New rescue cat

[indie_chick5]

My boyfriend and I have just got a cat from a rescue centre, he's called Denzel. We bought him home yesterday so he's still a bit nervous and settling in. He's very affectionate but seems to play quite roughly, he kicks with his back legs a lot and gets a bit clawy. I don't want to tell him off so early on when he's just settling in and I know this is usual cat behaviour but is there any way we can curb it or discourage it? I still want to play with him but don't want to be ripped to shreds!

[jakep]

IMO there is one golden rule to cat rescue, always let the cat come to you. It will be worth it.

[boxtops]

Some cats like a lot more rough and tumble than others - do you know anything about his background? He's probably still testing the water with you too. Buy him a scratch board, let him take out his energies on that!

[sheribee]

Hi Indie, this is usual play for most cats, it is basically what they would do to prey once caught, and there really isnt a way to discourage it as it is instinctive behaviour.
My advice would be figure out the spot that gets him going with the leg kicking and grabbing and try and avoid this area or type of play.
Well done for rescueing him, i volunteer at a sanctuary as part of my animal management course and so many are desperate for homes.
He will really come into his own over the nxt couple of weeks, just remember to keep him in for a min of 2 weeks so he knows you are home.

[dotty.]

My two have settled in really well, Trish came on dec 6th and lizzie about 10 days later, lizzie has been quiet and placid and Trish races around like a nutcase but they definately know they are home!

[lardhelmet]

Good luck indie - he sounds lovely.

[Veebird]

I would recommend having more than one cat. They play with each other that way and watching them is so funny. It's no more trouble and they are company for each other.They will still come to you for affection and play and you can keep your hands out of the way by dragging something on the end of a length of wool. Ping pong balls are really funny.

[ruthandsam]

When we had a cat from a rescue centre she would tear around the house, climbing curtains going completely 'crazy'. We didn't sleep for two nights then a friend suggested that we keep her confined to one room for the nigh then introduce another room so she got used to the different areas in the house. It worked almost immediately. We just put it down to the stress of the move for her and when she got her bearings she was so much happier. She such a loving, gentle cat now but still has that lively spirit in her now and again even after 11 years with us.