Question:
I have a Maine coon cat that I adopted from a shelter. He has a disability (his right leg is very short), and I was told he must remain an indoor cat. I had him declawed as well as altered. He is a great companion and very affectionate, although he will not sit on my lap.He has a bad habit of biting my hand when I try to play with him -- not hard, more of a nip. I would like to break him of this if I can. He is a little under 2 years old. Does he do this because he has no front claws, or is this a throwback to his wild nature?.
J.H.C., Schenectady, NY Aug 13, 2006
Answer:
It is regrettable that you had your already crippled cat declawed. Declawed cats tend to bite more, in part because their first line of defense, their claws, has been removed. Cat bites are much more dangerous than the occasional scratch because of possible infection.Without claws to hold and manipulate things, declawed cats tend to become more oral, mouthing and chewing more.Your cat could be giving you feline love bites, a gentle chomp on your hand or arm being a sign of affection with a tinge of sexual arousal. But he's more likely giving you play bites, so it's up to you to find other games to play with him, like chasing and "killing" a catnip-filled sock or fluffy toy that is animated by you pulling a string tied to the toy.
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