Why is my cat so angry now?

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I agree with the posts about being mistreated by a visitor to your house as he is fine when they have gone. He seems distrustful of "strangers" and there has to be a reason for the change in his behaviour

[pomtzu]

I had a similar problem with my RB Meezer Ming.

He always loved everybody, until one day, a friend of mine was visiting with her young daughter. It was a hot summer day, and the air conditioning was down for repair. The little girl kept pestering Ming and being a royal pain in the a$$. I told her to stop, that he didn't want to be bothered and he wasn't feeling well because it was hot, but she kept up. Finally Ming turned on her and bit her before running off.

After that, he would not tolerate kids (other than my own), and would actually scream at them and go into the attack mode, if they came in to "his" house. He never acted that way with any of the family, or other adults tho.

[Momto4FemaleFelines]

I would definitely start with a vet visit to make sure his health is okay and that there is no new pain issue going on because of the declaw. You do know that declaw is not just removal of the claws but actual partial amputation of the toes?...this can often cause a change in gait of the animal which can in turn cause hip joints or knees to go out of whack which in turn causes pain. Your vet will know how to feel and probe to look for pain triggers with the hips, back, knees and even feet.

I would also set up a safe room for your cat to go in when you are going to have company. Why stress him, yourself and your company? I know you love your cat, but you have a right to have company over. He'll be fine in a room by himself for several hours while company is over.

Another thing you could try is Feliway plug-in diffusers.

[moosmom]

Pat,

I couldn't have said it better!! If I had added my opinion on the REASON people use for mutiliating their pets, I'd have been bashed, so I'll leave it at that.

Those of you who know me, know where I stand on this issue.

[Momto4FemaleFelines]

I couldn't have said it better!! If I had added my opinion on the REASON people use for mutiliating their pets, I'd have been bashed, so I'll leave it at that.

Those of you who know me, know where I stand on this issue.

Thanks.
I'm against declawing as well. Even before I knew what it really entailed I was against it. Now that I know what it really is, I try to educate people without being mean. If I didn't know what it truly was at one time, I'm sure others don't truly know what it is. Many vets do not explain what the procedure really is. I've experienced from either myself or someone else telling someone what declawing really is, the person becomes appalled that their vet didn't explain it, that they didn't research it and they feel terrible for having declawed their cat and decide they won't do it again. Education in a tactful if not kindly manner is the only way to attempt to change others' outlook on this. I wish it were illegal everywhere as it is in some countries across the pond from the USA.

[Medusa]

Thanks.
I'm against declawing as well. Even before I knew what it really entailed I was against it. Now that I know what it really is, I try to educate people without being mean. If I didn't know what it truly was at one time, I'm sure others don't truly know what it is. Many vets do not explain what the procedure really is. I've experienced from either myself or someone else telling someone what declawing really is, the person becomes appalled that their vet didn't explain it, that they didn't research it and they feel terrible for having declawed their cat and decide they won't do it again. Education in a tactful if not kindly manner is the only way to attempt to change others' outlook on this. I wish it were illegal everywhere as it is in some countries across the pond from the USA.

I so agree w/this! My good friend had both of her cats declawed (before we met) but those cats have gone to the Bridge and she now has 3 others. When she adopted the first two, I spoke about being against declawing and she said "I've always had my cats declawed and they didn't have any problems" but when I went further on the subject, I made an impact and she now says "Now that I know, I won't declaw" and she hasn't, thankfully. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to adopt out a cat unless the new owner can decide for him/herself whether or not to declaw. Otherwise, the cat stays caged in a rescue until such time as an agreement can be reached. It's very frustrating.

[Momto4FemaleFelines]

Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to adopt out a cat unless the new owner can decide for him/herself whether or not to declaw. Otherwise, the cat stays caged in a rescue until such time as an agreement can be reached. It's very frustrating.

In other conversations with cat folk, when someone talks of wanting to get a kitten and further goes on to say "and I'll get it declawed", what many do is suggest "adopt a cat from the shelter that is already declawed, don't acquire a clawed cat and declaw it."

In my opinion, true cat lovers will accept that cats come with claws and some damage is to be expected, but they'll also know that with some discipline and teaching, cats can claw what they are supposed to and not your furniture.
I feel if a person thinks their furniture is more important than a cats toes/feet/claws, they shouldn't have a cat.

And if it isn't going to be outlawed, then it SHOULD be law, and just plain ethical and moral behavior, that vets be REQUIRED to fully explain the procedure and not just take it for granted that every client coming in who wants a declaw knows what it truly entails. Because many don't know and just may change their mind about it if they knew.

[Annie89121]

I am also against declawing. Not only is it mutilation, it gives the cat no defense if he or she is an outdoor cat, or somehow gets outside. It also causes problems with using (or not using I should say) the litterbox. Imagine if someone chopped an inch or so off all your fingers.
I've had cats all my life, and I would much rather have shredded furniture than an unhappy cat in pain. There are ways to stop scratching or any other bad behavior in any animal. All it takes is a little research.

[sasvermont]

I would have all visitors give him treats when they come to visit. Maybe even give them his favorite food to him. He might associate company with yummy treats. Does he have a favorite toy? A feather toy maybe. The company could play with him with it. Just a thought.

When repair people come in my house, my dog goes crazy so I give them Greenies to give to the dog and now she expects treats from the folks coming in... Its pretty funny now, as she goes through their bags and containers of tools, looking for treats!