Strange Attacking Behavior During Grooming

nunnc84

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So, my cat was purring as I groom her with a comb. This happens at-least twice a day. I think everything is normal. Purr Purr I'm petting her with both hands as she is sitting on the shelf in front of me. I go to reach for her back legs to try to turn her to comb her hind-side. Usually I have treats out at this point, except she is full of treats already.
She attacks me. I have broken skin, from her claws and a tooth mark. I don't know how to react. I hiss and wash my arm. No warning from her, after wards she was still purring. Is this redirected aggression? I'm confused. She has long hair that she growing out, and I have to comb it or she will mat.
I was just thinking about how good she was doing getting used to being combed. And bam there are holes in my arm. I don't chase her to be groomed, I get the comb, and tap it. Then she runs up the cat tree on the shelf where the comb is tapped.
I can pick up each of her legs and comb under them (all four). This time, I was using my hands because she was purring so much I thought she liked what I was doing. I'm so confused, and my feelings are hurt.
Since she is the only cat, I am thinking about getting another cat. I'm not sure now. She stops me when I am trying to leave the house by standing at the door. She caries a soft item in her mouth when I am not supervising her and yeowss all through out the house. I call her from another room, or from the closet (meow) works best. I'm not sure what to do. She is defiantly siamese mix, she runs the house.
 

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Is she spayed? If not it could be hormonal moodiness.

2 ideas on the grooming aggression. Are you sure she is not having pain in the region you are touching? If no pain my first thought is overstimulation while being brushed. She enjoys it so much she can't contain herself. Most of my cats have had this reaction but have learned from other cats to bite gentler. I use 2 brushes, one to brush, and one I hold by their face so they can rub/bite on it. A large infant safe stuffed animal might also work as a place to act out her stimulation.

Unless a cat has shown clean signs of needing to be an only cat, I always vote for a cat friend. If you decide to get a friend there are introduction guides we can point you to and will gladly help with any questions.
 
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nunnc84

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Is she spayed? If not it could be hormonal moodiness.

2 ideas on the grooming aggression. Are you sure she is not having pain in the region you are touching? If no pain my first thought is overstimulation while being brushed. She enjoys it so much she can't contain herself. Most of my cats have had this reaction but have learned from other cats to bite gentler. I use 2 brushes, one to brush, and one I hold by their face so they can rub/bite on it. A large infant safe stuffed animal might also work as a place to act out her stimulation.

Unless a cat has shown clean signs of needing to be an only cat, I always vote for a cat friend. If you decide to get a friend there are introduction guides we can point you to and will gladly help with any questions.
thanks. for saying so. I use her cat kickers for her to scratch and bite. I guess I was upset, and needed to tell someone. Thats all
 

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Sorry this happened. Please just take it as a learning experience in getting to know your cat. If she's part Siamese she will likely have bonded with you fairly strongly. This is her meowing and asking for you and carrying things round because she has learned that gets your attention and she wants that. I agree that she has probably become overstimulated.It's nothing you have done wrong per se. It just felt wrong for her at that time.

You can try and spot this earlier by watching the cat's ears and tail. Some cats will flick their ears or shake their head ( sometimes whilst continuing to purr) their tail might flick fairly rapidly. Some cats may show no warning signs at all and just lunge at you. Subtle displays can be that the fur on their back looks like it's doing a Mexican wave or just some twitching of the paw or base of the tail .

I would just make sure that there is nothing under her fur that may have caused her pain from you grooming that area e.g a tic, a spot/growth etc. Then just keep up your normal grooming routine and watch out for changes in her behavior.

If you do decide to adopt another cat it should be your choice, for you. Do not let one incident deter you from doing so. There are many threads, articles and stories on the site that will help you to introduce them in the best way.
 
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nunnc84

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Sorry this happened. Please just take it as a learning experience in getting to know your cat. If she's part Siamese she will likely have bonded with you fairly strongly. This is her meowing and asking for you and carrying things round because she has learned that gets your attention and she wants that. I agree that she has probably become overstimulated.It's nothing you have done wrong per se. It just felt wrong for her at that time.

You can try and spot this earlier by watching the cat's ears and tail. Some cats will flick their ears or shake their head ( sometimes whilst continuing to purr) their tail might flick fairly rapidly. Some cats may show no warning signs at all and just lunge at you. Subtle displays can be that the fur on their back looks like it's doing a Mexican wave or just some twitching of the paw or base of the tail .

I would just make sure that there is nothing under her fur that may have caused her pain from you grooming that area e.g a tic, a spot/growth etc. Then just keep up your normal grooming routine and watch out for changes in her behavior.

If you do decide to adopt another cat it should be your choice, for you. Do not let one incident deter you from doing so. There are many threads, articles and stories on the site that will help you to introduce them in the best way.
I did get another cat. A ferrel named Warlock, who is now Tiger. He is a handsome older boy. Last night was his first night. He might have a urine infection, and some reflux from cleaning his coat. He doesn't want to eat. He spends all day in his hiding place. Last night I woke up to him trying to escape through the window screen. He was caught trying to bust through it, and hissed like a snake at me. I closed the window and went back to bed. This morning the hair was in the box, that's how I know it was vomited hair ball. He doesn't like brushed either.
This morning I opened a can of food for him, because he hasn't touched the dry food. His urine smells so bad, I wish I could open the window for him. Not when he is going to claw out of the screen. He has a vet appointment in less than a week. The stress of a shelter, could be messing him up. I hope I can tame him. He is affectionate, yet reserved. I feel way over my head after he was trying to bust out of the window last night. Maybe this cat belongs in the wild?
 
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nunnc84

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I did get another cat. A ferrel named Warlock, who is now Tiger. He is a handsome older boy. Last night was his first night. He might have a urine infection, and some reflux from cleaning his coat. He doesn't want to eat. He spends all day in his hiding place. Last night I woke up to him trying to escape through the window screen. He was caught trying to bust through it, and hissed like a snake at me. I closed the window and went back to bed. This morning the hair was in the box, that's how I know it was vomited hair ball. He doesn't like brushed either.
This morning I opened a can of food for him, because he hasn't touched the dry food. His urine smells so bad, I wish I could open the window for him. Not when he is going to claw out of the screen. He has a vet appointment in less than a week. The stress of a shelter, could be messing him up. I hope I can tame him. He is affectionate, yet reserved. I feel way over my head after he was trying to bust out of the window last night. Maybe this cat belongs in the wild?
 

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Tiger has only been with you for a day. It may take weeks or even months before he is used to his surroundings and you. Don't be discouraged, he'll learn that with you he has a loving home and has nothing to fear. And also keep in mind that if he hisses at you, or runs away from you, it's not that he doesn't like you, it's because he is scared. He has not had a very safe, secure and comforting life thus far and as I said, it can take time for him to know he is safe.
How are you doing the introductions with Tiger and your resident girl? (what's her name?)
 
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nunnc84

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Tiger has only been with you for a day. It may take weeks or even months before he is used to his surroundings and you. Don't be discouraged, he'll learn that with you he has a loving home and has nothing to fear. And also keep in mind that if he hisses at you, or runs away from you, it's not that he doesn't like you, it's because he is scared. He has not had a very safe, secure and comforting life thus far and as I said, it can take time for him to know he is safe.
How are you doing the introductions with Tiger and your resident girl? (what's her name?)
=))) Thanks for asking. I would love to SHARE!! Luna is her name. She patrols the area, guards me, and everything is her's! See her shelter picture below. This is before $500 in vet fees, and medication.
She took her foot and pawed him when he was in his safe condo. She hissed, he hissed, he took a swipe at her. (she is fine). She howled, he howled; and she roared. She retreated to inspect the room further. She ate is food, he didn't care. He hasn't been eating dry or wet food. After she left he gave me a cute look, and a wink.
So, I left the door open.

Every time I go in there, she follows me; acting like he is a trespasser. I explain to Luna is a member of the family. She is still leary. When I was in there on a trip, she used his litterbox, he watched and didn't do anything.

Slowly, she is getting accustomed to him; winking at him as I leave the bathroom. I watch her from the door. I can't wait till they start talking to each other!

So far, they wink at each other. It's day one.

They are fed separately, and at night They are SEPARATED.
 

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nunnc84

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Tiger has only been with you for a day. It may take weeks or even months before he is used to his surroundings and you. Don't be discouraged, he'll learn that with you he has a loving home and has nothing to fear. And also keep in mind that if he hisses at you, or runs away from you, it's not that he doesn't like you, it's because he is scared. He has not had a very safe, secure and comforting life thus far and as I said, it can take time for him to know he is safe.
How are you doing the introductions with Tiger and your resident girl? (what's her name?)
Thanks for saying that. I'm scared of him frankly! Or a healthy respect. I told him about my reservations, as I was petting him and showed him the litterbox. We seemed to hit it off. He does not come out of the condo. I stroke his paw or tail, what ever is left out of the condo. He is so relaxed presently. I play Klove for him during the day. I'm worried Luna may start to prey on him, I know Tiger can stand up for himself (that's why I got him) because he has been outside and needs a quiet place to trust humans and cats again.
 
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nunnc84

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Sorry this happened. Please just take it as a learning experience in getting to know your cat. If she's part Siamese she will likely have bonded with you fairly strongly. This is her meowing and asking for you and carrying things round because she has learned that gets your attention and she wants that. I agree that she has probably become overstimulated.It's nothing you have done wrong per se. It just felt wrong for her at that time.

You can try and spot this earlier by watching the cat's ears and tail. Some cats will flick their ears or shake their head ( sometimes whilst continuing to purr) their tail might flick fairly rapidly. Some cats may show no warning signs at all and just lunge at you. Subtle displays can be that the fur on their back looks like it's doing a Mexican wave or just some twitching of the paw or base of the tail .

I would just make sure that there is nothing under her fur that may have caused her pain from you grooming that area e.g a tic, a spot/growth etc. Then just keep up your normal grooming routine and watch out for changes in her behavior.

If you do decide to adopt another cat it should be your choice, for you. Do not let one incident deter you from doing so. There are many threads, articles and stories on the site that will help you to introduce them in the best way.
I switched to a flea comb, she is tolerating that better
 
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nunnc84

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Sorry this happened. Please just take it as a learning experience in getting to know your cat. If she's part Siamese she will likely have bonded with you fairly strongly. This is her meowing and asking for you and carrying things round because she has learned that gets your attention and she wants that. I agree that she has probably become overstimulated.It's nothing you have done wrong per se. It just felt wrong for her at that time.

You can try and spot this earlier by watching the cat's ears and tail. Some cats will flick their ears or shake their head ( sometimes whilst continuing to purr) their tail might flick fairly rapidly. Some cats may show no warning signs at all and just lunge at you. Subtle displays can be that the fur on their back looks like it's doing a Mexican wave or just some twitching of the paw or base of the tail .

I would just make sure that there is nothing under her fur that may have caused her pain from you grooming that area e.g a tic, a spot/growth etc. Then just keep up your normal grooming routine and watch out for changes in her behavior.

If you do decide to adopt another cat it should be your choice, for you. Do not let one incident deter you from doing so. There are many threads, articles and stories on the site that will help you to introduce them in the best way.
you are so smart!! She has me wrapped around her tail, I see this now.
 
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nunnc84

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So, my cat was purring as I groom her with a comb. This happens at-least twice a day. I think everything is normal. Purr Purr I'm petting her with both hands as she is sitting on the shelf in front of me. I go to reach for her back legs to try to turn her to comb her hind-side. Usually I have treats out at this point, except she is full of treats already.
She attacks me. I have broken skin, from her claws and a tooth mark. I don't know how to react. I hiss and wash my arm. No warning from her, after wards she was still purring. Is this redirected aggression? I'm confused. She has long hair that she growing out, and I have to comb it or she will mat.
I was just thinking about how good she was doing getting used to being combed. And bam there are holes in my arm. I don't chase her to be groomed, I get the comb, and tap it. Then she runs up the cat tree on the shelf where the comb is tapped.
I can pick up each of her legs and comb under them (all four). This time, I was using my hands because she was purring so much I thought she liked what I was doing. I'm so confused, and my feelings are hurt.
Since she is the only cat, I am thinking about getting another cat. I'm not sure now. She stops me when I am trying to leave the house by standing at the door. She caries a soft item in her mouth when I am not supervising her and yeowss all through out the house. I call her from another room, or from the closet (meow) works best. I'm not sure what to do. She is defiantly siamese mix, she runs the house.
Tiger kitty is now eating feline greenie salmon treats. He will not eat dry or canned food. Luna goes to stare at him. And follows me out the bathroom, not leaving me alone. She tried to jump through the screen tonight when she saw a cat outside the window. I'll have to replace the screen Tiger kitty was clawing through. I left a room open that is separated from Luna; so Tiger kitty can roam a room in safety tonight. I wish I spent more time with him.
 

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If he is not eating I’m glad he has a vet appointment _soon_ ! Please watch him for signs of dehydration. If he is dehydrated and not eating, take him to the vet immediately! (He May be feeling nauseous hence only eating the treats. Have tried feeding him canned tuna in water or chicken baby food (without onion or garlic in it.)

I had a siamese mix that well, thought he owned me. He was OK with and even liked his brother BUT he wanted it to be clear at all times that he owned my lap and had dibs on it! My little dude is half siamese and he is permanently linked to me. If I tried to bring in a second cat it would take him a while to adjust, he would get jealous and he would want to remain the top cat!!!

Can you try giving Tiger some 1 on 1 time every day? Maybe some 1 on 1 play? Also can you try doing something Luna loves to do with you, only start doing it with her only when Tiger is around?
 

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First I want to thank you for saving Tiger, that was a very kind and selfless thing to do. He will need time to adjust, and trust me he might want to get out but his life will be better if he stays with you (if that is possible) Now when cats are scared they sometimes don't eat, how long has he no eaten for? is he using the litter box? is he drinking water?
 
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nunnc84

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If he is not eating I’m glad he has a vet appointment _soon_ ! Please watch him for signs of dehydration. If he is dehydrated and not eating, take him to the vet immediately! (He May be feeling nauseous hence only eating the treats. Have tried feeding him canned tuna in water or chicken baby food (without onion or garlic in it.)

I had a siamese mix that well, thought he owned me. He was OK with and even liked his brother BUT he wanted it to be clear at all times that he owned my lap and had dibs on it! My little dude is half siamese and he is permanently linked to me. If I tried to bring in a second cat it would take him a while to adjust, he would get jealous and he would want to remain the top cat!!!

Can you try giving Tiger some 1 on 1 time every day? Maybe some 1 on 1 play? Also can you try doing something Luna loves to do with you, only start doing it with her only when Tiger is around?
Ok. I wish I had my camera, he was out of his condo. Napping at 1 am on my shelf in s closet.
Hasn’t eatuthe food yet. I gave him 8 oz of canned salmon.
He is urinating, it smells better. He had another movement. He can keep a box neat. No litter outside.
He didn’t accept the salmon until petted him. He is very hand shy. Slow movements!!! Luna is going to have to learn I have another kitty too.
She got some salmon juice. I put the rest in the fridge until tomorrow. Today whatever.
I’ll use my room he is in tomorrow (gym) and he can get used to company. Luna is Luna my shadow. I’ll feed her first tomorrow.
Without Luna. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. He is in the every ones cool to me, I’m cool back mood. First impressions are everything. He’s so majestic!!!
Like a unicorn.
I didn’t stay to talk to him while he ate. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow
I’ll get more canned meat
 
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nunnc84

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First I want to thank you for saving Tiger, that was a very kind and selfless thing to do. He will need time to adjust, and trust me he might want to get out but his life will be better if he stays with you (if that is possible) Now when cats are scared they sometimes don't eat, how long has he no eaten for? is he using the litter box? is he drinking water?
Thanks for commenting your words help me adjust more. This situation is new to me and Tiger. Luna too.
Idk the water is in the bowl, the dry food is untouched. I tried offering wet food 3 times, won’t eat it.
See response below. Litter box being used. Not hissing tonight. I think Luna is scared of him also when she sees him she doesn’t try to get out of my arms.
Every one is scared, lol. I’ll have to give him a bath sometime.
He’s eating canned salmon tonight.
He’s so pretty!!! He has an old soul. His eyes say it all.
 
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