Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/A sudden change

Advertisement


Question
Last Christmas i found eclipse (almost one) When i brought him home he has really close to me but lately he been going outside and his behavior has changed. He become very moody and has even attacked me a week ago.I just don't understand the sudden change.

Answer
Bethany,

Is Eclipse neutered? You didn't say. If not, he should be done as soon as possible. Neutering helps a LOT of bad behaviors.

If he is still a tom, he may have been attacked by another male cat which could cause the moody behavior, and he may have been bit. Pain causes aggression and a personality change. If you can afford it I would take him for a checkup to rule out that possibility.

You may also want to get him a kitty friend to play with and be companionship for him. He may be lonely.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

Education/Credentials
***********

Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.