When I first read this I said oh geez...sounds like my Penny.I have turned my Ferral Penny into a love bug you would not believe,In Fact she's does cutsie things all the time with me every day.But every few months.Wham!!! I get a good swipe or 2 from her just from patting her for even just a second!And she even wanted me to pat her at that second too which is so crazy.But I know she loves me and she just can't help herself sometimes.In fact...she tried to slap me the other day and in mid air...stopped herself...looked at her hand and tucked it under her.I could NOT believe it.She accually THOUGHT about what she was doing.I was SOOO proud of her that I cried for hours after.It just made me realize how much they really do know.Weird huh?
But with Rip,it was a lot worse.I'm sure before you got him that this was what he was use to and it his age he may of had a senior moment not remembering his loved ones.Who knows though what goes on in their minds.Especially ones that you didn't have since they were kittens.Those ones you can predict easy because you yourself brought them up and know that they'll always be the same.
I hope you keep dabbing that alcahol on your wound.I feel bad for you because you were hurt AND your feelings hurt.I'm sure it won't happen again.At least I hope.Poor Rip too...I bet he felt bad.Time out was good idea.
He's lucky to have you and your family and your lucky to have him.I doubt he'll do it again.But be on guard anyway and be quick to move your hand away...like me with Penny.