My Cat Gradually Becomes More Aggressive

cataract

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Hi there!

I have a problem with my 7-months old male cat Max. In the last couple of weeks, he's becoming more aggressive and yesterday he attacked my leg, drawing blood. I have no idea what might be causing this and I am getting quite worried that I might have to say goodbye to him if he keeps attacking me.
He's been to the vet and he seems to be in perfect health. He is an adopted stray cat and he's been with us (me and my boyfriend) for about 6 months now. We suppose that he hasn't had a lot of contact with his mother, as he was quite sick when we got him and totally alone. He's always been playful, but we've tried to discourage playful aggression, like biting hands and feet, etc. Recently, however, I am starting to notice that he doesn't seem to be playing anymore, but rather attacking more aggressively. I don't believe I have provoked him in any way, he attacked me when I was laying down napping.
There is another detail. A couple of months ago, we neutered him. However, it turned out that he only has one descended testicle, which was removed. The vet operated him to find the other testicle but was unable to locate it. The vet told us that the testicle is microscopic and might not even develop. The only thing that comes to mind is that this testicle somehow still produces hormones as my cat act almost as if he was never neutered. Is this possible? Do you have any other suggestions?
 

Mjones99x

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I would ask a vet that specializes in cats about this. My first thought was wondering if he's been neutered, but you answered that. Maybe the other testicle finally did develop and drop; only a vet could tell you that. Maybe the dog and he have had a run-in when you weren't aware and now he is scared. Maybe it is just a phase or the age he is at and he'll mellow out when older. But of course, the problem is how to wait this out. I'd try playing with him with a laser (no hands approach) or any toy that keeps you away from him until he is tuckered out. Then repeat it before bedtime. He might be bored. I also would not allow him in the room you sleep in since he attached you while you were napping. We don't allow our cats to sleep in our room at night as I'm a bit allergic to our kitties. It takes some getting used to, but it is doable. Other people here have mentioned a product that helps calm cats down. Maybe that would be an option. Good luck! I hope your boy settles down.
 

Mjones99x

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*another thing I thought of was have you begun wearing a new perfume that might be irritating him? And I've seen some people talk about using essential oils in diffusers; some of them are actually poisonous to cats. I don't know if any of this applies, I'm just trying to think what would cause his change of behavior.
 

Willowy

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Teenage cats are beasts, especially some males. So far it all sounds like normal adolescent behavior. Get a fishing pole toy (Da Bird is best) and wear him out as often as you can.

I think the vet can do a testosterone test to see if the lost testicle is producing hormones. Maybe it would be easier to find now that he's matured.
 

tarasgirl06

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Hello cataract cataract and family, and welcome to TCS! Yes, teenage boy kitten/cats can be very, very playful. You want to keep your hands out of his way when playing so he never gets the idea that hands are toys. We love da Bird, too. And the hormone mimic is called Feliway, thought I've seen one or two other brands. Both of these products are available through drsfostersmith.com or petco.com, and probably most other places that sell "pet" products. Other posters' thoughts and suggestions are very good, including consulting a cat specialist vet. You can use your search engine to find local ones. Please keep us informed, and all the best to you all! I hope you would not seriously consider re-homing your little guy. Adoption is for life! and as he grows, he will undoubtedly mellow out. Time, patience and love are key.
 

Maria Bayote

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Please don't give up on him. He is just in this teenage phase like humans his age and is difficult to deal with at the moment. But soon it will wear out, and all this aggressiveness will cease.

As suggested, you can further consult the vet as this lost testicle may be "responsible" for his recent aggressive behavior.

Let us know any updates. Goodluck. I hope all turns out fine.
 

Kflowers

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He's not too old to hiss at when he attacks you. You raised him, this makes you mom. He's playing with you and doesn't know he's hurting you. When he attacks immediately hiss as loud and strongly as you can. practice somewhere he can't hear you. This worked with mine when nothing else did. When you do it it tells him he's hurt you. He doesn't want to hurt you, but so far you haven't complained.
 

Jcatbird

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You are getting great advice here. There really should never be a reason to re home him because he is playing rough. There are many options available to solve this. The first is time. Be patient, teach him proper play, get his hormone levels checked and keep posting here. There are a lot of people here who have had similar experiences and can help to guide you through any issues that might come up. That’s why thecatsite is such a great resource for you to have found. The people who have responded to you have much experience with kitties. I have a couple of aggressive ones I am working with myself that are older rescues and they are making great progress. I’m really glad you posted here. Welcome! :welcomesign:Hang in there! It should all work out just fine given a few tips and some practice with kitty. There are other things often used to calm cats like music and certain teas.
Mamanyt1953 Mamanyt1953 Can weigh in on this and so can Furballsmom Furballsmom .
 

Hellenww

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Since he was so young when you got him hasn't had enough contact with other cats to know that teeth and nails hurt. He's probably like a bottle baby. A lot of people have had success letting out a high pitched "ow" then ignoring them or a few minutes. He'll learn when he plays rough no one wants to play with him.
 

Mamanyt1953

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Yes, teenage boy kitten/cats can be very, very playful.
And remember, "play" for cats is "hunting practice," hence the claws! It is still play, but not acceptable play!

He's not too old to hiss at when he attacks you. You raised him, this makes you mom. He's playing with you and doesn't know he's hurting you. When he attacks immediately hiss as loud and strongly as you can. practice somewhere he can't hear you.
Absolutely, he is not too old for that! Hekitty is 10 years old, and still responds to it. In fact, occasionally, when I'm answering a post here and advise someone to hiss at their cat, I will audibly hiss, and she always startles and gives me that, "What did I do, I was just LYING HERE!" look, poor baby.

Gah! Moderators, an edit button please :)
When you get a few more posts (I can't remember the exact number), that edit button will magically appear! Which means correcting yourself in the next post will actually get the edit button to you faster!
 

danteshuman

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I would also suggest a bird feeder outside with a catio or harness. Letting my punk outside is what kept me from shaving him ;) it really calmed him down getting outside time. Just hang the feeders high and keep the feeders full until you attract regulars. Try to get pigeon proof ones if you can.
 
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cataract

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Wow, thank you for the great advice all, you beautiful people! Really some great tips and a lot of the things you said gave me peace of mind that maybe what Max is going through is normal for his age. I am taking him to another vet this week to get some more tests and I know they also have a cat behaviorist there, so that will help! I will keep you posted!
 

kalebkat

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Hi there!

I have a problem with my 7-months old male cat Max. In the last couple of weeks, he's becoming more aggressive and yesterday he attacked my leg, drawing blood. I have no idea what might be causing this and I am getting quite worried that I might have to say goodbye to him if he keeps attacking me.
He's been to the vet and he seems to be in perfect health. He is an adopted stray cat and he's been with us (me and my boyfriend) for about 6 months now. We suppose that he hasn't had a lot of contact with his mother, as he was quite sick when we got him and totally alone. He's always been playful, but we've tried to discourage playful aggression, like biting hands and feet, etc. Recently, however, I am starting to notice that he doesn't seem to be playing anymore, but rather attacking more aggressively. I don't believe I have provoked him in any way, he attacked me when I was laying down napping.
There is another detail. A couple of months ago, we neutered him. However, it turned out that he only has one descended testicle, which was removed. The vet operated him to find the other testicle but was unable to locate it. The vet told us that the testicle is microscopic and might not even develop. The only thing that comes to mind is that this testicle somehow still produces hormones as my cat act almost as if he was never neutered. Is this possible? Do you have any other suggestions?

This started with my cat after he turned 16 months. Is there any aggression between you and your mate? Have you changed the play schedule? Stopped playing with him as much? Any of this? Also he is a stray you have to keep in mind he may have been traumatized , what are the windows like in your home?
 
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