. That would be too intimidating for your timid one. Let her make this adjustment in her own way and in her own time. In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing. Give the timid girl lots of extra attention and play time. Make sure she knows that you will protect her from the kitten if the kitten becomes too bothersome. When the kitten starts chasing timid girl, distract the kitten with toys and interactive play. The safer timid girl feels, the more quickly she will adjust. Laurie
...See More
Meghane
16 years ago
When you take Pumpkin to the vet, make sure they do a T4 to check for hyperthyroidism. Sometimes personality changes (especially to more aggressive and more fiesty) are the first signs of this disease. Luckily, it is treatable with medications or completely curable with I131 radiation therapy. But something must be going on that warrants a vet visit. Good luck, and please keep us posted on him.
biwako_of_abi
16 years ago
I agree, he needs a check-up. That said, when a cat bites "for real," its teeth can go right through to the bone, so Pumpkin still seems to be exercising a bit of restraint, even though he drew blood. (Be sure to disinfect anything he makes bleed, even if it is shallow.) I hope you will find out something that explains his change in temperament and can be fixed easily. Like the others, my first thought was also that he might be in discomfort and it might not be apparent to his human family.
bbaird
16 years ago
I agree about checking about Hyperthyroidism. My cat had become much more verbal (she's very verbal to begin with -- her Indian name is: LittleBigMouth), much more hyper and agressive when she wanted attention or to play. She started biting a lot and very hard (she had never done that before) when she wanted food or anything else, for that matter.

We had the RadioIodine treatment and all the hyper stuff and biting stopped immediately.

Good luck.
ericasj
Original Author
16 years ago
Wow, I wouldn't have thought about the thyroid thing at all. He's also gotten more verbal lately, and used to be very quiet. I'll defintely get him to the vet soon, and will keep you posted. Thanks!

Older cat getting feisty, biting

Comments (6)

lynn_d

sylviatexas1

Related Discussions

Meghane

biwako_of_abi

bbaird

ericasj
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Older cat getting feisty, biting

Comments (6)

lynn_d

sylviatexas1

Related Discussions

Meghane

biwako_of_abi

bbaird

ericasjOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

ericasj
Original Author