I Have to Rehome My Cat

Furballsmom

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What do you think has caused this?!?!
Take her to the vet?
I found this below on the ASPCA site. Do you have a cat-only vet you can talk to? She's not idiopathic if there's a medical reason.

The classification of idiopathic aggression includes any type of aggression whose cause can’t be determined or explained through behavior history or medical exam. Cats with this type of aggression can attack their owners violently. They may bite repeatedly and remain in an aroused state for long periods of time. Redirected aggression must be closely considered and ruled out as a possible cause before a diagnosis of idiopathic aggression is made. These cats are dangerous, and pet parents of such cats should carefully assess their quality of life, as well as the safety of those around them.

A medical workup is essential for all aggressive cats. Some cats behave aggressively because of a medical condition or complication. In addition to acute painful conditions, cats with orthopedic problems, thyroid abnormality, adrenal dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, neurological disorders and sensory deficits can show increased irritability and aggression. Geriatric cats can suffer from confusion and insecurity, which could prompt aggressive behavior. Certain medications can alter mood and affect your cat’s susceptibility to aggression. Even diet has been implicated as a potential contributing factor. If a medical problem is detected, it’s crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to give your cat the best chance at improving.
 
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amarshall0919

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Thank you for helping. Sadly enough where I live there are no cat only vets. The closest emergency vet is an hour away. We live in a small town, and honestly there’s really not much here. When the vets checked her, they looked her over, but I’m not sure if they did any tests. They came to the conclusion based on what we told them that it was just her hormones. I feel in a way that I failed her. This community I’m in failed her. We have no resources like that. She switches suddenly on a dime with nothing to cause her to react. I believed whole heartedly from the beginning that she had a mental issue, but no one around here wants to listen to that.
 

Furballsmom

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Would there be a cat only vet where you're moving to?
Would your relative, or a friend, be able to keep her for the month, and transport her there?
 
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amarshall0919

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Would there be a cat only vet where you're moving to?
Would your relative, or a friend, be able to keep her for the month, and transport her there?
Sadly I honestly doubt anyone will help us. When this first happened, I asked multiple family members, multiple friends, even posted on fb to try and see if someone could take her for awhile or possibly adopt her. Everyone either said they couldn’t, or didn’t know anyone that wanted to. Thank you for trying to find ideas. This is absolutely terrible. I can’t believe that this has happened. I think I should’ve just sucked it up and adopted her out when this first happened in July 2021. I was selfish and wanted to try and fix her myself. There were so many red flags. I’m just so thankful my baby wasn’t in the room. I’m so thankful that nothing happened to her.
 

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I am so very sorry you are going through this. I had a similar situation happen to me almost 25 years ago. I adopted a little tiny kitten that someone had found on the side of the road and dropped off at the pet store. I named her "Snickles". She was incredibly loving. And then several months later, I got pregnant. And she turned on me in a way very similar to what you are describing. I was so heartbroken. Back then there were no Jackson Galaxy videos or really any places to reach out to for help. She started “hunting” me. I completely understand your fear, and as sad as it is, you do have to be careful with your baby daughter. One morning I was asleep, and when I woke up and turned my face, Snickles lunged at my face and clawed it open. I was heartbroken about the decision I had to make. I cried for days, but we had no choice but to get rid of her. It was devastating.
You are absolutely right about your need to protect your baby daughter. As much as you love your Smoothie, she is still an animal and does not think and rationalize like a human. You were so good to her and gave her a good life while you could. Sometimes, an animal will just seem to “snap”. It’s devastating, and I’m not sure why it happens. Sometimes they have a neurological condition. I think a cat behaviorist would be able to give you a better answer. I believe I read somewhere you had Smoothie since she was 3 weeks old. That’s so young to be away from her mom, even if her mom had died. I think that sometimes does something to a cat. My Snickles was found with no mom, no siblings, I have no real idea where she came from. I think perhaps she was feral and as she aged her instincts got stronger. I’ll never know for sure.
I’m very, very sorry this has happened to you. I’m very thankful your baby is safe. Again I am so very, very sorry. Just know as difficult as it is, you are doing your best, and doing the right thing by making sure your baby girl is safe. I am sending you virtual hugs 💗
 

BoaztheAdventureCat

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I have a few other threads about this. If someone can merge them so other people know what I’m talking about that would be great. I am so upset. My cat Smoothie suddenly attacked our other cat Midnight last year in July. It was awful. It was for no reason. We went to the vet. They said her hormones were out of whack. We got her fixed. That was in September. She slowly got better. She was now back to her old self. Our daughter is 5 months old. Smoothie loves rubbing on her. She purrs as soon as you pick her up. She seemed like she was when she was a small kitty. I was excited because we were finally going to get Midnight and her back together after 10 months.
My husband got up to leave his work office, and when he opened the door, she stepped back. He looked to make sure Midnight wasn’t near the door, and that’s when Smoothie hissed at him. He then looked back at her, and Smoothie attacked him like crazy. He has scratches all over him, he is bleeding like crazy. Midnight came and actually saved my husband. Midnight came and stood in the door and actually wasn’t going to act until he saw and heard Smoothie. He knocked her off of him, and then ran back out the door.

This is the last straw. I am so sad.I can’t let her attack our daughter like that. What do I do? I’m almost positive no one is going to take her since she randomly attacks us like she is feral. She attacked me twice while I was pregnant, and attacked my husband once while I was pregnant. Now this is the second time she’s attacked him. There’s nothing no else we can do for her. We had her fixed. The vet said she is perfectly healthy. Do we take her to the pound. I am freaking out. I’ve had her since 3 weeks. I bottle fed her. She would’ve died if I hadn’t started taking care of her. I love her so much. I don’t want to get rid of her, she is part of our family. I just can’t. We have to do what’s best for our daughter.
I'm so sorry! Praying for you all! Have you tried consulting a cat behaviorist? It's rare for cats to attack for no reason.

I hope you'll be able to consult a cat behaviorist. If you'd like, I can provide you a list of animal shelters that have cat behaviorists on staff that allow you to call them with questions and they won't charge you anything.

I hope you won't have to get rid of your cat. It's got to be especially hard when you've had her since she was a kitten. You grow to love pets you've raised from the time they were babies like you love your own children.

If a cat behaviorist cannot help you, is it possible for you to keep the cat and the baby in separate parts of the house never to meet?
 

BoaztheAdventureCat

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Sadly I honestly doubt anyone will help us. When this first happened, I asked multiple family members, multiple friends, even posted on fb to try and see if someone could take her for awhile or possibly adopt her. Everyone either said they couldn’t, or didn’t know anyone that wanted to. Thank you for trying to find ideas. This is absolutely terrible. I can’t believe that this has happened. I think I should’ve just sucked it up and adopted her out when this first happened in July 2021. I was selfish and wanted to try and fix her myself. There were so many red flags. I’m just so thankful my baby wasn’t in the room. I’m so thankful that nothing happened to her.
You couldn't have known it would get this much worse. You were wanting to make sure you did everything you could. You didn't want to traumatize your cat by sending her to a shelter, especially since it's highly unlikely that anybody would want her and the chance is high that she would be humanely euthanized. :( I pray that there is some other way.
 
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amarshall0919

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I am so very sorry you are going through this. I had a similar situation happen to me almost 25 years ago. I adopted a little tiny kitten that someone had found on the side of the road and dropped off at the pet store. I named her "Snickles". She was incredibly loving. And then several months later, I got pregnant. And she turned on me in a way very similar to what you are describing. I was so heartbroken. Back then there were no Jackson Galaxy videos or really any places to reach out to for help. She started “hunting” me. I completely understand your fear, and as sad as it is, you do have to be careful with your baby daughter. One morning I was asleep, and when I woke up and turned my face, Snickles lunged at my face and clawed it open. I was heartbroken about the decision I had to make. I cried for days, but we had no choice but to get rid of her. It was devastating.
You are absolutely right about your need to protect your baby daughter. As much as you love your Smoothie, she is still an animal and does not think and rationalize like a human. You were so good to her and gave her a good life while you could. Sometimes, an animal will just seem to “snap”. It’s devastating, and I’m not sure why it happens. Sometimes they have a neurological condition. I think a cat behaviorist would be able to give you a better answer. I believe I read somewhere you had Smoothie since she was 3 weeks old. That’s so young to be away from her mom, even if her mom had died. I think that sometimes does something to a cat. My Snickles was found with no mom, no siblings, I have no real idea where she came from. I think perhaps she was feral and as she aged her instincts got stronger. I’ll never know for sure.
I’m very, very sorry this has happened to you. I’m very thankful your baby is safe. Again I am so very, very sorry. Just know as difficult as it is, you are doing your best, and doing the right thing by making sure your baby girl is safe. I am sending you virtual hugs 💗
Oh gosh, thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling me your story. It helps me feel not alone. Her mom was feral. I sometimes wonder if the feral is passed down. The neighbors did not care to get rid of her at 3 weeks old. I know I had to get rid of her, but I didn’t think I’d have to do it so suddenly and just let her outside?! That is what I’m struggling with.
 
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amarshall0919

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I'm so sorry! Praying for you all! Have you tried consulting a cat behaviorist? It's rare for cats to attack for no reason.

I hope you'll be able to consult a cat behaviorist. If you'd like, I can provide you a list of animal shelters that have cat behaviorists on staff that allow you to call them with questions and they won't charge you anything.

I hope you won't have to get rid of your cat. It's got to be especially hard when you've had her since she was a kitten. You grow to love pets you've raised from the time they were babies like you love your own children.

If a cat behaviorist cannot help you, is it possible for you to keep the cat and the baby in separate parts of the house never to meet?
Yes please give me that list because even if I never catch her, I would like to know what caused her to act like this. Almost a full year of having an awful time. Having to keep the cats separated at all times, getting bit and scratched, always being on edge. It’s been awful. I spent the majority of my pregnancy crying about it. I was terrified to bring my baby into a home with an aggressive cat. I thought she had changed.
 
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amarshall0919

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You couldn't have known it would get this much worse. You were wanting to make sure you did everything you could. You didn't want to traumatize your cat by sending her to a shelter, especially since it's highly unlikely that anybody would want her and the chance is high that she would be humanely euthanized. :( I pray that there is some other way.
I didn’t know it would get worse. I really did think she was better.You’re exactly right. I didn’t want to take her to a shelter because I knew since she can’t deal with other animals that she wouldprobably be euthanized. I didn’t want that. I’m now terrified for her being outside.There are other cats around. What if she tries to attack and kill them? What if someone hits her with their car? She has only known a warm house with free food and water. I know I had/have to protect my daughter, I just truly thought that she was better.
 

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Oh gosh, thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling me your story. It helps me feel not alone. Her mom was feral. I sometimes wonder if the feral is passed down. The neighbors did not care to get rid of her at 3 weeks old. I know I had to get rid of her, but I didn’t think I’d have to do it so suddenly and just let her outside?! That is what I’m struggling with.
Yes, I also think the feral instincts can be passed down. I went back and reread some of the other replies, and it is wonderful that everyone wants to help you find a solution, but I think perhaps it is hard to understand if you haven't witnessed it. There is a difference between a cat that is acting aggresively and a cat that has snapped. I am so sorry but it sounds like Smoothie snapped. I understand how you must be struggling with letting her outside. That is a tough one. If you are able to humanely trap her, it might be best to have her euthanized. My husband was able to get my Snickles into the carrier, but I don't want to know how. He told me to go into the other room, and I did. We consulted with the veterinarians who advised us to euthanize her. I did not want to do it, but you could see that she had "gone over the edge" so to speak. It was absolutely devastating and again, I am so, so, so very sorry.
 

BoaztheAdventureCat

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Yes please give me that list because even if I never catch her, I would like to know what caused her to act like this. Almost a full year of having an awful time. Having to keep the cats separated at all times, getting bit and scratched, always being on edge. It’s been awful. I spent the majority of my pregnancy crying about it. I was terrified to bring my baby into a home with an aggressive cat. I thought she had changed.
Again, I'm so sorry, and I pray that this doesn't have to be the end of your relationship with your cat, or the end of your cat's life.

Maybe keep your cat in a roofed outdoor enclosure like a catio until, Yahuah-willing, she can be safely restored to indoor life with you all?

There are multiple resources for free behavior help:

Behavior & Training | San Diego Humane Society (not sure if this one's free)

I hope these help! Keep us posted.
 
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amarshall0919

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When I started this day, I was happy because my daughter turned 5 months old, the weather was really nice, and we were going to go walk around the pond. A beautiful day turned into an awful day. Our home has one less occupant. This should’ve never happened. That day of July 2021 shouldn’t have ever occurred. Sometimes it feels like life will play cruel jokes. My cat is outside, and after trying for almost a year, she didn’t change. My daughter’s sleep schedule is completely messed up because she didn’t fall asleep until almost 7:30 pm when she had been awake since 2:00 pm.

My poor baby cat. She didn’t deserve for her behavior to be like that. She didn’t deserve any of that. What if it’s not over though? What if she comes back and attacks us when we try to leave? What if she attacks a neighbor? What if someone gets her and hurts her. Like I said earlier, I’m in a nightmare. I’m terrified for my husband because of his wounds, and I’m scared for Smoothie because the outside can be unforgiving.
 

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When I started this day, I was happy because my daughter turned 5 months old, the weather was really nice, and we were going to go walk around the pond. A beautiful day turned into an awful day. Our home has one less occupant. This should’ve never happened. That day of July 2021 shouldn’t have ever occurred. Sometimes it feels like life will play cruel jokes. My cat is outside, and after trying for almost a year, she didn’t change. My daughter’s sleep schedule is completely messed up because she didn’t fall asleep until almost 7:30 pm when she had been awake since 2:00 pm.

My poor baby cat. She didn’t deserve for her behavior to be like that. She didn’t deserve any of that. What if it’s not over though? What if she comes back and attacks us when we try to leave? What if she attacks a neighbor? What if someone gets her and hurts her. Like I said earlier, I’m in a nightmare. I’m terrified for my husband because of his wounds, and I’m scared for Smoothie because the outside can be unforgiving.
You will be okay. You need a good night's sleep. You may not sleep well tonight, and that's understandable. Stay hydrated and try to clear your mind the best that you can.
Your husband will be okay. Make sure the wounds are washed and disinfected the best that you can, and it would probably be wise to have him checked out by a doctor. He may need antibiotics.
I really do not think Smoothie will attack you when you try to leave. I also don't think she will attack a neighbor. I think you can safely push those worries from your mind.
You are right, life can be very tough at times. I am so sorry for you and for your Smoothie kitty. Maybe in the morning you could call one of those pet behavior hotlines and see if they have any suggestions. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
 

BoaztheAdventureCat

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When I started this day, I was happy because my daughter turned 5 months old, the weather was really nice, and we were going to go walk around the pond. A beautiful day turned into an awful day. Our home has one less occupant. This should’ve never happened. That day of July 2021 shouldn’t have ever occurred. Sometimes it feels like life will play cruel jokes. My cat is outside, and after trying for almost a year, she didn’t change. My daughter’s sleep schedule is completely messed up because she didn’t fall asleep until almost 7:30 pm when she had been awake since 2:00 pm.

My poor baby cat. She didn’t deserve for her behavior to be like that. She didn’t deserve any of that. What if it’s not over though? What if she comes back and attacks us when we try to leave? What if she attacks a neighbor? What if someone gets her and hurts her. Like I said earlier, I’m in a nightmare. I’m terrified for my husband because of his wounds, and I’m scared for Smoothie because the outside can be unforgiving.
I pray that speaking with a cat behaviorist from one of the free resources will help, and I know this might not mean much to some people but I think the dire nature of this situation warrants me to say this...Yahuah, the Elohim (God) who wrote the Scriptures and created everything knows exactly what's going on and what's to be done. Have you tried asking Him for help?
 

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I’m so sorry, this is awful! There is always the possibility she would be alright somewhere else. She could have ptsd from the first incident. If it was her hormones, or whatever that caused her first episode, a sound, a smell, anything may trigger it.

There was a cat on Jackson Galaxy’s show that became famous because of the people calling 911. She was put in foster care and medicated, but it kept happening. A sanctuary agreed to take her. She was there for some time, and they even took her off the medication. Said she wasn’t crazy, just had ptsd, and needed time in a different environment to reset her brain. She was eventually adopted by one of the workers there. Supposedly had no more incidents.
 
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amarshall0919

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Yes, I also think the feral instincts can be passed down. I went back and reread some of the other replies, and it is wonderful that everyone wants to help you find a solution, but I think perhaps it is hard to understand if you haven't witnessed it. There is a difference between a cat that is acting aggresively and a cat that has snapped. I am so sorry but it sounds like Smoothie snapped. I understand how you must be struggling with letting her outside. That is a tough one. If you are able to humanely trap her, it might be best to have her euthanized. My husband was able to get my Snickles into the carrier, but I don't want to know how. He told me to go into the other room, and I did. We consulted with the veterinarians who advised us to euthanize her. I did not want to do it, but you could see that she had "gone over the edge" so to speak. It was absolutely devastating and again, I am so, so, so very sorry.
I honestly think she snapped too. She had been better since December. Before we got her spayed, she could fly off the deep end over anything after her fight with Midnight. Since it had been so long since a freak out, I thought she was better. She would lay next to our daughter and just purr and purr. All you would have to do is look at her and she would purr. She followed me to every room. She would wait upstairs and watch me take out the trash, and then when I would open the front door she would come flying down the stairs to meet me. Today was no different. She was happy to see us as usual when we let her out of the room. She was playing with our daughter. She laid with her on her 5 month pictures. Afterwards, she laid in her little cat bed and was so content.

My husband said before he stood up, she was laying next to the door looking underneath it. He got up to leave, opened the door, she stepped back, he put his foot in the crack so she wouldn’t run out, he looked out to make sure Midnight wasn’t there, she hisses at him, he looks back at her and she viciously attacks. I can’t believe Midnight came to the rescue. He literally knocked her off of my husband, and then left with him directly after.

Usually she calms down about 30 minutes later, and she’s always calm with me even after incidents like that. When I kept cracking the door, I was petting her but she still seemed a little off. I kept documenting on here what was happening. I got into the office, and she came out and didn’t do anything to me but was still very much on edge. She seemed like she was okay with me, she wanted to explore the house though. Where I was still in the office though, she was just staying in the hallway. When I tried to lure her back into the game room is when things took a turn. All of a sudden, she hisses at me and lunges at the door. I had to slam the door to keep her from getting me! She had the look of rage in her eyes.
 
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amarshall0919

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I pray that speaking with a cat behaviorist from one of the free resources will help, and I know this might not mean much to some people but I think the dire nature of this situation warrants me to say this...Yahuah, the Elohim (God) who wrote the Scriptures and created everything knows exactly what's going on and what's to be done. Have you tried asking Him for help?
I have been praying about it. I prayed about it all when it very first happened back in July 2021 too. I don’t know why this is happening, I know there must be a reason, but maybe I’m not meant to know it. I miss my cat.
 
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amarshall0919

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I’m so sorry, this is awful! There is always the possibility she would be alright somewhere else. She could have ptsd from the first incident. If it was her hormones, or whatever that caused her first episode, a sound, a smell, anything may trigger it.

There was a cat on Jackson Galaxy’s show that became famous because of the people calling 911. She was put in foster care and medicated, but it kept happening. A sanctuary agreed to take her. She was there for some time, and they even took her off the medication. Said she wasn’t crazy, just had ptsd, and needed time in a different environment to reset her brain. She was eventually adopted by one of the workers there. Supposedly had no more incidents.
You know what? I could see her having PTSD from the first incident. She was so much on edge until she got fixed. She even got freaked out over a black cat pillow!!! She got fixed and everything slowly got better. When our daughter was a couple weeks old, I was home alone with her and my mom was coming to pick me up. At that age, she cried every time I put her in the car seat. It made Smoothie go on high alert, and she started racing around wanting to look in the car seat. I knew she was getting mad, so I tried to lock her up. She ended up hissing at me, but didn’t do anything. She willing went in the bathroom after I threw a toy in there. That was the last incident until now.
 
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