7 Yr Indoor Cat Wants Out & Attacks My Toddler

Hello all. I hope someone here can help. My cat is 7 years old. I rescued him from a freeway when he was just 8 weeks. He has always been an indoor cat and until now had never previously tried to get out. The past year has been rough on him. We have a toddler and he is not a fan. He’s angrier now. He no longer wants to snuggle. He eats our clothing and any other fabric he can get. He scoots his poopy butt on our floor (which I actually think is because he’s eating fabric and not out of anger.) He tries to trip us all the time and has attacked our toddler and tried to bite her. Recently he’s decided he wants out and bad. He scratches at the door and meows at it all day long. He’s slips out the door whenever he can, and I have to chase him down. My husband want to get rid of him. But I can’t do it! He’s my cat! I had him long before my husband and I even started dating! With our toddler, I really don’t want to make him and indoor/outdoor cat. I once had a cat that would bring in his fresh kills to the house . But I also don’t know what to do! Please help!

I am sorry you are struggling with your cat. Lets start with his health - butt scooting means his rear is bothering him, so he needs a trip to the vet to be checked for worms or anal gland issues. And chewing things could be caused by teeth issues so those need to be checked too.

And cats don’t try to trip people on purpose - usually it is to get our attention, or to be fed. When he is underfoot have you tried giving him a few pets to see if that is what he wants?

And yes, I am sure he is affected by having a young child in the house. Less attention for him, sometimes grabby hands from the child. This will improve though in a year or so as your child gets older. In the meantime make sure he has enough up high places he can go to get away.

I assume your cat is neutered? If not that is the first thing to do to keep him from running outdoors. Otherwise, maybe some outside bird feeders to entertain him or even build him an outdoor enclosure so he can get fresh air but still be safe.

Hello and welcome to TCS. Sorry, though, for the reason that brought you here.

I agree with susanm9006 that a vet checkup is a good idea. Just to ensure he doesn't have anything medical going on. You could also ask the vet for advice on possible calming products, i.e. Feliway, calming treats, etc.

Since it sounds like your cat is stressed, here are some TCS articles that might be helpful:

Is Your Cat Stressed Out?
You, Your Cat And Stress | TheCatSite
Potential Stressors In Cats - The Ultimate Checklist | TheCatSite
Six Surefire Strategies To Reduce Stress In Cats | TheCatSite

The two most important things are keep your toddler safe and get kitty a full medical check-up. Can you make a safe room for kitty? Not as a prison/punishment but a place you can put a gate up so kitty can get away from the busy house. You're probably already doing it but don't let kitty and toddler be alone together.

Since kitty never wanted to be out, is it possible you have an intruder in the yard? Is there a window/door that kitty is more vigilant about? Can you set your phone/tablet facing out and film for a while. The wanting to go out also made me wonder about redirected aggression.

You have a lot on your hands right now but I wonder if harness training and taking him for a walk around the house once a day to mak would help.

He was young when you got him so I also wonder if he wasn't taught how to play nice so is unintentionally hurting his new sibling.

I've asked questions but given very few solutions. My brain isn't work yet. I will think on it and post again when I get home if some one else hasn't already given great ideas.