Cat is Attacking Me

Question
Hello, and thank you for your time.  I adopted a cat a couple of weeks ago he is 7-8 mths. old, and is neutered, and weighs between 9 and 10 lbs.  The first few days he was home, it was great, he was affectionate and appropriately playful.  In fact I chose to take him home b/c he was so affectionate.  Then he began to attack my feet and lower body, which I thought was just kittenish behavior and I would say no, clap and shoo him away, and I would occasionally hiss.  But the attacks intensified i.e. leaping and trying to climb me like a tree.  I brought him to the vet for his first check-up (he is physically healthy), and I spoke to my vet about the problems.  He suggested continuing what I was doing but also using a water spray bottle and to throw toys to divert the aggression.  The intensity decreased a bit, but then the cat started attacking me in my sleep, and I therefore do not trust him.  The worst attack was the day before yesterday when he jumped on the back of the chair I was sitting in and bear-hugged my head and brought his face to mine to bite at my eye.  I don't feel safe.  I play with him with a variety of toys,and he has 4 playscapes to play with too. I used to be able to pet and hold him, but he now quickly gets hyper and bites and scratches, and also vigorously licks.  Oddly enough he is respectful of my dog but not me.  Any suggestions on correcting this behavior? I don't know if I can keep him if this continues, I have been in touch with the organization I adopted him from, and they are supportive and trying to help me too.  But I thought I should exhaust resources before giving up on him.

Answer
Hi there,

Thanks for your question.

Many times a cat likes to be playful.

Sometimes this results in cat aggression.

I suggest trying cat training.

You can try it for yourself or you can have a professional trainer train your cat.

Over the years I've got many questions regarding cat aggression.
I've suggested cat training many times and it gets good results.

I understand you don't want to give up your cat. You shouldn't have to.

Another suggestion is you could get another cat. Maybe another male the two will be playful together.

You cat may not be trying to hurt you, he may just want to play another cat his age would be perfect.

If you choose to get another cat make sure he has the same matince level. If you were to get a shy scaredcat the two cats wouldn't work out. Make sure you get one that is like him.

Most likely I suggest calling a trainer that specializes in cats.
Tell her your situation and she will be able to assist you.

Hope this helps,

Ben.

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