Play/Predatory Aggression in Cats....ouch!

Congrats on your new cat! To me, from what you are describing, this sounds like Play/Predatory Aggression.

I watch Jackson Galaxy's Cat From Hell tv shows. They have helped me to understand my cats behavior...and have given me great ideas for helping my dogs/cats interactions in my home.

Here is some helpful info from his blog on cat aggression.

https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blog/aggression-in-cats

A few excerpts: (there is way more info at this above link!!)


PLAY/PREDATORY AGGRESSION

Play/Predatory aggression involves the cat’s normal hunting and killing behaviors. In many cats, their play becomes too aggressive because their human companions encouraged that behavior when they were kittens. Rough-housing with bare hands is almost irresistible when kittens are small. Everyone loved that video of the “surprised kitten” on YouTube – who wouldn’t?

Unfortunately, though, that’s a good way to teach a kitty that bare hands are (a) threatening, and (b) okay to play with. It’s adorable when they’re little, but when the attacker is 15 pounds with inch-long fangs…not so much!

For many adult cats who still play inappropriately, or turn their predatory drive on humans or other animals in the home, the underlying problem is usually boredom and excess energy. Cats who are especially territorial may be also more prone to predatory aggression. To correct the problem, never play rough with your cat, but more importantly, institute regular sessions of Play Therapy.

PETTING-RELATED (OVERSTIMULATION) AGGRESSION

Petting-related (overstimulation) aggression is frustrating and frightening. One minute you’re having a cuddly moment with your sweet furball, and the next minute the cat is going in seven directions at once, and you’re left bleeding from multiple bites or scratches. Cats are highly sensitive creatures, and it may be that there’s just so much stimulation the cat can take; or there are certain “off-limits” areas that are certain to draw blood–from you–if you stray too close. There may be a pain issue, or a bad memory, but whatever the reason, very few cats attack without warning, though it may seem that way.

It’s important to become an expert in feline body language. Widening or “blackening” of the eyes (dilated pupils), ears turned or laid back, twitching tail, whiskers flattening against the face; these are all signs of impending doom. The trick is to STOP before the cat feels it necessary to take the next step. Never try to restrain the cat!

Gently remove all of your vulnerable body parts from the vicinity; or if that’s not possible, try using distraction to shift kitty’s attention to something that can’t be hurt, such as a toy, throw pillow, or rolled-up socks. Be sure to leave such items in strategic locations around the house so there’s always one handy. And, of course, Play Therapy will help diffuse some of the stress and anxiety that may be contributing to the cat’s sensitivity.

 

Ooh, my parents cat is the same apart from the bolting afterwards. I think it's a fault in his temperament, he has a low tolerance for frustration and has bitten people for having an arm on a chair when he didn't expect it. I wouldn't judge the previous owner too much. I have had to scruff him after he bit my arm for over 30 seconds, nothing but physical intervention was going to put him off. Redirection does not work, I would liken his issues to cocker rage. Normal interactions can be fine or not.

My parents sleep with the doors closed because he's likely to bite if they move in bed and he's not discerning about where he bites. He's bitten the neck before. He's a pretty awesome cat but is the only one I have ever considered advising euthanasia for a behavior problem. I never thought I'd see a cat that could actually seriously hurt a person.

 

Oh wow, that sounds extreme! Mars definitely isn't as extreme, so I'm thankful for that. I do think his previous owners mishandled him though judging by other behaviors, such as his flinching if I move my hand toward him too fast, but low tolerance for frustration definitely makes sense! He responds to vocal commands pretty well so usually if I go "HEY!" he'll knock it off but sometimes I have to just remove him entirely for him to stop grabbing at me.

The low frustration thing makes a lot of sense though now that you've said it because just last night I went to pet him and he swatted at me (no claw contact just a quick slap on the hand) suddenly without warning but then immediately went back to cleaning himself as if nothing had ever happened. I guess he's just more cut and dry than other cats! :eyeroll:

 

Glad to hear he has some control . It does sound like he's learned to predict hand movements as a problem. Sounds like you've got it pretty well covered.

 

Yeah, my Tortie cat is kinda like that with petting only. Never any random biting or attacking thankfully.

I will be petting her and she will be purring...and then suddenly game over....she chomps my hand. I never worry about it though or take it personally. I know it is kinda like overstimualtion, so I stop. Usually if I stop she will then come back to me and rub herself on me or initiate more petting.

But I have learned different ways of petting her. Again from watching Jackson Galaxy's shows. Cats apparently do not like the same type of petting as dogs. Sometimes instead of petting her, I jut put my hand sideways and kinda let her pet me. If that makes any sense.

Nowadays since I have altered my ways of touching her, she has been repaying me with very cool stuff. Like if she is up on her high shelf and the dogs are outside she will wrap her body around my neck and knead on my back and shoulders!! Purr fest!!!

Go check out his website or catch some of his cool tv shows if you want an awesome relationship with your cat! I honestly know all about dog behavior, but know almost nada about cat behavior even tho I've had cats forever. So I have learned so much useful and valuable (and easily do-able) info from Jackson. And no, I don't work for him or even know him