Puzzling aggressive cat behavior

[cassie]

Are there any cat vets or behaviorists on here? I have a neutered male Ragdoll cat that is about five years old. He is active, eats well and is showing no signs of illness. However, as I walked by him this morning he sunk his claws into my leg. The other day I accidentally pulled his hair. He responded by attacking my arm with teeth and claws. A few weeks ago, as I was getting out of bed, out of the blue, he attacked my leg. It was serious enough I ended up going to the ER. There was so much blood the house looked like CSI should have been called. My sister-in-law was visiting last week. When she gently touched Max to move him out of her walker, he bit her. I have no idea what is causing this behavior. I also don't know what to do about it. Most of time he is friendly and affectionate. He has never been hit or abused in any way. My sister says he may be in pain. If so, he sure doesn't act like it. Any ideas?

 

[Justagalwithchicks]

Are there any cat vets or behaviorists on here? I have a neutered male Ragdoll cat that is about five years old. He is active, eats well and is showing no signs of illness. However, as I walked by him this morning he sunk his claws into my leg. The other day I accidentally pulled his hair. He responded by attacking my arm with teeth and claws. A few weeks ago, as I was getting out of bed, out of the blue, he attacked my leg. It was serious enough I ended up going to the ER. There was so much blood the house looked like CSI should have been called. My sister-in-law was visiting last week. When she gently touched Max to move him out of her walker, he bit her. I have no idea what is causing this behavior. I also don't know what to do about it. Most of time he is friendly and affectionate. He has never been hit or abused in any way. My sister says he may be in pain. If so, he sure doesn't act like it. Any ideas?

I am neither, but I would take him to a vet to rule out any infections etc. Maybe try a diffuser like Feliway also.. He seems very stimulated and needs more play time to get that energy out. A red dot laser is always a hit in my house. If none of the above work a vet can prescribe you Lorazepam which will chill him out- hope things turn around soon for him and also for you! Cat bites and or scratches can be serious, so glad you got medical care.

 

[Sunshine_Chick]

I'd take him to his Vet since he's acted out more than once. He most likely has something going on & so he's acting out for help. Another thought - have you changed his food, bowls, water, litterbox, litter or location of any of those items? Hecould be simply telling you he doesn't like it if you've changed anything. Even a change in schedule or routine could be upsetting him. No changes? Then definitely a Vet visit to rule out anything physical. Good Luck!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yeah. Arthritis is very painful and could be causing this behavior. Also if he is losing his vision or hearing and your movements are startling him. Good luck, hope you get to the bottom of it.

 

[cassie]

Nothing has been changed. He has had the same litter in the same place for months. There has been no change in his elimination. He is not constipated, and he has no problem with urination. In the morning, I fill his food dishes. He gets dry food free choice. It is Royal Canin Ragdoll food. He also gets some wet Fancy Feast pate. He eats with relish. There is nothing wrong with his appetite. The food dishes are in the same place they have always been since I moved here. The food dishes haven't been changed either.

 

[cassie]

Yeah. Arthritis is very painful and could be causing this behavior. Also if he is losing his vision or hearing and your movements are startling him. Good luck, hope you get to the bottom of it.

If he has arthritis, it sure isn't slowing him down. The cat is only five years old. He responds quickly when I call his name so obviously, he can hear. His eyes are clear and bright with no signs of cataracts or infection. When he has attacked me, it has not been in response to my touching him. The exception was when I accidently pulled his hair.