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I have two cats that were hand raised at one week old ...

Sent to Cat Experts May 15, 2006 2:18 p.m.

I have two cats that were hand raised at one week old because their mother was hit by a car. The are female and approx. 6 years old, fixed but not declawed.

Since last July, I have been attacked by one or both of them when one of them gets upset - (one time they saw a neighbors cat and once I accidentally stepped on one of them) they started fighting really bad and then the one always comes and attacks me - she runs at me and chases me and climbs up my clothes, which rips them and leaves very large puncture wounds and bruises. This has happened three times since last July, but never before that. We have lived in the same place for 5 years and I live alone with them.

I have talked to my local vet tech and she said that hand raised cats are always just different than ones raised normally and she suggested I get them declawed and buy some pheremone (sp?) spray.

I really want to keep both cats but at this point I am afraid that they will attack me again. Last year one of the got very close to my eye (big puncture wound on my eyelid) and I am afraid that I will be maimed somehow. They do not bite me - only claw.

I should also mention that I am not a big proponent of declawing cats, especially because mine go outside (supervised on a leash).

What are your thoughts? Is it possible to keep both and not get hurt by using the spray?

Thank you.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
May 15, 2006 2:26 p.m. (7 minutes and 14 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

The spray may help but hand raised cats who are not taught manners by an adult cat may view the humans as 'other cats' and respond with dominance signals (which we usually miss) and attacks over territory etc.
Feliway may help.
You could choose to use soft paws on them to limit scratching ability. You can read about these here
http://www.softpaws.com/
You could try using anti anxiety meds with them to reduce their territorial aggression.
I would suggest discussing the situation with a veterinary behaviorist - you'll find some listed here or your vet may be able to refer you to one
http://www.dacvb.org/Typo3/DACVBHome/index.php
Hope this helps you!

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