Expert: Karen Craft - 7/28/2011

Question
I have a male cat I love very much, around 5 years old, I got him from an animal shelter, he's a black and white cat, so I understand he's a tuxedo cat. He was castrated before I adopted him (he was 10 months) and he wasn't a stray, but was taken care by a woman before me. He's a really friendly cat, he loves people and love to be petted and always sleeps with us, loves guests and always likes to spend time with us. He's also kinda clumsy and really doesn't act much cat-like. He's a large cat, has 6 kg or so (but not fat). Lives in a flat.

But, since maybe a year ago, he started getting 'angry' on me and other family members. He would enjoy laying and playing a bit and suddenly he would get into an intimidating position and would mew at me and attack. He normally never bites, but when he gets in this angry state he bites really hard. I though it could happen when he is ignored or no one is playing with him when he wants, but he also does it at random times. Usually if I pet him while he's laying, he just enjoys, but sometimes he just stands up angry. If I kick him and say 'no' when he does that, nothing happens, he continues being angry and my soul hurts for kicking him hehe.. only that could help is to start playing with him, or locking him in a different room, or he doesn't stop for nothing.

I also think this might be happening because he is getting too big for our flat and he is full of energy, he runs around but I get the feeling he can't run as much as he wants. I'm not sure how to help him get rid of that extra energy, I feel sad he gets so upset, now more and more often.

He also had ear scabies (I'm not sure if this is the correct word as I'm not a native English speaker, I'm sorry), I'm not sure if it has to do with this.

I'm am getting worried because this behaviour is very different to how he used to act. I'm scared there might be something bigger bothering him..

I'm sorry I wrote so long, I hope you can help me..
Thank you a lot!

Answer
Hi Marija,

First I would take him to the vet to be checked out. His ears could be bothering him. Next stop kicking him. He doesn't deserve that. And he will attack you to protect himself. You are creating a viscous circle that way. Here is a article about aggressive cat behavior.

http://www.2ndchance.info/aggressivecat.htm

See which one describes him the best. See what the remedy is. I would try him on this stuff too. It might help.

http://www.petnaturals.com/vitamins_supplements/calming-support-softchews-cats.p

As for having lots of energy, then play with him. Get a laser pinter or cat teaser. You can exercise and spend quality time with him at a distance. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen