Thread: Biting and Scratching

Some ( many ? ) cats are easily overstimulated by petting and react by biting and grabbing.

MC Elvis is like that and I have the scars to prove it...

It's not being vicious or malicious, he just gets spun up and loses it, I think.

The first hint is the tail twitch. It's a sign to pet more gently. If I ignore it, I eventually lose blood.

If I let out a loud "OW" when he grabs me, he usually comes right back to Earth and
realizes that he's doing damage and pulls in most of the claws. Usually.

If I firmly hold him, which isn't always the easiest thing with a large Coonie, and talk softly to him
while scratching under his chin he usually calms right down. It's best to not get them too excited.

With a kitten, it's best to discourage this behavior while they're still young.

Clipping the claws helps, too.