How to tell if a stray cat has been beaten or abused before?

Question

I adopted a stray cat about 3 weeks ago and still trying to establish a trust with him. He's usually quite calm and even nicer than my Siamese indoor cat in terms of biting and clawing. However, there had been a couple of times when he *tried* to bite or hit me with his paw (he never actually did it, but just made the move to try to *scare* me away), I barely waved my index finger to tell him, "Hey, no no, okay?" and he ducked his head down low, looking as if he was frightened I would hit him.

Is this a sign of physical abuse he had experienced with previous owner(s)?

Answer 1

Well did he look healthy when you first got him...?

Answer 2

it could be

i think i would be best if you

asked a professional to come check him out  

Answer 3

Ah, yes.

When I first got a kitten off the street, he acted the same way.

I think it could also be he's not use to humans.

Or some idiot teenagers could of hurt him while he was a stray.

He'll get use to you in time.

Answer 4

Hi

Thanks for rescuing

If you are able to handle him at all, he wasn't feral and probably dumped so that is abuse in the way. Coming from a house and living on the streets fighting for food will change a cats attitude and disposition.

Cats also live in a hierarchy Your cat is acting submissive cause you are number 1. Since your cat is scared when you point, I would try to find another way to train him if possible. Thanks for rescuing

Answer 5

ask him

Answer 6

Abuse is possible if he had an owner. Best thing you can do is to give him a lot of love and affection. In time he will come around and be an affectionate cat but may still be leary of some things. You may not be able to erase all of his past happenings but you can help make him a better cat in your family. Just have a lot of patients and love for him and that will help him adjust better to life with you and your family.

Answer 7

That's really cool of you to take in a stray by the way!  Not too many people are that compassionate.  Just think of how many litters of homeless kittens and cats you've prevented!  

To answer your question, abuse is definitely possible.  Stray cats are exposed to so many harmful things and people.

Because you can't erase the past, you can gain this cat's trust.

Try giving the cat some treats out of your hand while reaching to pet the top of his head with the other hand.  That way he will associate your hand with a reward.

Answer 8

my cat was abused by his previous owners...he was really timid at first but is now so affectionate. He was terrified of loud noises, cars outside and still freaks out a little if someone new comes to the house. Basically we just showed him lots of love and he learned to trust us...stick at it and be patient and your cat will be fine, good luck x