"jimperrin" wrote in message
.cable.rogers.com...
Hi:

About two months ago I got a "free-to-a-good-home" four-year-old tabby
cat.
Ever since it arrived, it sits on a shelf in the basement and except for
nocternal eating rarely comes out.

It has been getting friendlier, craves attention, but does give me a
fairly
vicious bite occassionally when I'm petting her, trying to gain her trust.
(My right arm and hand is shredded, I'm thinking of amputating it!)

I got a second cat in the hopes of drawing the first one out. (The second
is
marvellous - moved in a took over!) No luck, the second won't have
anything
to do with the first.

I read about the petting/attack issues and now wear heavy gloves and I
scold
her verbally when she bites me. I'm actually having a love/fear
relationship
with this critter.

Any ideas on how I can draw this beast out of her lion's den and turn her
into a sociable cat, or should I quit while I'm ahead and have her sent to
the SPCA?

Jim
Orillia, Ontario, Cananda


I don't think scolding will do a whole lot of good. Your best bet is to
observe carefully and see if you can find a warning sign that she's had
enough petting before she bites. When she's had enough stop and put her
down. Some times you make more trust brownie points letting them come to
you. Some cats just tolerate/enjoy less petting than others.

If you decide you don't want this cat please try to find a rescue group who
will give her a chance at another home. I would fear that the SPCA might put
her down quickly because of the history of biting.

W