Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/1/2008

Question
My mother recently adopted a adult male cat through a seniors for seniors program.  This cat supposedly had spent a year in a cage.  When she first got him he was the most affectionate little guy and was so needy for attention, she's retired so is able to spend a lot of time with him so he's not alone a lot.  Over the last month she's noticed he's gotten very aggressive with her.  He attacks unprovoked and whenever she goes near him his tail starts wagging and it's obvious he's mad.  Unfortunately he was a rescue cat so nobody really knows his history.  My mother is becoming quite frightened of his unpredictable attacks and doesn't know what to do.  She loves him but fears she may need to return him if he continues to get worse.  Do you have any idea why he all of a sudden became aggressive?  He has no contact with other cats and is estimated at about 5 to 6 years old.

Answer
Michelle,

Your mother has a cat with a lot of issues, baggage, and anger. There are so many cats going to be down, especially older ones, because of overcrowding and being unwanted that have a lot of love to give and need love and a loving home that she shouldn't have to have a cat that can be a danger to her or others that she can't enjoy.

Some older cats, especially if they have feral parents, have been abused, and, in your mother's cats situation who have been caged,  will take SO much time, patience, and training and still it won't guarantee that the cat will ever settle down and be a good pet, that she may not want to go that way. It may be better if she gets another cat that she can bond with. Some cats just won't ever make good pets because of their history and experiences.

The cat probably was loving at first because it was scared and unsure. But after it felt more secure then the real personality of the cat, and inherent distrust of humans began showing.

His aggressiveness could be related to pain also. Has she had him checked by a vet? Also, some cats, like people, have a 'screw loose' and have mental and emotional problems.

With your mother being a senior, I would suggest that she return the cat and try again. Hopefully she will adopt one that she can love and who will return that love,  and one that will give her pleasure and not frighten her or be a danger to her.

Tabbi