My new rescued cat Buddy

[paintsflowers]

I rescued what I thought was an affectionate cat, and he is, but then he will attack my ankles or hands without warning.
He wants to be held and licks my face, but then he can turn on a dime and look so evil. I have had him for barely a month. In the beginning, he was so docile when  I combed him, but now when he sees the  comb, he turns with that look.
He also is a very light sleeper. Seems always wary and watchful and not relaxed.
He must have been an outdoor hunter because he tries to get out or goes to the window.
When he first came home, he ate any cat food I had, and now is getting fussy and scratches at the dish (?) He has to be starving before he'll eat. I am almost ready to send him back to the shelter, but feel guilty. Perhaps this has happened to him before and he is paranoid?? Can anyone out there give me quick advice?
I did take him to the vet and he seems healthy. (bet. 3-4 years old and just neutered)
Paintsflowers.
If anyone out there remembers me, I had little Annie, my darling kitty who passed away this past February. You all were so thoughtful and kind. Boy do I miss her.

[paintsflowers]

I guess you two were right on the money. But unfortunately, the rescue lady wants him back and wants to give me a female tortoise who seems more laid back. I think you are right about his past and possibly being abused. It is breaking my heart to give him away and that he will have to go through this all over again. Perhaps that is his history and why he is like this. I am a senior (not frail) but I believe he needs alot of exercise to get him tired. His biting may or may not stop, but they don't want to take that chance. He is so beautiful when he is calm. Today is the day to hand him back to them. Maybe there is a medical cause?
Paintsflowers

[Mrs_Savas]

The cat food thing is very common.  I've had a lot of rescured cats go from basically eating anything and everything to being finicky.  I see it as a sign that they are becoming more secure with me and their home and less desparate.  It's a good thing that they know that each meal won't necessarily be their last.

But more importantly, cats are never mean or evil.  Cats simply learn as they go along and they react to their environments.  However, sometimes it takes a while for them to adjust to a new environment and start to behave accordingly.  And, sometimes, you will get lingering reactions that take a long time to go away.  Like a cat that has been abused in the past may be jumpy for years, even in a new home.

I recommend lots of patience and awareness of his emotional state.  Try not to get him worked up too much.  Be aware that he may get frightened easily and react to this with some defensive hostility.  Never yell, punish or scold in any way.  Try to avoid lots of loud noises, loud music, loud voices.  Mostly, just be gentle and understanding and give him time.  It works, I promise!  I've been through this over and over.

Do be aware that a rescued cat is never going to be exactly the same as a cat born to happy domesticity.  Try to see that he understand everything you do, every time.  If he doesn't understand why you are doing something or touching him in a certain way, he will get confused and scared and may lash out a bit.  This will fade with time and trust.

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, this sounds like a stress reaction.  Are you positive that he's not sick?  IF you're sure that he's not, then it most likely is stress.  And, it sounds like he hates the comb with a passion.  What is your home environment like?  Noisy?  Lots of kids?  Someone playing rough with him?  Sometimes, the playing rough can make a cat mean.  Not kidding, I have seen this.  Or, maybe you are giving him too much affection.  Some cats can't deal with too much attention and will get annoyed.  If that's the case, why not trying to back off some and let him come to you.

Good luck!

ZQ