Our younger cat

ehehe this is funny..Pets are very crafty, a bit like little kids and they know also how to play up lol. Cats can be especially obnoxious as we have one massive cat here at my Sister's house and she gets up to all sorts of antics lol and has special times when she wants to play! It is extremely funny how she acts up.

Yes, it sounds like your cat doesn't like being picked up. I suggest getting a star chart for your son. Split it into morning, afternoon and evening. Then give him a star for each session that he doesn't touch the cat. Then I suggest giving your son a reward, something he enjoys, like going to the park. I think your wife should try not to make any sudden movements around the cat. She could try speaking softly to him. This is because he may be scratching her through fear. He needs to be loved and once your wife understands him I think she will love him as much as you do. He is good at home as he is pleased you are there. When you are out he is bored perhaps. Telling him off for something he did a few hours ago would not have a positive effect on him. It would confuse him. If a car scratches a chair the owner can say the word stop or no, for example, but only at the time this has happened. Good luck. I hope you are able to keep your cat and give him all the love he deserves.