Expert: Karen Craft - 2/4/2008

Question
A little over a year ago my boyfriend, Michael, and I picked an adult male cat out from the local humane society. He was already neutered but still had/has his claws. He does have some aggression issues, particularly during play or if I don't give him what he wants now, but we're working on it. Otherwise he likes my boyfriend and me and seems to enjoy spending time with us together or separately (we live in separate homes).

The other night my boyfriend and I were "in the middle of something" when the cat came in the bedroom, climbed me like a tree, and snuggled in my arms. I kind of froze since I didn't know what to do, but ultimately the cat got upset, bit my nose, and ran off. This sort of thing has happened before, but not for quite some time. He's attacked my feet, biting and scratching, while we're in the middle of something -- presumably because they're moving and he wants to play? And he's also jumped on the bed, watched us for awhile, then attacked us both, scratching before running off. We have tried shooing him off the bed or out of the room -- it seems to make him more angry and apt to bite. Closing the door leads to him yowling and throwing his weight against the door until he's opened it, or he sits outside til we're done and then attacks us when we come out.

I can't really pinpoint what's causing the behavior... maybe we're too loud and he thinks we're hurting each other? Maybe he thinks we're playing and wants to get in on it? Maybe he's jealous that we're paying attention to each other and not him? Or maybe he can smell the pheromones and that's triggering an aggressive response from him?

I'd love to know what could be causing this and what, if anything, I can do to keep him from hurting us again.

Answer
Hi Sabrina,

His attacking of the feet is because of the movement. His attacking of you most likely is because he was curious of what was going on and get scared. I know this sounds stupid but maybe when he is in the room try give him a little attention. This should help reassure him that every thing is okay. Let me know if this works. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen