crazy meow!!!

[stonetoflesh]

My girlfriend recently "intervened" and saved her parents' 2 or 3-year old cat from going to the pound by bringing it into her own home. Buddy (the cat) was very nice the first couple days, he seemed starved for attention-- so we petted and brushed him, etc. and he would just turn into the purring machine. The last couple days though Buddy has been exhibiting some strange behavior... Now he sits around flicking his tail about and if my gf or her son or I walk by he'll try to bite or take a swipe at us! Even when he jumps up into my lap on the couch, he does it with his claws out... ouch.
Apparently Buddy used to be an indoor/outdoor cat; my gf doesn't want to let him out because she's afraid he'll get killed (there's a pretty busy street right next to our building), but she doesn't want him around the house for fear of her son getting hurt. Something needs to be done though; any suggestions? Any advice would be much appreciated, as neither my gf nor I know much about cats...

 

[oldrooster]

It takes a while for an adult cat to become accustomed to a new place, just give it some time.

 

[BeanMak]

Is Buddy neutered? If he isn't that should be your first move- that might cut down on the aggression. Flicking of tail is a hunting behavior. Play with him with a feather on a string- give him something besides your leg to pounce on. There are lots of cat toys at Petco that might interest him. I don't have a problem with declawing indoor cats. All of mine are and they aren't any worse for wear. I have had cats for 25 years.

 

[ceedaisy]

Yeah these ladies are right! Play with the cat. You may want to try catnip too! He may have a lot of pent up energy since he can't go outside. He is used to hunting. And I have always declawed my cats! And it makes it much easier to give them baths! Hee hee

 

[Mistyfogg]

I have a cat named Buddy, too. We got him as a kitten and he is also a very aggressive cat. I think it is just his personality. We had to get him declawed because he would not learn how to properly use his claws around humans. He is a high energy cat that just needs to be played with a lot. We got him a laser pointer and he loves it. He will run around and get crazy and jump real high and do flips for it. He is also like that with his feather teaser (looks like a fishing pole with a feather). We also have something that looks like an oven mitt to play hands on with him but it doesn't hurt us. Ultimately our solution was to get another cat. They play together so he gets a lot of energy out and his behavior was improved 200%! Good luck!

 

[stonetoflesh]

I'll definitely look into some cat toys. Buddy has already been fixed, so it may just be him adapting to his new environment. We got him some catnip, so far he seems to like the kitty drugs well enough... Thanks for all your advice!

 

[Tinydancer19]

The problem is exactly what you say. The cat use to be an outdoor/indoor cat. Therefore, it is cuddly and cute most of the time when indoors because it is allowed to express and act upon its killer instincts outdoors. I have a cat that sometimes can attack if its kept in to long. Now I know your gf may not want to let the cat go outside. But I suggestion at least allowing the cat to venture into your back yard. You can even sit out there with it and watch it for a couple of minutes. This is what my mom does with our cats. Don't get me wrong my cat sometimes brings back a bird or two. But that is there instinct.

Also the fact that it was brought into a new environment/into a new home could trigger its new behavior. I also suggest some toys or maybe even another animal for it to entertain itself with. I don't know if you're up for having another pet though. Good luck!

 

[ceedaisy]

Hee once you have one cat you want another one!! They are so easy and wonderful to have around!