Expert: Norman Auspitz - 3/9/2009

Question
I was wondering if someone could give me some advice with recently adopted middle-aged kitty. I have had him for two weeks, and he's been a complete LOVE , he even follows me around like a puppy...until yesterday!

He had a bit of a bad weekend, and is still upset with me. I'm just hoping someone could offer some assistance to help comfort him.

We were playing and having a lot of fun yesterday. things were great…I cleaned my house (using cleansers I usually use), and because it was nice out opened the windows. After I scooped his box I put the trash out. When I came back in he starting attacking me pretty violently (just my legs and feet though) I tried to leave him alone, but he kept following me and attacking me and screeching. I closed up the windows thinking maybe another animals scent was freaking him out. He warmed up a little bit after a lot of quiet time and even came over for a little snuggle, but then got scared/freaked out again when I tried to get up and walk around. I thought that maybe my shoes picked up a scent, so I put them outside. That didn't really help, he finally stopped following me and attacking me, but then just growled an hissed if I moved. So I went and took a shower thinking it was from the cleaning products...when I got out he freaked again, screeched...peed everywhere and is now hiding under my bed growling and hissing (and screeching if I go in there as well as peeing). I put his food and litter box by the bed and closed the door. This morning he was crying like he was asking for food, but when I brought up some fresh food he went back to hissing and growling. I am beside myself. I have had cats before, and NEVER experienced any of this. Help!


Answer
Cara,

I, too, am baffled by this behavior.  I wonder if there is some medical issue with him that was exacerbated by the cleaning agents used to clean the house. Have you had his thryroid levels checked?

This cat is not exhibiting normal behavior and should be checked out by your vet.  You may be finding out why he was available for adoption.

There is a type of cat behavior we call aggressive psycho kitty.  It starts out like your cat has and starts to get worse and worse. Under your vet's supervision, you can try anti-depressive drugs to see if they will mellow him out. If this fails, unfortunately, the only other thing that can be done when the cat begins to get super aggressive and there is not obvious medical issue is euthanasia.  

I am sorry I cannot give you any better suggestions on this one.

Best regards... Norm.