VERY agressive, strangely so...

**Cataholic** · 09-23-2002, 04:19 PM

I know a woman that has a only male cat, Sam. He is about four, nuetered, and 99.9% indoor. Because he was a rescue, she can't positively rule out abuse, but certainly in the last three years there hasn't been any. She lives alone, no other pets in the household. Here is the scoop:

Sam will VICIOUSLY without warning attack her. He lunges for her...if she is standing or walking, he will attach himself to her leg! If she is sitting, he will go for her face/neck, which is kinda strange. Then, he can be very loving, too. She has tried the harsh negative reinforcement, but it does very little good. She sometimes can spot the attack coming on, but not always. He has drawn blood numerous times (I thought of you Mr. Fister).

I thought she was kidding when she first told me, but, sadly, no. He will do this sometimes up to 3 times a day!!! This isn't playing, and she cannot link it to any specific event. I have never ever heard such a tale. She has to lock him out of her room when she is on the phone lest he attack her then. It is the strangest thing. She has had him medically checked, no problem. The vet suggested a behavioral person, and she hasn't yet explored this seriously. Sam has done this always. I told her I would ask everyone what they thought, and let her know. Has anyone ever heard such a strange tale?

**margaret** · 09-23-2002, 05:29 PM

Omigoodness!

Wow, I've never heard about a cat like that before. That must be so stressful!!

I would say that the cat must have been traumatized at some point, or not socialized well when he was a kitten. Oh, that's really sad! I hate to say this, Cataholic, but my immediate thought is I wonder if your friend is thinking about giving away the kitty because it is so aggressive??? Do you think she would be willing to contact an animal/pet behaviorist or some other professional that could help her and Sam?

**catland** · 09-23-2002, 07:09 PM

I've never had a cat with quite this temper.

I did have a cat who could be rather foul tempered though. I finally picked up on her signal that if I was petting her and she twitched just one of her ears by as much as a single millimeter, then I was to imediately stop petting her.

Could Sam be sending really subtle signals?

If not, could he be needing to release some of his energy with some cat toys or scratch post? I know that I sometimes see Sidney just wail on his scratch post - and I'm sure glad it's the post and not me! (but he, fortunately, is a sweetie that wouldn't hurt me)

This sure sounds like an interesting problem. I look forward to seeing other peoples' input.

**toughCookie** · 09-23-2002, 07:21 PM

those are good ideas above...

never heard of this. is it a certain time of day, or before/after he has been outside? or eaten? no other cats looking in the window? hmm, if I had a cat attack me even just once, that was not playing, I would talk to a cat behaviorist fast! the vet should be able to recommend one.

**wolflady** · 09-23-2002, 07:25 PM

Good heavens!

My first impulse was to think that this is some form of redirected aggression, but I think a behaviorist is the best choice in this case. Usually cats can exhibit different kinds of aggression:
Play aggression, displacement(redirected aggression) or overstimulation. However, this situation seems to be different. How long has your friend had Sam? Is this something he has always done, or did it start recently. Since he is a rescue, it's hard to know what his background is. It could be a psychological problem or possibly a physical problem. An animal behaviorist should be familiar with these different kinds of problems and what kind of behavior a cat may exhibit (fear, anxiety, redirected aggresstion...etc).

If a cause can be identified, either physical or psychological it is easier to predict whether or not treatment will be beneficial and obviously easier to choose the treatment plan most likely to work.

Good luck and do let us know what happens!!

**kitten645** · 09-23-2002, 07:29 PM

I had a friend who had a cat similar to this. If it ever caught you with you hands open, his favorite thing was to bite you right between your thumb and index finger!

I don't remember the background of this kitten. I know he was declawed and I've read that this causes trauma. Clearly this kitty has some BIG issues!
Perhaps this kitty, just like some humans has some sort of chemical imbalance in his noggen. Kitty prozac or sedatives might be the answer. Clearly your friend can't live terrorized by the kitty so I suspect she will have to do something. Behaviourist, kitty therapy, something!

**Cataholic** · 09-26-2002, 09:57 AM

Thanks for your posts. I already asked her if she was going to give Sam away, and she said she wasn't intending to. The behavorist has been consulted, and the behavorist said it would be helpful to get it on video tape??? Anyhow, I am going to send this thred to my friend, suggest she review it, and sign up for PT!!

And to keep us all informed. Thanks again!

**sasvermont** · 09-26-2002, 12:27 PM

I would the Vet for some meds to calm it down, then try to modify the cat's behavior problem.

Maybe having another cat around might help.

It is so hard to tell what goes on in their furry little minds.

Gabe, my latest adoption, seems to have calmed down quite a bit with a change of home, medications before the change, and the additional cat mates. I think I just lucked out!

Keep us posted.

Good luck.

**wolflady** · 10-02-2002, 02:01 PM

This would be great!! It would be interesting to keep different 'cases' and hopefully the solutions to problems like these for later reference, just in case another PTer has a similar situation.
I sure hope something can be done!! Do keep us posted!

**hugs**
Karen

Originally posted by Cataholic
... Anyhow, I am going to send this thred to my friend, suggest she review it, and sign up for PT!! And to keep us all informed. Thanks again!

**Pam** · 10-02-2002, 04:58 PM

I am the former "grandmom" of sasvermont's former bad boy, Gabe. I personally feel a big key to the successful overhaul in his personality has been the addition of cat mates as she said. I know my two boys have to roll and tumble around and let the fur fly every once in a while. I really do think they need this kind of activity to help burn up some of their pent-up kitty energy. Without it they might 'act out' on their humans. I am wondering if we could hear from some other "only kitty" moms and dads and see if this makes any sense. With Gabe he was friendly only to his immediate circle of two humans - everyone else had to watch out!

Gabe also now spends his days breathing in that great Vermont fresh air, and lots of credit goes to Sallyanne for helping him all along the way and of course Graemer, a most charming host when he arrived who showed him the ropes.