Foster cat is a biter

[Sanity Claws]

I've been fostering a neutered Tom for about 8 months. Throughout this time, he gets into uncontrollable rages where he bites my arm or hand and won't let go. It happens less frequently than at first but it still happens at least once a week. He is old, about 15, so his teeth are pretty worn and he doesn't puncture my skin. However, it certainly isn't for lack of trying.

I have fostered many, many cats and owned (or have been owned by) several cats. I have never had a cat that acted liked this. His rages almost invariably start off as a jealous reaction to the other cats getting petted, loved. He goes to bite the other cat and I tell him, no, or please leave her alone. He then bites me. Once he starts, he can't seem to stop himself. If I shake him off, he jumps back at me viciously and bites again.

I call him my domestic violence kitty. It certainly makes me wonder what kind of a home he was raised in.

Any ideas on how to resolve this problem? Or do I just give him back to the cat rescue group and tell them I just can't take it anymore?

[CurtEastPoint]

1. Have you tried Feliway?

Google it. Spray or diffuser. It could work wonders since it's a jealousy (i.e., upset) issue.

[retrowire]

2. spray with water or a bop on the head.

Just a firm tap on the nose area until he lets go. I understand he's old, but he can't bite.

[Sanity Claws]

3. A bop on the head will just incense him more and he'll bite harder

As for the water, I'll have to keep it next to my bed. Most of these biting incidents occur when I'm lying in bed and the other cats come up to snuggle with me. (I have two other cats, besides the DV kitty.)

[retrowire]

4. yeah youre right

The bop on the head technique works for training the young... probably not great for the old...

[roody]

5. Lock him out of the room.

[hamsterjill]

6. Lemon juice in a squirt bottle.

Yes, this sounds (and is) drastic. But squirt him and follow up with a very stern "NO!!!!!" each and every time he attacks.

This sounds very much like a cat that was never "trained" that biting is not acceptable, and I'm betting that he's actually trying to play with you. Of course it is not fun to be bitten. Don't do anything to promote his "rages" (i.e., don't play with him aggressively, etc.). The key is going to be consistency. Every single time that he tries to do this you must correct him.

[Sanity Claws]

7. He is not trying to play

He flies into a rage and then the rage feeds on itself. I shake him off and he viciously jumps at me again. I have to push him off the bed to get him to stop.

In any event, I'll try the water bottle and add some lemon juice. I'm also going to try the Feliway that another poster recommended.

[Citrus]

8. Since he's an elder cat...

He's an elder and as such, might be experiencing some dementia. A good vet could evaluate him, but it's hard to tell sometimes.

Odd that his teeth are worn. I've had cats live to be over 20 and none had worn-down teeth. This makes me wonder about his previous home(s) more than the biting. He might've been kept caged and gnawed at it, for example.

The lemon spray isn't a bad idea, but just be sure to make it very mild and don't get it in his eyes or nose. It could be unbelievably agonizing for lemon juice to get in his eyes or nose. And give him a fine spritz, not a stream or spray.

Try some fresh catnip or very high-quality dried catnip. Some cats get jazzed on it, but many get very, very mellow.