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Cats/Cat behaving aggressively

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Expert: - 6/15/2008


Question
Recently, our indoor cat Sigmund, whom we rescued from our local animal shelter, got outside. When my girlfriend picked him up to bring him in, he acted normal. However, after a few minutes he became really aggressive, and attacked her leg. He tore her up pretty good. I got home, and she was outside telling me what had happened. I came in, and he did the same thing to me! She is the major cat lover, and needless to say, she is disappointed in his behavior. He is usually very loving. I however am not a tremendous cat person, and it made me very angry. We checked on him later, and he was showing the same signs. Then we checked on him a little later, and he seems somewhat normal. What would have made him act like this? I have two sons, and my girlfriend has a niece that comes to visit often. We are concerned he might act this way again. We don't want them to be afraid. Oddly enough, he is laying with his head on the keyboard right now. Any answers, or tips you might have, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer
Hi John,

Don't worry about Sigmund. He is acting along normal lines. He was scared out of his mind. When you came to get him he was in a very defensive mode. He most likely didn't recognize you as who you were. Just as someone who he had to protect himself against. He was in a very basic me cat against all else survival mode. This is why he attacked you two.  Keeping him in a quiet place at home was the best thing you could have done. He needs a little time to calm down and realize he is home and safe. He will be back to normal soon.  Give him some extra treats and quiet loving with you two. He will be fine. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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