I have a friend that has a cat that doesn't like much petting and attacks when petted like Felix. After a few years we finally realized that he doesn't like being petted softly, but he loves it if you pet him firmly, even hard. We think the soft, gentle petting must have been tickling him. He has a very short fine coat and sensitive skin.

This may not be the case with Felix and his long abundant coat, but it might be worth experimenting to see if he likes a firm touch and even firm massaging like my friend's cat. I also had another friend with a cat that attacked suddenly out of the blue while being petted, she had a hormone imbalance that was causing it. Although Felix is male, that also could be a possibility, neutering might help if he is a Tom.