Help! I keep stressing out my cat!

[pink-o]

I don't mean to--it's just that she never learned to sheath her claws or to not bite, and I can't get her out of her nocturnal habits. I live in a studio, so she has access to me when I sleep, and she claws or bites me awake sometimes. I push her away, but I've never hit her. Well, last night she was really at me, coming back and demanding attention every few minutes. I finally gave her a huge shove off the bed, then a few minutes later I heard her throwing up. Well, that woke me up completely, and I went to her. She was very nervous and purring and trembling. I felt horrible! You know, you react when you're half-asleep and you don't realise what's going on. I brought her back, but it took a long time to calm her down.

This cat is a Bombay, I got her at the shelter 4 years ago when she was 3. She lives for human affection and play, so she probably felt I hadn't given her enough that day. But does anyone have any advice to stop a cat from biting? I can clip her claws, as she lives (mostly) indoors, but I'm still a little worried in case she might need her defences one day. But I was told she probably has these behavioural problems because she was ripped from her litter too early and never learned to play nice with others. It may be too late to modify her peccadillos, but I'd appreciate any help. I love her, I don't want to stress her out!

Thanx.

[Lorien]

1. The best solution is to get another cat

You're right; it's often because a cat didn't learn as a kitten that biting isn't acceptable. Usually it's being bitten by a litter mate that gets the message through.Bombays are known for being highly social and intelligent animals, so it's not surprising that she's demanding your attention at all hours. If you introduce a new kitten by following the Humane Society's guidelines (Google "introducing a new pet" and "humane society") you'll have a happy twosome. Believe me, it's far, far easier to deal with two cats when one of them in an oriental or middle eastern breed-they simply need continual companionship.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. As to be expected, Lorien has the answer. I was going to suggest a second

cat, and if Lorien agrees, it must be so.
A playmate is probably a great idea for you and your kitty. It will keep her busy while you are out all day, and she will not be overly demanding when you get home. In addition, there is nothing more entertaining than watching a pair of kitties playing together. You will be laughing out loud at them.
Ultimately they will probably both end up sleeping peacefully on the bed with you.

EDIT: I have 4 cats. I believe they should be adopted in pairs at a minimum... :P

[legally blonde]

3. as Lorien said

get another cat. I had the same problem with Manilla. He was taken from his litter too soon, and he was always attacking me (bitting, scratching, etc). He was completely out of control at night--always trying to get me up by bitting my head. After I found Morty, Manilla was a completely different cat. Not only do Morty and Manilla entertain each other during the day when I'm at school/work, but they also cuddle and groom each other. It's great!