Smacking Animals

[milly143]

I thought I would put this one out here as I want other opinions. I was wrapping a large present on the floor the other night and the cat was trying to get in on the action with the paper I was using. I tried to push him away and as I did he attached himself to my arm rather tightly - I still have the war wounds. Anyway, after a minute or so of trying to make him get off I gave him a little smack on the nose. It shocked him enough to get him off me but he obviously wasn't scared as he continued to sit next to me for the next 30 minutes. The b/f commented that I shouldn't really do that but couldn't give an alternative to getting the cat off without him ripping my whole arm off. So is it give him a little smack on the nose when he is that aggressive?

[milly143]

That should have said is it ok.

[Mosaic]

The cat was shocked into stopping, which was what you urgently needed. Most times with my cats I find blowing hard onto their faces stops them doing things - but having your arm chewed off is a case of irgency.

[Barmaid]

Easiest way to getting a cat off is to distract him (they have an attention span of a dead gnat unless food is involved). I often have to do this with ASBO. He locks on so I either wiggle the fingers of my other hand or grab a piece of string and he moves.

[NazNomad]

I know a way ...

[Nosha123]

I have never needed to smack my cat.. but then he does know when play time is acceptable and when it isnt...

Personally I wouldnt agree with smacking an animal.... I thin blowing in the face is a good suggestion - but your response was probably quite 'knee-jerk' as you were being clawed!

Have a good Chrissy!

[whiskeryron]

don't be wicked Naz

[milly143]

If it involves a heavy blunt object Naz, then my Dad has already given me that option.

[Barmaid]

Naz - step away from that shovel........

[NazNomad]

<ahem> ..... TAXI !!!

[milly143]

Will maybe try the blowing theory next time and see if that works. He is always horrible and it happens quite a lot but I can usually take the pain until he lets go, however this time it really hurt. He broke the skin and made me bleed which he doesn't usually do. He has always been vicious and there is a note on his records at the vet to say he must not be treated at all unless he is sedated. I have been told he could be like this because he was seperated from his mum too early (not by me) and so he was never disciplined but I don't know if that's true or if he is just a natural grump.

[wolf63]

I don't think that I have ever hit/smacked any of my cats. I have often felt like strangling them or getting a really deep wheelie bin and .....

But some times we do something like a smack on the spur of the moment because we get a fright and that is very different to premeditated smacking/beating.

[Bambiagain]

I've never smacked my cat, because I've never had to - if she does anything untoward she'll run off rather than face the music. However, I have given my dog a bit of a tap on occasion. All the dog training manuals etc. say never to do it, but there are times when she won't listen and it's the only way. Nothing painful - for instance a tap on the nose if she tries to put it on the table while I'm eating - but just enough to get her attention. However, if she or the cat were hanging on to me with teeth or claws then I can't say I wouldn't use the quickest and most effective way of making them let go.

[Barmaid]

lol wolf - oh how I agree with you. I have threatened to launch all of mine (and next door's) into the lake at various moments. A raised voice normally works. ASBO thinks his real name is "ASBO NO"

[Answerprancer]

Hitting cats turns them into nervous untrusting pets IMO.

[Nosha123]

Oh Milly he does sound a cantankerous fella!!! (The cat not the B/F!)
We had a male that disliked the sound of pages of a paper being turned and he would lash out if you read a paper near him!
Maybe he is like that from early separation!
My cat (and his deceased brother) were both with the mum for 13 weeks which is longer than normal - and they are both really lovely natured. Never ever been aggressive to me

[jackthehat]

I think ponies and monkies quite like it..........from the frequent references I seem to remember reading.

[Nosha123]

actually now Jack has said that!!! Harvey the cat seems to LOVE a good old smack on his rump when he is lying down.. He goes bananas.... usually bites my arm and gets all frisky... so you have to have fast reactions!! He loves nothing more than a good smack.... funny old animals!!!!

[eyethenkyew]

One of our moggies tries that on from time to time, but instead of screeching in pain, which I feel like doing!, I just shout very loudly in her face which seems to do the trick. And it doesn't stop her from trying it again, the little ****** !!!

[boxtops]

I've smacked mine for stealing and fighting with me, and for being pushy on the worktop, but we always make up afterwards, they come back asking if it's all right.