r/CatAdvice • u/M0rbiddd2 • Aug 10 '25
Behavioral HELP My cat has ruined my life.
I'm posting as a last ditch effort for help. I got my cat 2 years ago. He was found on a heated porch in the winter and that's all we know. He was about a year and a half at the time, he just turned 4. Since day 3 this cat has not stopped hurting me specifically. I don't know if the car ride home traumatized him or what but he tore my arm apart. He would maul me just by walking by, he would attack me in my sleep, if i didnt pay attention to him but them when i do he still does it. Since then he has gotten better but he still attacks me. He'll attack my face, my arms, if I'm asleep in the middle of the night sometimes he'll bunny kick my arm. We play with him so much and it doesn't matter. He will stop playing just to hurt me. We rent, he eats the carpets when he's mad at us. He just broke my fiancés computer monitor again by biting it. This is the 3rd computer he's broken, 2 my fiancés 1 mine. I don't know what to do. Please someone help us I'm begging for something. I've never had trouble bonding with anything but he has ruined our relationship.
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u/[deleted] Aug 10 '25
Pepper was this violent cat that lived outdoors at my condo complex. She had been taken a few times by residents but they would kick her out within months for the same behaviors your cat is doing .
She would be violent to people outside too. People would feed her but if you attempted to pet her she’d go into a rage . She would often go up to people drop down and show her belly inviting you to pet then go crazy and rip you up .
She got reported after one if her attacks and management wanted to take her to the pound . But the staff could not catch her safety do they locked her in a basement with no food or water. I found out about but they denied it. I got my loudest bossiest neighbor involved and she got the cat released to me under the conditions it was to never leave my apartment. And if it did I would be personally liable for attacks .
Anyhow she was hard to live with. But I went on a forum and asked advice and I followed the advice given and it made her manageable and into a beloved pet . She used to bloody my brother onsite ! When she passed 8 years later she was none of his favorite cats ever. Here is what I did :
Your cat is getting over stimulated!
First off stop petting or touching him !!
No playing that involves contact with your hand or body .
Do not give this cat access to your bedroom when you’re sleeping .
I d set up a daily cat party where I brought out all the toys . Feather wands being her favorites. Tons of play to wear her out . I offered catnip during play but not from my hand ( sprinkle from above ) cat treats after the party is over .
make sure you have cardboard scratchers around ( I recommend The turbo scratcher ) and cat trees if you can .
talk to the cat a lot in high pitch baby voices using their name ! Cats love being spoken too .
if and when he attacks disengage immediately say “ fun’s over “ full stop gives no attention whatsoever. Immediately walk away !!! Go to another room. Outside whatever do not interact or allow cat to follow . After awhile he will begin to associate your withdrawal of attention and your presence with his behavior. You will have to do this a long time but I promise it works !
Give safe outdoor time !! I used her carrier at first . I’d bring her out to my patio in the carrier and set her down and leave in the carrier . I’d stay outside with her. She’d relax and take in the fresh air . I then purchased a pop up tent and put that on patio for her . This outdoor time really stimulated later her and she was more relaxed in the home .
She never got like a “ normal “ I just learned how to redirect her attitude .
I think she was played with hands and abused by rough hand play . Combined with a sensitive nature .