Behavioral Modification and Cats

[nimdA]

It sounds like your kitten was feral before you got him. I have one that was like that too. Most of the fear behavior will go away over time once he learns to trust you, especially since he was young when he was found, but some things might remain forever. For instance, Pie will run away and hide whenever another person comes over, even if they have come over to my place a million times. She will hide until they leave, even if it is ten hours later. (My friends and I tend to do a lot of series marathons at my place.)

Pie will also occasionally get overstimulated when being petted, and will get cranky and may bite, but she always gives a warning. She also refuses to be held, and god help me if I have to pill her or clip her claws. She acts like she is being boiled in oil. The trip to the vet is certainly an interesting experience, too. But for the most part, she is a totally affectionate cat who loves me to death and is quite clearly in charge of the household.

Kittens tend to bite and chew on their owners, and that needs to be trained. Repetition and reinforcement are the key. Pie is definitely better than she used to be. First, no rough play that encourages biting your hands, even if you use one of those kitty toy mitts. The cat will make the association that it's okay to bite you. When the cat bites you, you should say "ow!" somewhat loud (even if it doesn't hurt.) as opposed to "no"! Mainly because the sound for "ow" tends to distract them easier than "no" does, because it is more surprising. (Trust me, I have tried both.) Immediately stop interacting with the cat, and ignore them for a while. (At least five minutes.) I don't know why specifically this helps, but it does.

hmmm good stuff I'll remember it. .

[nimdA]

TSW just owned everyone.

Why?

We're more logical and well meaning and abusive to kittens than children.

At least nobody got butthurt over cat behavior modification.  :rofl:

I really do have a cat!

[try another castle]

re: the licking and chewing. He could possibly have ringworm. He was out and about for a while. Is there missing fur in that area?

Also, it's best to take the little mister to the vet and get him de-wormed, as most wild cats have them, because of fleas, and get him a general check up. I'd recommend getting him an FIV and feline leukemia test as well, since that is standard when getting a new kitty and you don't know where they have come from. (Especially if you have other cats in the house, as both of those are contagious, through saliva and using the same box. Very different than the human versions of the diseases.) Also, he will need a panel of shots. He probably won't need rabies, since I'm assuming he will be an indoor cat, but I think there are several other vaccines he needs to get.

If he does indeed have ringworm, you will have the glorious task of doing all of your laundry and de-fungusing the house. Fortunately that shouldn't be too hard since you said everything is plastic, but all bedding, both yours and his, will need to be laundered in hot water, and the carpets will need to be done.

And... most likely, the vet will give you some awful shampoo that you will have to bathe the cat with, but there is a better way. The flea control product called Program can be used to cure ringworm. You buy the dosage that is appropriate for your cat's weight, and give him double the dose. Then repeat in a few weeks. (I'm not sure how many, but I can check.) Better than having to wash your cat every day.

I agree with the neutering thing, when he is old enough to get it. (I think they can get it pretty young now.) It's either that or having him mark his territory when he's older by spraying cat piss all over the walls and your things. And trust me, once a cat pisses on something, it's best to just throw it away, because you will never get the smell out, no matter how many times you wash it.

[nimdA]

I'll take him in next week after I get a referral to a decent English speaking vet. Their is no bald spot on his leg. It is something I notice that he just started doing.

I'm going to wait till he is a bit older before having him neutered though.

[try another castle]

yeah, I think the old standard, before they realized they could do it on kittens was about 6 months old. I can't remember how old they can do it at now. I think maybe two months? Does anyone else know?

[BuzzKill]

Opinions vary as to when you should do a spay or neuter. I like to see the females a little older - close to mature before a spay - because I have this notion it cuts down on the likelihood they'll have problems with incontinence.  I can't say I ever noticed this with cats, but It is a serious problem with pups spayed early. Not serious as in untreatable. It is easily and cheaply treated. But serious, as in common.

With a little Tom cat - as soon as you can see he has balls, its time for them to go. Usually around 12 weeks.

The licking and chewing could also be his nerves. Cats and dogs can have nervous habits like this, in much the same way a person might chew their nails or pull at their hair. I think there is a good chance he'll soon feel safe and secure and you'll see this become a more normal kind of grooming. You do know that cats lick and chew some when grooming - right? Its the concentration on one spot that might indicate a problem.

If its ring worm, it is easier to treat than it used to be. I have always had very good results simply using betadine.

The thing about the shots is also open to some debate and personal preference. I'd say take the vets advice in this. The shots needed may vary a great deal for cats in different countries. Once he is an adult, there may be more to talk about - but a kitten should be vaccinated.

You might want to check out a vet supply catalog I use: KVvet.com
I have used them for years. You can get about anything you need far cheaper than from a vet - at least around here. Of corse - international shipping may change that picture - I don't know.

You mention his small size. . . Is he eating well? I wonder if he is six weeks old yet? Sounds like he could be younger. You might want to get him some kitten milk - for nursing young kittens. Might be good for him if he is under 6 weeks old.

[nimdA]

I think he was abandoned not to long after birth. I doubt he is even 6 weeks old. Cause he is sooo tiny. He started eating like a horse yesterday as evidenced by his food bowl and cat poop deposits. He is still hiding but is getting less shy. I think the noise of me cussing and swearing about the amount of work I had to do to clean my room sent him into hiding. Haven't seen him in the last 2 hours. Not to worried though cause I'm eliminating his hiding spots 1 by 1 down to a select few to make it easier for me to find him.


I'm gonna run him into the vet as soon as I can next week. A friend of mine on another forum posted the link to a 24 hour animal hospital that is only about an hour away by subway.


oh yes... here is a new one.. this dude didn't have a cat in his pants.. nope.. not at all..


http://http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2_053007_bombpants.26dcc2a0.html

[nimdA]

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[BuzzKill]

Oh he /she (I forget which it is) is very pretty. Orange cats tend to have a lot of spunk and strong opinions.  I am sure you two will be great friends. Looks healthy too - not nearly as raggidy as I feared. I'm very happy for you both!

[try another castle]

It's he, buzz. Although I do have friends who have an ultra rare female orange tabby. She is about the same shape and color as a basketball.


TSW,  your cat is THEE CUTE!

[BuzzKill]

Yeah - I have known a couple orange lady cats - but they had quite a lot of white on them. The one always threw kittens with extra toes. Don't know if it was related to her coat color or not.