Adopted an Adult - hissing, swatting, digging HELP

[Brigitte Cowell]

A consultation with Marilyn is $150.

Were you wearing socks in that video? If I were you, I'd wear shoes and instead of reacting to him with "no" I would ignore his behavior...sweet talk conversationally and keep moving. It's not nearly as aggressive to me watching that as I had expected from description. I wonder if much of it isn't the tension he's sensing from you also? It's natural to feel tense if you think that every time you move the cat is going to pounce and hiss...but that tension and anxiety transmits to the cat and hence will make the situation worse.

Aside from the towel, I've also seen it suggested to grab a piece of cardboard...it's the same idea of shielding from view. And maybe worth it to just deter the pouncing for now.

I agree with Deb that something is triggering the behavior... and figuring out that will help resolve the behavior...

 

[WitchyWoman]

Kat Edge, if you feel that this is more than you bargained for, please consider turning him over to Savannah Cat Rescue. Brigitte Cowell, who is a moderator here, co-runs the Rescue. You can send her a private message here or use the form on their website http://svrescue.com/home/contact-us/

 

[WitchyWoman]

Your timing is very good Brigitte. I didn't realize you were logged on.

 

[NikkiA]

I know $200+ seems like a lot right now, i'm not that far out of school and I can relate, but you sound like you are pretty worried.
If you do not seek expert help, ziggy is going to have a harder time than if you seek help.
My Jarvis left me with scars, and we are past that now but I would hate to see you and ziggy in the same place we were.
Jarvis settled with the help of our vet, and an animal behaviorist, and the group here on svcc. Did I spend money? Yes.
In my mind, it was worth it.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Yes, I was thinking exactly what you were when Kat mentioned returning the cat to the owner. Unless it was because that is their written agreement, I feel the best course for Ziggy would be either offering to the breeder if they wish to take him back and work with him...or working with us to find him a home prepared to deal with this behavior....

 

[Kat Edge]

I was really hoping for a bit more support. I think I will work through this on my own and with the breeder. Thank you anyways to everyone.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Aw come on now, we've given you 9 pages of support and some darn good advice. When you mentioned that you were uncomfortable with the behavior and seemingly starting to be afraid of the cat, the reasonable suggestion of considering turning him over to someone much more experienced with the breed was not a lack of support. Best of luck working with the breeder. I hope all turns out well for you and Ziggy.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I'm sorry that you haven't taken all the advice and suggestions given as support... as Deb says I do truly hope you work through the issues with Ziggy as he seems a great cat that with some patience and understanding will totally blossom!

 

[cbain]

Also, if I try to give him a treat (even if I toss it away from me), he immediately attacks my hand and charges at me.

is this a territorial problem for a new cat that was not quarantined long enough, who was the breeder? I just saw the video, my male plays a lot harder outside in his run than you cat does inside, I would say give him time and space, we took in a black short hair ferial from the woods by the house and his trust was hard earned in 2011, it took 6 months before we could pet him

 

[John Campbell]

I was really hoping for a bit more support. I think I will work through this on my own and with the breeder. Thank you anyways to everyone.

Just curious, how long was his Quarantine?