attacking without warning, shows affection to others but not me

by Elizabeth Hauswirth
(Baldwinsville, NY)

I was given sunflower as a 5 week old abandoned kitten. She weighed a hefty 2 ounces! Starved and infected, I had to medicate her for the first 2 weeks.

She started by attacking my feet, which we all thought was funny. Then she played very rough. Now she attacks, I mean REALLY attacks. Viciously.

I was trying to clip her nails once, when she softly put her paw on my face, similarly to what a previous cat used to do (one who was very gentle) next thing I know she's attacked my face just missing my eye.

I've tried petting her, she walks away. If I touch forbidden zones, (anything below her neck) she lashes out at me. I grew up with cats. I've had my own my entire adult life, everyone thinks I'm a cat magnet. This is a new experience for me.

I want to befriend her and make her feel safe with me.

Only I don't feel safe with her anymore.

Any suggestions would be forever appreciated.

Elizabeth H.

Try some play therapy. She associates you with grooming, medicine, and not a lot of fun or pleasant stuff. Play therapy will help.

~Morgen