Help with aggressive sphynx

[kloew2012]

Hello!
I have never posted a thread to any sort of forum, but I am in need of help. I recently adopted a male, 8-9 month old sphynx. We heard from an acquaintance that she knew someone who needed to re-home their sphynx because they were just not home enough to spend time with him. I have always wanted a sphynx so we jumped at the opportunity. We have now had him for two months and I am concerned with his aggression. He is fixed and very healthy, but I do not think his behavior is normal. He does play, sometimes rough, which I understand because he is young, but then he outright attacks us. Constantly. One second he is cuddling and the next, he has claws in your skin and is biting and drawing blood each time. There is such a difference between his roughhousing and then attacking- he does know how to play, but his whole body language will change when he attacks and it is just out of nowhere. The majority of the time, it does not even happen as a result of playing too rough. We cannot even sit on the couch to watch TV without him running up from out of nowhere to latch on and bite your head and he will NOT let go. I cannot make an appointment with my vet for a routine check-up right now due to the COVID-19 concerns, is there anything else I can do? I felt somewhat knowledgable about this breed because I had wanted one for so long. I know they are high maintenance and extremely smart and need attention, but this is just different. Is this a result of his upbringing before we took him in? How can I train him to not attack?

Thank you in advance!!!!

 

[denise irwin]

I'm definitely no expert, but it sounds like he needs a bit more exercise. Try things like da bird. My cats go nuts for it. And the cat wheel, though expensive , it's so worth it . I also have lots of foam type balls that they love and actually play fetch with. Good luck and I hope things work out . This are my two sleeping in the heated bad and you can see the wheel in beside them . And this is my Mia.

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[kloew2012]

Thank you! I appreciate your response, I have been so stressed over this. Can you tell me where you purchased your wheel?

 

[kloew2012]

Thank you! I appreciate your response, I have been so stressed over this. Can you tell me where you purchased your wheel?

p.s.- your cats are adorable!!

I'm definitely no expert, but it sounds like he needs a bit more exercise. Try things like da bird. My cats go nuts for it. And the cat wheel, though expensive , it's so worth it . I also have lots of foam type balls that they love and actually play fetch with. Good luck and I hope things work out . This are my two sleeping in the heated bad and you can see the wheel in beside them . And this is my Mia.

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[denise irwin]

Mine is the one fast cat wheel but there is a better one out there that my daughter has @Bailey21 can you chime in here about your wheel. @Yoda mom is also a knowledge wonder woman of information. Keep us posted on your progress. Hugs

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[kloew2012]

Gosh, thank you so much for the help. I really appreciate it !!

Mine is the one fast cat wheel but there is a better one out there that my daughter has @Bailey21 can you chime in here about your wheel. @Yoda mom is also a knowledge wonder woman of information. Keep us posted on your progress. Hugs

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[Sheldon13]

What is your home environment like? Activity? Noise level? What is feeding time like? Details? What other pets do you have? Are there animals outside? Have you tried a Feliway diffuser (my cat likes the single cat scent and stresses with the multi cat. This is very individual)?

It sounds to me like he never learned bite inhibition. Mother cats will scold their kittens or hold them down until they calm down if they are biting too hard. You might try a strong, loud “ah” noise (guttural). I’m no expert but if it was me I would try firmly grabbing the back of the head or neck skin to correct. Obviously don’t do it again if it aggravates.

Last hope you can take him to the vet and get him on meds to calm him down. Only after all other efforts are exhausted. My guess is he doesn’t know he is hurting you and he wouldn’t do it if he knew he was.


Love and Sphynx ~ It’s all you need

 

[kloew2012]

Hi- first, thank you for your response! I really appreciate you taking the time to help!

My home environment is pretty quiet. I live with roommates, all adults, never any kids, really nothing louder than the TV. My cat has a room of his own, I thought it was best to let him slowly acclimate to the new environment with this own space, so he is fed in there on his own, introduced him to the home slowly. I do have a very small, older chihuahua, but they have no interaction because of his aggressive behavior. No animals outside.

I have not tried the diffuser, I saw it at the pet store, but I honestly didn't know anything about it.

My local pet store employee had actually said the same thing today. Maybe he thinks he is playing but does not know when it goes too far because he never learned. The noise reaction is a very good idea.

I will look into the diffuser as well! and definitely a vet appointment ASAP. Thank you so much!

What is your home environment like? Activity? Noise level? What is feeding time like? Details? What other pets do you have? Are there animals outside? Have you tried a Feliway diffuser (my cat likes the single cat scent and stresses with the multi cat. This is very individual)?

It sounds to me like he never learned bite inhibition. Mother cats will scold their kittens or hold them down until they calm down if they are biting too hard. You might try a strong, loud “ah” noise (guttural). I’m no expert but if it was me I would try firmly grabbing the back of the head or neck skin to correct. Obviously don’t do it again if it aggravates.

Last hope you can take him to the vet and get him on meds to calm him down. Only after all other efforts are exhausted. My guess is he doesn’t know he is hurting you and he wouldn’t do it if he knew he was.


Love and Sphynx ~ It’s all you need

 

[Sheldon13]

You are very welcome! It sounds like the perfect environment so I doubt any external stressors would be causing it. I still think the Feliway diffusers are a good idea to try, though.


Love and Sphynx ~ It’s all you need

 

[Condo commando]

I agree with the others. It seems that he wasn't socialized well at an early stage, and the fact he has energy to burn isn't helping. Playing would be good.

It's important NOT to punish bad behavior because that just makes them resent you or fear you. If he misbehaves, you just ignore him.

But always reward good behavior. A reward can be playing, or petting or a treat. Eventually he will get the message, but you have to be patient.

 

[Yoda mom]

@kloew2012 welcome to the lair family, you are in the best of hands here. I was in your exact situation with a 11 mos old male I adopted . I will say happy gotcha day, it does get better, we will help is he neutered? if not, definitely make an appointment, and NO Ketamine anesthesia. what is your little handfuls name? pic?

Deep breathe, you got this. My boy I nicknamed Toby Terror!!! he would literally fly through the air and attack, it was awful, I was in tears. so glad you reached out. and cut to the chase, he is now the most loving cuddly boy!!! You got this! will share my tips with you and reach out to me anytime!!!

even my gotcha day pic someone commented and I never forget, " that boy looks like he has attitude" oh yes he did.

 

[Yoda mom]

@kloew2012 , deep breathe. you got this .. here are some of the things I did with my little terror.
1. got him neutered.
2. set up a "time out room". I used a spare bathroom, with litter box, cat bed and food/water bowl.
3. keep any scratches and bites clean! cat bites can be nasty .
4. redirection , and train like a dog! positive reinforcement redirecting, I used a dog toy made out of firehouse.
5. watch body language, eyes, tail ear set. when I saw that glare in his eyes I told him " Toby have love" and got out his firehose dog toy and let him beat the snot out of it and gave good boy praise and a treat.
6. if he even looked at my hand ,arms etc , I would give him a very stern "AHHH' and redirect . some use pennies in a jar and shake it. I never did , I just trained him like a dog with praise, positive reinforcement.
7, there were times he was absolutely a terror, I scruffed him by the neck like a momma cat would and put him in a time out in his time out bathroom. He literally huffed and puffed and hissed like a mad man! gave him time outs for 10-20 minutes.
when I opened the door I immediately took a dabird pole toy and played with him to wear him out.
oh, he definitely heard "Toby have love" alot. he was an absolute Brat mean mother.. he would glaze over eyes and leap to attack. then it was a scruff and time out again.
8. I wore alot of sweathshirts to protect my arms, when he latched on, I would use my thumb and index finger to open his jaw and unclench him and a stern AHH NO and time out.
9. getting mad at him only pumped him up more.
10. kept up the redirecting, time outs and lots of praise good boy when he played nice.
11. he did get better after he was neutered, but even that I posted about that he had a reaction to anesthesia and was a terror for a week.
12. Feliway diffusers. - keep your receipt. I hope they work for your boy, but with my Toby Terror he went up to the diffuser and had a hissy fit growling at it! he was a brat beyond words.
13. stay positive! lots of redirection of energy being ever mindful to body language and time outs when necessary.
14. Now Toby terrrors new nickname became "Toby Love" .. he has turned into the most loving cuddly boy, I can tell him "Toby kiss" and he closes his eyes and gives a smooch on my forehead. this is from the cat from hell! He is 7 years old now and he is a hoot of fun and love.
15. I trained him to his blanket on the bed to be tucked in. I called his name, tapping on his blankie and gave one treat. now he doesnt need treats, I tell him Toby bedtime, tap his blanket and he snuggles in against me. he is like a totally different little beast
16. when I adopted him I was fibbed to, being told he was being picked on and bullied,,, not ,,, surely she got rid of him because of his little Toby terror tantrums.

it does get better, stay positive, consistent in training, He will settle in with lots of love, patience and time.

here for you!!!! PM me anytime!!! you got this! here is a pic of my Toby Love, you can see the spunk in his eyes! look forward to a pic of your baby, just remember it's a big new world to him , lots of love, patience and time.

 

[kloew2012]

Thank you so much I will definitely try them!

You are very welcome! It sounds like the perfect environment so I doubt any external stressors would be causing it. I still think the Feliway diffusers are a good idea to try, though.


Love and Sphynx ~ It’s all you need

 

[kloew2012]

I am going to look into one of those running wheels for him! That should help with the energy. I am definitely trying to remember that patience is key. Thank you so much for your help

I agree with the others. It seems that he wasn't socialized well at an early stage, and the fact he has energy to burn isn't helping. Playing would be good.

It's important NOT to punish bad behavior because that just makes them resent you or fear you. If he misbehaves, you just ignore him.

But always reward good behavior. A reward can be playing, or petting or a treat. Eventually he will get the message, but you have to be patient.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Welcome to Sphynxlair! Great advice has been given. They can be very rascally for sure. I have always hissed at mine when they were kittens, that is how a Mommy cat reprimands them. I think tiring him out playing is key. Laser toys tire them out and not their human as you can sit and flash it around. There are also some that even move on their own.

Bird feeders are also great babysitters. I have the type that suction cups to the window so mine are always checking it out and I like too think the extra stimuli has to help.

Being attacked during your down time at night is not very relaxing. You might try having playtime just before you settle in and throw a blanket in the dryer...after playtime pull it out and see if your boy settles in on the blanket on the coach with you. He might start to associate the blanket as quiet/warm cuddle time too taking comfort in it. You just have to find a routine and be consistent in doing it. @kloew2012 Keep us updated and congratulations your life has officially changed having a Sphynx enter your heart and home.

 

[kloew2012]

Here is my Norman @Yoda mom
Wow...I cannot thank you enough for your thoughtful and detailed response! I cannot believe I waited for this long to reach out on this platform! I am literally going to print out your list, read it daily (focus on the patience part) and stay positive.

Everyone had such wonderful and insightful ideas, I feel 1000% better now. I was getting so scared that I was just going to have to get used to being bit! He is the most LOVING boy, he just needs a bit of help.

I was so happy I got the chance to give him a new home, I am trying my best to make it great here for him!

I will keep you posted!! Thank you again!!!!

 

[kloew2012]

A bird feeder! wow that's another great idea, everyone on here is chock-full of them! I agree that a routine will probably be beneficial, I will definitely give that a try!
Thank you so much

Welcome to Sphynxlair! Great advice has been given. They can be very rascally for sure. I have always hissed at mine when they were kittens, that is how a Mommy cat reprimands them. I think tiring him out playing is key. Laser toys tire them out and not their human as you can sit and flash it around. There are also some that even move on their own.

Bird feeders are also great babysitters. I have the type that suction cups to the window so mine are always checking it out and I like too think the extra stimuli has to help.

Being attacked during your down time at night is not very relaxing. You might try having playtime just before you settle in and throw a blanket in the dryer...after playtime pull it out and see if your boy settles in on the blanket on the coach with you. He might start to associate the blanket as quiet/warm cuddle time too taking comfort in it. You just have to find a routine and be consistent in doing it. @kloew2012 Keep us updated and congratulations your life has officially changed having a Sphynx enter your heart and home.

 

[denise irwin]

Oh just thought a fish tank could be a good distraction also

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[Fayiza]

First just wanted to say you’re doing great! Coming here and asking questions, you’re an awesome cat momma! This a supportive community and with all these tips plus a little time, things will settled down eventually you got this!

I haven’t experienced aggression with my babies so can’t comment too much on that. However, I do want to back up any recommendations for a cat wheel. My first girl had the biggest zoomies ever when she was little. She didn’t turn aggressive towards people but would attack furniture and anything in the house she could get her paws on. We bought her the One Fast Cat cat wheel and almost immediately her zoomies were directed to the cat wheel. When she’s feeling restless or anxious she hops on the wheel and runs it off. No more shredded curtains and pillows lol Cannot recommend one enough!


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[kloew2012]

I appreciate your kind words

Awesome! Thank you so much! I am actually looking at them online as we speak! I hope he loves it as much as your kitty does!!

First just wanted to say you’re doing great! Coming here and asking questions, you’re an awesome cat momma! This a supportive community and with all these tips plus a little time, things will settled down eventually you got this!

I haven’t experienced aggression with my babies so can’t comment too much on that. However, I do want to back up any recommendations for a cat wheel. My first girl had the biggest zoomies ever when she was little. She didn’t turn aggressive towards people but would attack furniture and anything in the house she could get her paws on. We bought her the One Fast Cat cat wheel and almost immediately her zoomies were directed to the cat wheel. When she’s feeling restless or anxious she hops on the wheel and runs it off. No more shredded curtains and pillows lol Cannot recommend one enough!


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[Yoda mom]

@kloew2012 Official Happy Norman Gotcha! hugs n head smooches to adorable Team Norman! love his name, what a cutie! my Toby definitely had his teenage phase, is he neutered?

my Toby loves his onefast cat, my other 3 could care less about it and just watch him. it's a big investment for sure. my Toby goes like a mad man night and day on it. not all kitties luv it, hit and miss so something to keep in mind. if you do invest in an exercise wheel, we have members in the "stargate" club and can chime in with training tips. @Bailey21 had one and it broke, she has a ziggy doo one? now. Onefast cat company changed their warranty too and not for the better. so I would strongly suggest calling them for details.

lots of love and patience.. so glad you joined us, jump in and enjoy this fun friendly bunch with lots of pics and tales~ your lair family is here for you and Norman

 

[Yoda mom]

@kloew2012 hello checking in for updates hugs n positive vibes

 

[Baji]

@kloew2012 , deep breathe. you got this .. here are some of the things I did with my little terror.
1. got him neutered.
2. set up a "time out room". I used a spare bathroom, with litter box, cat bed and food/water bowl.
3. keep any scratches and bites clean! cat bites can be nasty .
4. redirection , and train like a dog! positive reinforcement redirecting, I used a dog toy made out of firehouse.
5. watch body language, eyes, tail ear set. when I saw that glare in his eyes I told him " Toby have love" and got out his firehose dog toy and let him beat the snot out of it and gave good boy praise and a treat.
6. if he even looked at my hand ,arms etc , I would give him a very stern "AHHH' and redirect . some use pennies in a jar and shake it. I never did , I just trained him like a dog with praise, positive reinforcement.
7, there were times he was absolutely a terror, I scruffed him by the neck like a momma cat would and put him in a time out in his time out bathroom. He literally huffed and puffed and hissed like a mad man! gave him time outs for 10-20 minutes.
when I opened the door I immediately took a dabird pole toy and played with him to wear him out.
oh, he definitely heard "Toby have love" alot. he was an absolute Brat mean mother.. he would glaze over eyes and leap to attack. then it was a scruff and time out again.
8. I wore alot of sweathshirts to protect my arms, when he latched on, I would use my thumb and index finger to open his jaw and unclench him and a stern AHH NO and time out.
9. getting mad at him only pumped him up more.
10. kept up the redirecting, time outs and lots of praise good boy when he played nice.
11. he did get better after he was neutered, but even that I posted about that he had a reaction to anesthesia and was a terror for a week.
12. Feliway diffusers. - keep your receipt. I hope they work for your boy, but with my Toby Terror he went up to the diffuser and had a hissy fit growling at it! he was a brat beyond words.
13. stay positive! lots of redirection of energy being ever mindful to body language and time outs when necessary.
14. Now Toby terrrors new nickname became "Toby Love" .. he has turned into the most loving cuddly boy, I can tell him "Toby kiss" and he closes his eyes and gives a smooch on my forehead. this is from the cat from hell! He is 7 years old now and he is a hoot of fun and love.
15. I trained him to his blanket on the bed to be tucked in. I called his name, tapping on his blankie and gave one treat. now he doesnt need treats, I tell him Toby bedtime, tap his blanket and he snuggles in against me. he is like a totally different little beast
16. when I adopted him I was fibbed to, being told he was being picked on and bullied,,, not ,,, surely she got rid of him because of his little Toby terror tantrums.

it does get better, stay positive, consistent in training, He will settle in with lots of love, patience and time.

here for you!!!! PM me anytime!!! you got this! here is a pic of my Toby Love, you can see the spunk in his eyes! look forward to a pic of your baby, just remember it's a big new world to him , lots of love, patience and time.

View attachment 98888View attachment 98888

We are in the same situation. We got him out of control...unfortunately this made us also be agressive...Did not help. I feel it made it worse. He seems he fears my hubby,but he knows he can attack me,as i fear him. Will try do what you said here.Also now we got a 6 months old baby girl . Thank you,hope soon we can hug and kiss, or else we will havs to give up on him

 

[Yoda mom]

@Baji , hugs ad all paws crossed. my boy Toby Love used to leap off the dresser to attack me. he was very fresh and would huff and puff when I had to give him time outs. keep us updated, hopeful some of the tips work. how old is he? neutered?

congrats on your baby girl! I hope you share an introduction post of your boy and your new baby girl and names!

hang in there. we are here for you! do not hesitate to start a separate post of your own about your boys aggression so members can chime in tips.
TobyLove is like a different cat. He actually now knows "give kisses" command and never an issue again.

please know if at last resort you need to rehome, several of us have adopted from members. surely a right place to have hearts align if need be.

hugs and hopeful for head smooches with your boy soon!
let us know how he is with his new sister? I do super slow introductions and had good results over the decade+ with my nakids

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