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Cats/Extreme Aggressive Behavior Change

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Expert: - 9/17/2011


Question
My cat's been living in this house for over 6 months and just these past weeks (when he got sick:sneezing and goopy eye) he's experienced some drastic behavior changes.  He's always played slightly aggressively but lately he's come to snuggle and demand pets and then as I'm petting him he'll turn around, stare at my arm like it's possessed and attack it.  He lunges and bites for about a few seconds and then he'll turn around and demand pets again. After he finishes his mood changes he just goes to sleep and snuggles up to my head and he's fine until the next night.  Usually happens really early in the morning about an hour after I let him inside.  Just the look he gets in his eye when he stares at my arm is pretty unnerving.   What can I do to fix this?

Answer
Hi Anna,

You have described the "your time is up, now stop petting me" aggressive behavior. For whatever reason he doesn't want you touching him beyond a certain time. And he is letting you know in no uncertain terms that he wants no more touching. It may have started because of being sick. You may have been petting him and he just wanted to be left alone. He now does it because he realized that he can get you to pet him and then get you to stop immediately. There isn't too much you can do. You do recognize when he is going to pounce. You can either stop when you see him begin to react or you can try to redirect him. You can try offering him a treat when you see he is about to go loco. This might redirect his aggression and stop it altogether. You can also try giving him some of these.

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

They may help. I wish I could help you further. See how he does with the treats. Good luck and take care.

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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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