I took in a rescue cat called Rory last friday, so today is day 5. We got him in a very poor and starving state (he'd been abandoned on the streets), so have fed him up and will continue to do so until he's a good weight again.
Until yesterday he was all mellow and mild and a good soft tempered cat. Now suddenly today it's like he's woken up and decided to show us his temper. He's gone for me a few times, over nothing. I said hello - always gently - held out my hand in the same way as always and he's just gone for me. I have children of 6 and 11, so need him to control his impulses. Also he's a Maine coon so has ridiculously long hair which needs brushing every day otherwise itknots up. He already is missing almost half his fur, as it was shaved off in the refuge from neglect. I managed to brush him yesterday, being extremely gently about it to gain his trust, but then today it was an all out battle of wills. He ran away, made to bite me etc....In the end I stayed him with my hand and spoke gently and just made him sit still while I brushed the bits I could see were beginning to knot up.
So here's my question, I know I need to built up masses of trust with him, and he probably has a lot of issues, so don't want to be telling him off too much yet, or forcing my will on him. But he'll end up in a mess if I don't brush him, and I can't allow him going for me or my kids. My telling him off is simply raising my voice very slightly, making the tone harsher and putting my finger in the air between us. I never hit or shout at animals, I find my approach is enough for my existing cat and previous ones that they know they're being told off without if being harsh, he knew also I was telling him off.
I make sure to have positive time with him each day, cuddling up next to each other and he likes that, also playing with him for a few mins here and there to build positive memories between us. I just don't like that I'm having to tell him off already. He's obviously been through a hell of a lot, nearly starving to death, and he had a bad car accident (must be at least over a year ago) and lost his tail. So I want him to feel safe and secure here, but without us getting scratched and bitten in the process. What do you think?
He has a big adopted brother (14yo) that I have already in the house, and so far they've made peace apart from the odd 10s of bad language between them it's alright. They stay away from each other, although I notice Rory is now challenging Louis today by going into his room etc.
Thanks
Heather
I haven't ever tried a water spray, maybe I should 
. My old cat was a sassy and a very naughty little girl, she exasperated me at times too, but I still miss her big personality. She was a "Special" cat with lots of issues from the rescue center too, she'd been there twice before we took her on. 
Uncle Finn looks like a sweet old man. 