Recue Cat ... Declawed Biter ... :o(

[kimlovescats]

In another thread, I saw where Moosmom mentioned a former rescue of hers that was declawed and started biting. Well, that is exactly what I now have!!! The large, and beautiful, Black Maine Coon cat that I rescued, is a biter!!! Yes, he had all his shots and everything when surrendered, BUT had also been declawed!!!!! There is NO DOUBT in my mind, that this is why they gave him up!!!!!

He is a gorgeous and loving boy, and only will bite when he is nervous from the other cats, and I try to approach him to calm him down. He growls with a warning, and if I am stupid enough to pursue him further, I get a very hard and painful BITE!!!! He has drawn blood on both me and my hubby! We have learned to watch his body language, and if he is in a "mood" just stay away from him. If he is not, he is a wonderful and loving boy and will only nibble gently in a loving manner!

I guess the point of this post is to reaffirm to anyone out there considering declawing! DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!

Here is beautiful Chandler!!!!

[Russian Blue]

Awww......what a beautiful cat! Of course when you take their main defense mechanism away they will use another method.

At least you can watch the body signals of Chandler and prevent any further blood being drawn in the future.

[NoahsMommy]

You know, I'm not sure, but I wonder if biting/moodiness is also a Maine Coone thing. Noah bites people if he's in a mood too.

Poor guy! I'm sure that with time, he'll get used to you and your hubby. How long have you had him?

[moosmom]

Kimlovescats,

The one signal that a cat will bite is the ears. Usually when the ears go flat and are pointing to the side, that's a sign the cat is aggravated.

Chandler is a beautiful boy! I don't think it is necessarily a trait of the Maine Coon, but simply the only defense a declawed cat has. And I can bet my unemployment check on it that THAT was the reason why they dumped him. It happens all too often. Sad but true.

Poor baby. Be patient. He'll come around. More pictures please

[carole]

chandler is indeed a beauty, i would not consider declawing my cat ash, he is a most unpredicatable cat, and has moods, u have to be very careful around him, he always bites the hand that feeds him too yes me ouch, well i guess they are just like humans have their moments. cheers carole

[Steffi N]

Yes, Chandler you are a beautiful cat.

[rg_girlca]

What a gorgeous boy you are Chandler.
I have a 8 month old Main Coon who is also a biter and I would never ever even consider getting rid of him for it. There are other solutions to the problem as I learned by the great people of Pet Talk.

[kimlovescats]

I am starting to think maybe it is a Maine Coon "thing". I have another Maine Coon mix ... Dexter ... and he play bites as well.... he never does it out of anger, but fun, and he is a bit too strong-jawed at times!!! Dexter doesn't have an agressive bone in his big fluffy body, but I'm just wondering if Coons like to bite??? hahaha

Also, I fostered another Maine Coon mix for a few month a while ago ... and even though he wasn't declawed (neither is my Dexter) he too liked to bite ... but Alex (foster) would bite when ticked off!!! Hmmmmm ........ is there a pattern here?

Oh well... nothing will turn me away from maine Coons ... they are my favorites!!!!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Peanut doesn't bite at all, unless I start playing too rough with her, or if Tubby is attacking her.

[catlady1945]

I think biting is an individual thing. Some will bite when you tickle their tummies and at no other time. I have 4 - none biters except when playing. My oldest is declawed and I don't think she has ever bitten.