Something is wrong with my kitten, I don't know how much more I can take(this is a long one)

Question

My husband and I took in this kitten after she was found on a hot Arizona day. She was about a month old when we got her, and she is now almost 3 months. This cat is crazy! she constantly attacks us, bites, digs her claws into our skin, she's even hooked her nails into my skin to the point were she was hanging off my back and legs. I've tried a water bottle, with and without vinegar in the water. I've tried putting her in a separate room until she calms down and stops crying. I've put her in a crate when she's bad. I've done everything I could think off. It's like she gathers up all the things we can't stand and does then on purpose. I've tried playing with her but she insists on hurting me. I don't yell at her anymore because I don't want her to think that this is a attention game. It's getting worst everyday. I love her and I don't want to get rid of her, but she's almost brought me to tears from all the stress. My husband and I have been around cats and kittens for our whole lives and know that this is not normal. I hate trying to tell people about our problem just to be told this is normal kitten behavior, people just don't get it, she's insane. Do you think she could have received brain damage from the desert sun? The only option left is spaying and maybe declawing, this cat is extra vicious with her claws and teeth!

If you've had any experience like this or have any advice, I'd love to know.

Answer 1

wen ever she does that tell her in a strict voice no bad

and pat her on the head but dont hit her

Answer 2

You do know that spaying is just to get rid of something something so that she won't be able to have babies? But anyway, she could be ill, or have rabies, so if she DOES have rabies, then get her to the vet to get her euthanized(that means the "k" word) and you may be getting seriously ill because rabies is not good for you and can kill, I mean the "k" word, you. And I'm pretty sure that your kitten doesn't have rabies, so she probably needs some more love from you!

Answer 3

I would consult a vet asap about this. I would aslo get her fixed as soon as possible as this may help. When she bites or claws I would tap her on the nose not hard wnough tohurt her but hard enough to let her know who is boss. Try a shake can also. Some cats are just born with a mean streak. Plus you dont know what she went through before you got her. When she is good praise her when she is bad as hard as it is ignore her . Good luck to you.  

Answer 4

You think DECLAWING is an answer?  That will make her MORE vicious and since she won't be able to scratch you she'll bite you.  Surrender this kitten to a shelter so that someone more experienced with cats can adopt her.  

Answer 5

I have fostered many young kittens, in my experience hand-raised orphan cats often don't have any boundaries.  This is probably because her mom was not around to teach her what behavior is acceptable and what behavior will not be tolerated.  It is difficult as a human to discipline kitties in an effective manner because we cannot emulate their body language.  I have had limited success with scruffing the kitty in the act of doing something bad and firmly telling them no.  Always stay calm and be assertive when disciplining the kitten but try to avoid anger and/or frustration because they can heighten the kitten's already agitated state.  Rough play is very normal for a 3 month old but often orphans take it way to far.  Just be consistent with your discipline and be patient with her as she learns her boundaries.  Good luck hope all works out well!!

Answer 6

SHe is very playful we had a kitten who would grab out legs and hang on as we walked all the way roung the house

Answer 7

I have experience this before with one of my cats and let me tell you first do not use harmful abuse on the cat then the cat will eaither hate you even more or will fear you and you don't want that. It the cat starts to claw you pick up the cat buy the loose skin on the back of the neck, trust me this wont really hurt them that's what their mother's did to carry them when it was a kitten. as you hold the cat try and not to let go or drop the cat also hold the cat and tell them to stop it and then when you are done put the cat down in your arms and hold it if the cat claws you then just keep doing it untill it stops clawing your arm. Then you must put the cat carefully in a cadge or craet, then leave it there for an hour if the cat meows do not let it out (it will give the cat time to cool off and sit) Then take the cat out and let it go to the bathroom or whatever and play just do this every day and the cat will get it, and hopefully and stop clawing you.  

Answer 8

I agree that it is probably because she's an orphan.

The little guy we found who was too young to be alone is quite aggressive too, but he has cats to teach him so he's been easily manageable.  His cat friends keep him mostly in line and he uses most of his aggression playing with them.  

I could suggest getting her a somewhat larger friend but that's probably the last thing you feel like doing right now.

I would try to read up on caring for orphan kittens for tips.  Yours hasn't quite learned to be a proper cat because she's missed out on some critical socialization with her mother and siblings.  Hopefully there will be some good tips on getting her to behave better.

I also agree about the declawing, she will get worse if you do that.  Right now she's confused and frustrated.  She doesn't understand.  It's not her fault but obviously isn't your fault either- it's wonderful that you saved her life.  Good luck with her!  

Answer 9

First have the vet look at her to rule out any medical issues. If she is healthy, use the behavior modification ideas  listed by a couple of people here. Also a soda can with a few pennies in it, shake it to redirect her or squirt bottle (and squirt only once) And be consistant.

Getting her fixed will help some. But taming her will not happen over night.Please be patient. Some cats don't like to be cuddled. I have a cat I hand raised since 2 days old and hates to be held now that she is older( she just turned one) she was a little terror as a baby as she didnt have siblings to learn how to play with, she bit and scratched and hissed. Now she still has her moments, but is a great cat.