Why does my housecat attack my legs?

Question

We just got this cat from animal rescue.  He's not even two, but he's a 12-pound orange tabby male who still has his claws.  And he really likes to use those claws on my legs (along with his teeth,) particulary when I'm wearing shorts.

We haven't been abusive to him in the slightest.  At nighttime, he's quite interested in snuggling.  He's also really easy about being picked up and held.  But when it's daytime, when he's not eating, he wants to play & play rough.  He's destroyed most of the toys we bought for him.  And he has attacked my legs (usually mine, but sometimes my wife's) on a regular basis.

Could it be cat nip in his toys?  (We try to buyones wiithout nip.)  Are the attacks just him wanting to play, or is it agression?  How can I tell?  Are there good books on the subject?

I've been a cat owner since I was a kid & I have never dealt with a cat this psycho before.  I've never walked across my own house before fearing that the psycho cat is going to draw my blood again.  It's like living in a low-budget horror movie!  Help!

? · Accepted Answer

my cat does the same thing. hes just playing. my cat must thinks im  the play toy and that my dads is the master. because my cat never  does that to my dad. i also think that my cat needs to  takes his anger out so he does that.but my dad told me to just flick my cats head when he does that to me so i tried it once it worked.but my cat has no front clawss  so i just let him do it now :] good luck

Philip · Answer

I had a cat when I was younger.  I would train her with a water spray bottle set to jet. It works best when the cat doesn't really know where the water stream comes from.  I don't ever play with the cat with the water though.

Jessica L · Answer

haha i had a cat like this once. i was very young and i would run circles around my house to give the cat exercise. after about five minutes he would collapse and take a nap. he was such a fat cat even though i did this every day with him! he just needs a bit more play time than the normal cat. he is surely a wild one.

Dirty_Diana · Answer

Definitely clip his nails often, maybe once a month or so. I have two cats one of them nips at me when I pet her or just when she wants attention. I don't know about the cat nip, it makes my cats just roll around on the floor funny.

brenda j · Answer

make or buy your cat a scratching post they love them i don't think its aggression he is probably just playing like two cats would play they do play rough i have seven i know.you may have to carrie a rolled up paper when he attacks you just swat him with the paper it doesn't hurt them but the sound will get their attentionn so they no not to attack you .the scratching post will help you can purchase them at a pet store or one that carries pet supplies.good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

He'll outgrow his playfulness.  He is too old to declaw now, you will screw him up if you have him declawed.

He wants to play, get him a puppy to play with.  If he destroys the puppy, just go to the pound and get another.

vijs · Answer

Cat is unlike dog. They play when in mood only. If they describe something make them confuse, they will fight to it. Call ur cat while u walking.

Anonymous · Answer

get him into garbage box right now.

 if you not want,  wear long pants.

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Why does my housecat attack my legs?

8 Answers