My cat attacked my boyfriend!

[Beauty17]

Strange. It reminds me of my first husband's dog who used to bite me - badly - when my husband and I quarreled. And once, even when we were just playing, and my husband picked me up and swung me around, the dog thought we were fighting and he bit my leg. He had to wear one of those soft muzzles when he was around me, because I just couldn't ever be sure when he might lose it again. But you would never guess it - he was this old, shambling half-bassett, half-beagle, and didn't seem in the least aggressive. It was just that he had been adopted by my husband from a family that had abused him, and he was so attached to my husband that he was partly jealous (I think) and definitely protective.

But I can't say what is going on with your cat. Do you know if he had any history of being abused by a man at some point before you got him? I sure hope you can get things calmed down again.

Oh - it also reminds me of a friend of mine who had two cats, brother and sister, and she moved in with a new boyfriend. At one point, the male cat just attacked the boyfriend, with no apparent provocation. But in short time, the male cat took to sleeping alongside the boyfriend, and all was peace and harmony, so there is hope for you.

[smokey the elder]

I think bribery will help mend things with the kitty!

[Lizzie]

Aren't you a true PTer, comforting the cat first! Moosmom is right, I'm sure. Having your boyfriend sit on the floor is a great idea because he will appear at his least threatening, and food is the way to most creatures' heart. How about a home-baked cake for the boyfriend?

[sweetcharliecat]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their advice! After a stressful week (we unfortunately had planned to move all the furniture in our house the day after Charlie attacked, and that did nothing to soothe him!), Charlie seems to be back to his usually lovable self. He and the boyfriend are back to being buddies, and all is well in the world.