Help!! My Siamese is biting me when I leave.

by Jenn
(Rome. NY)

I just found a Siamese whoes owner passed away and family tossed her out in the street. She is declawed and fixed. Coco is 3 years old but, seems to have a bitting problem. She was homeless for 5 - 6 months before I found her. After havong her for 24 hours she bit my husband in the calf with no warning. Then is a split second she bit my son also in the calf with no warning. The bit my husband suffered was by far the worse. She didn't break skin on my son. Then a week later she bit me in the calf. The only thing that all three bits have in common is we were leaving. I've owned 2 other Siamese but never had one be mean for no reason. Ayn help would be greatly welcome...the family said I could drop her off at the shelter or put her down and that is just too heart breaking for me.

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Jul 20, 2017
 Cat behavior
by: Siamese lover

I rescued my young Siamese from a very bad situation, actually I take him or he'd be put down. I could never put down an animal so I took him with all his scratching & bad biting habits. Come to find out, Samuel was being utterly tortured by a horrific little boy. His mother blamed the cat for scratching and biting when this kid was body slamming the kitten on the ground and slamming drawers on its tail
He would snarl, hiss and strike out if I even got close to him but I felt that I should give him some space to adjust to his new surroundings and our other two Siamese. Slowly after about two + weeks he'd come out from under the bed to look around, that's when I'd shower him with lots of kind words in a soft smoothing voice and a tasty treat. It took a few months but it was a great breakthrough when he finally let me pick him up without any aggression. Fast forward 17 years and I have THE most loving, kind and friendly senior cat ever. He has been nothing but a joy and whenever he's close by he'll always have one paw touching my hand or arm. So never give up, never hit or scold your cat and always keep loving & giving positive feedback. Kindness is the cure.
Oct 18, 2015
 PLEASE DO NOT PUT IT DOWN!
by: Christa

I have a 2 1/2 year old siamese named London, I got her when she was 8 weeks old. She was a rowdy little kitten, always running around, chasing people, biting people, scratching people. But I thought she was just playing around. We woukd try to correct ger by saying NO to her & patting her on the butt. Well, when she started getting older, she wasn't growing out of it. It actually started getting worse. She would draw blood on EVERYONE who would try to pet her, or even touch her. Honestly, she's still that way. I called our vet to see what I could do to maybe change her aggressiveness and he told me to have her spayed and that should calm her down. So I did that. But nope, no change. I'm sorry to say it, but some Siamese cats are just temperamental like that. It's nothing the owner has ever done. We never tortured or hurt our cat, that would be down right horrible!!!! But she still freaks out randomly. I can be petting her while she's on my lap and she'll be fine for like 2 minutes, then all of a sudden she'll freak out and turn around and slap me, claw me & bite me. Then run off. My boyfriend can't hardly ever pick her up. The only time I can, is when I'm picking her up to put her by her food bowls. It's like this is her house and we're just living in it FOR her. She attacks my parents, or anyone who comes into our house. But everyone has just learned to deal with her in their own way. Sometimes she lets them olay with her, but hardly ever touch her. After all this time, she's still apart of our family, you know? I wouldn't give her up for the world no matter how mean she can get. I hope that you make the right decision for your siamese. Not all siamese are this way, so don't give up on the breed if you do decide to give this one up.
The things that we have learned that help her be a little nicer, are catnip & this pheromone spray that is supposed to calm them down. Also, right when they're waking up in the mornings or from a nap is usually when they're the nicest, is what I have found. Please let me know how it goes for you!!
Oct 06, 2013
 Katie this is what I did with Coco
by: Jenn

Coco had a bad stretch in life an owner die, re-homed with a man who beat her then tossed her out in the snow. Coco lived on the streets for 6 months. When I brought her to the vet my vet recommended I put a pheromone collar the brand I brought is called nurturecalm24/7. You can buy one on amazon for about 12 bucks. This helps the cat to with pet/human separation, inappropriate marking, destructive behavior, and aggression. The collar releases pheromone that the mother release during birth. This has been a life saver. I can pick Coco up, let her sleep with us, play with my six year son without the fear of biting any of us. I even have two cats in my home and she will not bite them. They chase her trying to see who the big cat in the house will be. Give her some time and try the collar. Hang in there :). I also did a reward system if she plays nice then treat. Remember don't yell or hit when the bad behavior happens. Negative attention is attention. When Coco was biting me I would just tell her bad girl and leave her alone. It worked!

Good luck and give her some time. I'll check back to see if my advice helpped you out.
Oct 06, 2013
 Katie this is what I did with Coco
by: Jenn

Coco had a bad stretch in life an owner die, re-homed with a man who beat her then tossed her out in the snow. Coco lived on the streets for 6 months. When I brought her to the vet my vet recommended I put a pheromone collar the brand I brought is called nurturecalm24/7. You can buy one on amazon for about 12 bucks. This helps the cat to with pet/human separation, inappropriate marking, destructive behavior, and aggression. The collar releases pheromone that the mother release during birth. This has been a life saver. I can pick Coco up, let her sleep with us, play with my six year son without the fear of biting any of us. I even have two cats in my home and she will not bite them. They chase her trying to see who the big cat in the house will be. Give her some time and try the collar. Hang in there :). I also did a reward system if she plays nice then treat. Remember don't yell or hit when the bad behavior happens. Negative attention is attention. When Coco was biting me I would just tell her bad girl and leave her alone. It worked!

Good luck and give her some time. I'll check back to see if my advice helpped you out.
Oct 06, 2013
 Help my Siamese is biting me!
by: KatieAnonymous

I have had my Siamese for about 2 months now, and every time I sit down to pet her, she swishes her tail, and bites me at the same time! I have grown tired of this, and I just wonder what to do. My other male died eons ago, and I'd sure like her to do the same thing, but it's always the same thing! Not that she lyes in wait, but when I sit and pet her, "Bite HARD", as in the directions. I don't know WHAT to do.
Oct 06, 2013
 Help my Siamese is biting me!
by: KatieAnonymous

I have had my Siamese for about 2 months now, and every time I sit down to pet her, she swishes her tail, and bites me at the same time! I have grown tired of this, and I just wonder what to do. My other male died eons ago, and I'd sure like her to do the same thing, but it's always the same thing! Not that she lyes in wait, but when I sit and pet her, "Bite HARD", as in the directions. I don't know WHAT to do.
Oct 06, 2013
 Help my Siamese is biting me!
by: KatieAnonymous

I have had my Siamese for about 2 months now, and every time I sit down to pet her, she swishes her tail, and bites me at the same time! I have grown tired of this, and I just wonder what to do. My other male died eons ago, and I'd sure like her to do the same thing, but it's always the same thing! Not that she lyes in wait, but when I sit and pet her, "Bite HARD", as in the directions. I don't know WHAT to do.
Aug 20, 2013
 Update
by: Jenn

Coco went to the vet yesterday and had all of her shots updated. I also discussed her bad behavior with the vet. My vet recommended a pheromone collar to help keep her calm. At this point I'll try anything with her. It is working!!!! She hasn't bitten in 24 hours. She is still very protective over her toys but, now I think I can work with her on that. She no longer is biting hard when we try to leave. She also has started to make more meow sounds. She even says "hello” when you say hello to her. She is showing a real interest in my son which makes me happy. We also gained a pound so, Coco is now 7 lbs.

I have confirmed she is terrified of men. My vet and I spoke about how we as a family can recondition her. I was told to stop feeding, changing litter, and giving treats. This is now all my husbands to do list for Coco. When he does all of these tasks he is to complete them at first without petting her, just verbal praise. Then if this works he can start to pet her head and so on.

The next test will be with my other animals we have two rescue cats and two rescue dogs. I am hoping that they will help her see we are a great house to live in.

I never would have thought that saving a Siamese would be so much hard work. My entire family saves cats and then re-homes them to loving cat people. I must admit that Coco has been one up and down ride. I really hope that she will fit into my family. :) I love Siamese and always have since I was a kid. I grew up with a Blue and Seal point. My Blue is Sam and still lives with my Mom at 16 years old. He even says "Mom" when he meows....very cute! My Seal I lost a couple of years ago to kidney failure, very sad! Coco looks like Lita and reminds me of her every day.

Thank you again for all of the support.

Jenn
Aug 17, 2013
 Poor baby is scared half to death.
by: angelina diantonio

This poor little baby was abused to begin with!!!! Then tossed out on the street with no claws to defend herself. I just cannot wrap my heart or mind around horrible people who abuse animals and children !!!!!! This cat needs love and assurance 24 hours a day until she knows she will not be abused again.It could take months just be patient and talk to her just like you would a baby or toddler. If she nips or bites say no,no! It will take time but everything will be fine with time and love!!!! Keep us posted! I always go and tell my cats where I am going and be back soon before I leave with kisses and hugs!!!!Love concurs fear!!!!
Aug 16, 2013
 Thank you
by: Jenn

Thank you all for the helpful advice. I believe it was a man who hurt coco. I just found out that the man the family rehomed her with was the one who tossed her out. I spoke with him and he told me she would bite him so, he would spank her to try and teach her it was an unwelcomed action. She is really good with me just mouthing my hands now. She also will allow my six year old son to pet her. She really prefers him the most. :). My husband can now pick her up but she just go limp in terror. He has been the one giving her treats. I hope this will show her not all men are bad. If anyone can think of anything else I can have my husband do to help I would be great full. Thank you again for all of the advice.

Jenn
Aug 16, 2013
 She's a very tuned in cat!
by: Brad

I agree with every piece of advice given. We took in cats, when I was a kid, and had one who didn't bite but would freak as we'd leave the house. She recognized our packing book bags, lunches and so on. She'd jump in front of us and cry like a crazy. It took a few months for her the understand people come and go but her house is safe and the people will come home to her. If she's not breaking skin, her intent is not self defense or violent. Maybe trying to draw you back in the room the only way she knows how even if it means negative consequences. Please give her more time and realize she understands what your intent and actions mean. If she notice you all gathering stuff up: car keys, clothing, packing the car, she thinks she's on her own again. A bit like a toddler's crying for ever when mom leaves for a few hours. Once the kid turns four or five, the lesson is learned that mom will come home. It might take here a little longer due to her past. I wish you and your buddy the best. And do give her some tuna or something before you start to pack (just a taste) and then a big bite before you leave. Siamese like positive reinforcement. I think everyone does.
Aug 15, 2013
 Biting Siamese cat
by: Anonymous

It does sound like she/he is trying to stop you from leaving. Your cat is just scared of being left again. It must be happy in your home and just needs a little time to get used to you and your family. Give him/her time to feel part of the family. When your cat bites you could try saying no in a cross tone, I pick my cats up and look them in the face when I say no but you will have to play that by ear. Being new to the home it may get stressed and wriggle and scratch you so picking it up might have to wait. Siamese are very cleaver and easy to train. You could also try and give the cat a small treat 'shop bought or something it likes from the fridge a little bit of ham or cheese' to distract it as you are leaving to get it out of the habit. Please remember this little cat has had a tough time of it before you took it in, so it may take a little longer to train. But from once it feels safe and secure it will calm down. It is very natural for cats to do this sort of thing when they are unsettled or in your cats case been thrown out. Poor thing.
Best of luck
Aug 15, 2013
 Siamese is biting me.
by: Beatrice

Hi there,

I think this case is a very sad one. This poor little cat was abandoned and left to fend for herself for 5 or 6 months and now when you leave, she feels that she is being abandoned again. This is her only way to tell you that she is afraid of being abandoned and of being left alone and insecure. You must not get rid of her or send her to a shelter, this will only add to her already present state of anxiety.

You will need to keep re-assuring her that you are not going to abandon her, she will eventually pick up on the signals and trust you. But you must also teach her that biting is not acceptable behaviour. Give her a little tap on the nose when she is attempting to bite, but also at the same time you must give her lots and lots of care and attention and make sure that she has lots of faith and confidence in you and that you are going to look after her.

Good luck, you will lots and lots and lots of patience.

Beatrice from Ireland.
Aug 15, 2013
 biting
by: Jackie

I had this with my own Siamese and I think that the reasons she's doing this is because she feels insecure. Wants your attention all of the time. I have had this happen with mine, but she now does not do it except very gently....in a mouthing and affectionate way. Let her know that you are none too pleased with her behaviour by the tone of your voice. but still give her lots of love. I think you can condition her not to do this and give her lots of love and affection. I am sure you can break her of this habit. Would be such a shame to have this animal put in a shelter or put down. She's a sad cat whom feels abandoned. Know you will understand that Siamese are very clever and pick up situations and owners very quickly. Willing slaves wanted for Siamese is a very true saying. Let her know how much you all will not tolerate this bad habit. Hope this helps.

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