Normal or crazy kitten?

[momcat]

I'm certainly no expert on cat behavior but I wonder if you're feeding him on a set schedule. If so, his agression could be because the little guy is extremely hungry. Maybe if you leave some dry food out that he can nibble on during the day he may become more secure in knowing he'll always have something to eat and won't be such a chowzilla at feeding time.

PT friends, many of you know much more about kitten behavior than I ever will. If this is a bad idea, please chime in?

[catfancier]

I think it's important to have kitten biscuits out all the time for young cats. I always top up the kitten food bowl as Nauty is still so young and is used to basically feeding ad-lib. As he gets older (probably at least 6 months +), I'll reduce the amount of food and try to give him a more structured routine as Tiger has (2 feeds per day). He is just still settling into this new life and our routine. Good luck with your kitty, I hope our advice helps to calm him.

This may sound a little controversial however I have found it beneficial when being attacked by cats - if he's on your arm, push back against him rather than trying to pull away. Once they realise that you are stronger then them and begin to feel confused because you are fighting against them, they are more likely to release their grip so that you can pull away without tearing your skin and causing further damage. I know how much a cat attack can hurt, but if you can just hold the cat for those few seconds until they get confused, it is better for you in the long run. Kitty might think they've won if you pull away from them.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

My Penny was the same way. She was also found behind a pizza place at about 4-5 weeks old, and was starving. She had coccidia on top of it. She was also VERY aggressive when the other kitties tried to share her bowl.

What I did was feed her, with the rest, in her own bowl. I sat beside her and petted her on the back, talking softly to her. This went on for MONTHS, every night.

And about 6 months later, not only could I take her food away, I could touch it, and so could the other cats. They could even take it away.. She now waits her turn.

Once they learn that they will get fed again soon, they stop thinking it is as important. She could care less about food now.

It is VERY common for kittens to be food aggressive. Don't worry, just work with him.

Most kitties are food obsessive. They grow out of it.

Please be sure to leave dry food out for him always, that will make him feel less protective.

GOOD LUCK! Kt and kitties

[JustineNYC]

My Penny was the same way. She was also found behind a pizza place at about 4-5 weeks old, and was starving. She had coccidia on top of it. She was also VERY aggressive when the other kitties tried to share her bowl.

What I did was feed her, with the rest, in her own bowl. I sat beside her and petted her on the back, talking softly to her. This went on for MONTHS, every night.

And about 6 months later, not only could I take her food away, I could touch it, and so could the other cats. They could even take it away.. She now waits her turn.

Once they learn that they will get fed again soon, they stop thinking it is as important. She could care less about food now.

It is VERY common for kittens to be food aggressive. Don't worry, just work with him.

Most kitties are food obsessive. They grow out of it.

Please be sure to leave dry food out for him always, that will make him feel less protective.

GOOD LUCK! Kt and kitties

Thanks, I wasnt sure if I should do that....Im going to try it!

[JustineNYC]

I'm certainly no expert on cat behavior but I wonder if you're feeding him on a set schedule. If so, his agression could be because the little guy is extremely hungry. Maybe if you leave some dry food out that he can nibble on during the day he may become more secure in knowing he'll always have something to eat and won't be such a chowzilla at feeding time.

PT friends, many of you know much more about kitten behavior than I ever will. If this is a bad idea, please chime in?

He gets canned in the morning, and evening and I leave dry food out for him all day, if he still carries on Ill give him some can food in the afternoon, but usually by the afternoon he is conked out. Heres the thing, he isnt really aggressive with the dry food.

By 11am, he may go over and chomp on it a little. But the food he is nuts with is canned and people food, like the chop meat he went after in my fridge, or the chicken I cook. Isnt that weird?

When he hears a can of cat food open, hell claw up my back. When he hears me put dry food in a bowl, he can take it or leave it.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Ok. Then make it a privilege to get canned food. Put him in a carrier, and make him watch you get it ready, and once he calms down, then allow him out to eat it