Crazy cat biting and scratching

[pennylovesleonard]

We got a rescue cat 4 weeks ago & she has settled in nicely, found lots of nice quiet places to hide & sleep. Cat is 2 & neutered female. My dd (age 3) loves her but is getting quite frightened of her & I'm after some advice....

The cat approaches us, happy & purring. Climbs onto laps and rubs her head all over you. So we gently stroke a little then without warning she goes crazy and grabs us with claws and drags our hands into her jaws!!

Or she swipes us and scratches without provocation.

This week she has attacked my mum, dh and dd - bites and scratches all drawing blood :(

I've watched dd like a hawk and she is so gentle and no one is harassing her.

• I've bought a felliway diffuser thing
  
• the cat has lots of toys and a scratching post
  
• she has a quiet room to hide in away from everyone
  
• she's been checked out by the vet- no probs
  

So... What else can I do ?
? Has anyone got any advice i really don't want to rehome but am getting worried now

[Rathyma]

I'm afraid it's normal behaviour, especially for young females.
I would always have a cuddly toy ready so when she goes to grab you you can hopefully get her to focus on that instead. With perseverance she should hopefully start to focus on the toy not your hand.
When she does get you, don't make high pitched noises or jerky movements as this will encourage her and she'll enjoy the game! If she has hold of you I would hold her by the scruff and pull her off. That's what her mum would do and she will understand.
BTW, I'm a vet nurse with 10 years experience and have had cats all my life.

[SpicedGingerTea]

We had a very scratchy young cat a few years ago. Especially for the first few weeks when we brought him home. It is completely normal behaviour. We found ours calmed down considerably when we started to let him outside.

But 4 weeks is still very early days, so hang on in there.

Rath's advice is good too.