Cat Constantly Scratching Me

[TheNeonPanther]

This is the only forum I know of where crazy cat people won't attack me..
My cat has been constantly scratching me...today I leaned down to pet her and she scratched me about only a centimeter from my eyeball.
About 3 months ago I was trying to get her off my chair (Nicely) and she got me in the nose.
What is up with this cat?? I have been nice to her, fed her and cared for her...I guess she does not care..
At this point, I feel like trading her out for a dog or something that would at least be nice and loyal.

Is there something I don't understand? Am I just a annoying person or something? I guess I'm not just a cat person..Please tell me if there is something I can do besides declawing, ignoring the cat and taking her to a "shelter." (All no kill shelters are full, but if a spot opens i'll think about it..)



Edit: Oops...forgot you could multi-thread. *Faceplam* My mistake! Sorry mods/admins.
Edit again: Computer glitched. Did not know I posted one reply first time and tried again. This time it posted twice on accident. Again, sorry!

 

[GitaBooks]

Yep, that's cats for you. Our family jokes that cats are evil, but we still keep a lot of them anyways.
Many cats are just reacting on instinct, as they are naturally not social animals. Some breeds and individuals are as sweet as can be, like our Tiger, who will cuddle for hours and doesn't mind his tummy being scratched like a dog. Others are so shy they won't let us touch them.

Then there is Nym (dramatic music playing). Oh yeah, better look out. We rescued him as a 2 week old orphan, took excellent care of him, raised him around dogs, gave him healthy food, and yes we did play with him using our hands, but he is just a big old grump. It has something to do with being taken from their mother too young, as our porch cat does the same thing.
He will let us pet him, then suddenly lash out. We have learned not to touch him unless he specifically asks for it or to lift him up to get some food. Otherwise, he yowls and bites and scratches. He's such a confused little baby! He doesn't know how to be a cat either, and none of the other cats really like him. He gets extra grumpy when locked inside for the winter.

I'm not sure how to fix it, we tried a few different methods and they didn't work at all. Keeping our distances and just talking to him is what works.

If you do want a friendly cat, you could try getting a rescue that is proven friendly or adopting an older kitten (young ones may behave badly) from a breed proven to be sweet.

Best of luck!

Some of the cats we have had over the years

Mesa a stray (rehomed him, though he was sweet he ate our chicks and attacked our other cats)


Four kittens we raised until old enough to give to a shelter to be adopted out


Miracle, sweet, sweet girl. RIP


Tabby, Miracle's mother, with her litter of 7


Tabby's 7 kittens nearing adoption time


Our barn cats

 

[TheNeonPanther]

Thank you!

(Pawsome pictures of your cats!)


Here is "The Scratcher"



Mew's Food Face (1 year later and still the same size)



Figs (Short for Figaro)

 

[GitaBooks]

Beautiful cats!

 

[TheNeonPanther]

Thank you! Your cats are too! C:

 

[snow5164]

My barn cats scratch me and I'm allergic !!! How about getting the nails cut? I know it sounds crazy a vet will do it and once the point is blunt they can't hurt you as much , but can still defend themselves

hubby holding the little devils

 

[Bunnylady]

Animal Planet has a series called 'My Cat from He11.' Jackson Galaxy deals with this sort of behavior all the time. You can watch episodes on YouTube; you might be able to gain some insight as to why your cat behaves the way it does.

 

[Stacykins]

You need to take your cat to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. Why? Pain can cause cats to act out. It could be from anything, such as dental and joint pain. Make sure she is completely healthy first.

Once a health issue has been ruled out, then look at behavior. Most people are completely oblivious to what cats are telling them through body language. Most attacks from both dogs and cats do not just happen without warning, the people just don't understand the warnings. Each scratch you've gotten, it is certain your cat was actually telling you very clearly she did not wish to be bothered at the time. A warning is not just a hiss, there are other displays.

Your homework is to learn cat body language. What are her ears and tails doing? Posture? Pupil size? Whisker position?

 

[GitaBooks]

You need to take your cat to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. Why? Pain can cause cats to act out. It could be from anything, such as dental and joint pain. Make sure she is completely healthy first.

Once a health issue has been ruled out, then look at behavior. Most people are completely oblivious to what cats are telling them through body language. Most attacks from both dogs and cats do not just happen without warning, the people just don't understand the warnings. Each scratch you've gotten, it is certain your cat was actually telling you very clearly she did not wish to be bothered at the time. A warning is not just a hiss, there are other displays.

Your homework is to learn cat body language. What are her ears and tails doing? Posture? Pupil size? Whisker position?

I certainly agree!!

That is why we avoid Nym, because I think he is always giving us a warning.

Look out for that wagging tail and irritated expression, he's considering your hand for his next meal. LOL.

 

[drumstick diva]

I've watched that show "My Cat from He11," and it upset me so badly, I couldn't watch again. I have never seen a dog attack as vicious at some of those cats.. I AM not a cat person but now think I should cross the street before any of them get near me.