Prince Just Tore Up My Grandpa's Hand....

I'm crying a bit here because I honestly don't know what to do. This is a progression that I know I've discussed here with Prince and his behavior-I know I've said that it's like that Jackson Galaxy episode where the owner's cat was only associated with them and attacked any other humans but Prince is loving and gentle with me, and if I'm in his presence holding him he isn't aggressive, and normally he isn't that way with my grandparents either but yesterday we had a problem...

Yesterday I had to leave Prince and Nikita with my grandparents for the day because technicians were coming to work on my apartment while I was working (and part of the reason for taking the cats over to my grandparents was because I was worried Prince might actually attack the technicians based on his behavior). Yet, on the fourth of July, Prince let Grandpa pet him and everything when they came over to my apartment

I've told you the progression, when I had to take Prince to the animal hospital that one weekend the vet techs could barely touch him without him hissing. Then I dropped him off at Dr. Rowe one day for a second opinion with the eye and again they said he was "all claws and teeth" and that if we did any bloodwork on him, he'd most certainly have to be put to sleep first. Fortunately the eye issue is fine. Of course when I did a follow up with Dr. Rowe she stood back away from him and he hissed anytime the techs or her got close.

Then my grandparents said yesterday and the night before, he was just fine. He was fine in the morning as well. Then Gramps went to pet him and he went wild. When I went to pick him up, I was petting him and Grandpa walked up, then Prince proceeded to do that growling meow; but Grandpa was wearing a cotton ball with tape on his hand-Prince actually cut a vein, and holding a tissue paper over a large gash that was still bleeding.

Even with the calming collar it's just getting worse. Dr. Rowe suggested that over behavior medication first because she usually doesn't like medicating if they don't need to; but I'm taking him in on Saturday to talk about it again because I don't know what else to do. I don't want to give him up because I love my cat and he's the sweetest cat in the world....to me (Okay second, Nikita's far more social while he's more independent), he's the one that rolls over at the door when I walk in and let's me pet him even though after a few minutes he'll let his ears start to go back, not all the way, and he pulls away from me. So even with me just barely he's a little as Dr. Rowe says "on his terms"...…But I never thought I'd get to the point where I'd have to potentially medicate him

Hell, even at the vet's office when he was in the kennel a lady in the waiting room waved hello at him and he hissed at her from within. All I know is I can't leave him with my grandparents if I go somewhere if he's going to tear them up. Luckily it was Grandpa, who doesn't bruise easily. Grandma's the one that develops humonguous bruises and can get really torn up if something hits her.

I'm really at a loss....I'm upset, I don't know what I can do. Something's going on with Prince. And it really doesn't seem to be a matter of territory as much as whether or not I'm in the room or holding him. He'll still hiss at someone but he's slightly calmer; but overall I'm wondering if maybe there's something wrong mentally with him. I don't know what's going on with my cat

Hi! Your grampa did go to the doctor I hope? Cat teeth and claws have a lot of bacteria.

Have you tried any calming products? There are valerian based products, catnip, chamomile etc...you could try CBD oil if it's legal where you are? ( I think in your case, pheromone based items might or might not work.)

Well like I said, I tried the calming collar that Dr. Rowe suggested. None of these are useful in my own apartment because he's docile as ever and not at all with an issue at home with me. Still, I honestly don't know what to do....I'll see what Dr. Rowe says on Saturday

I'm sorry, I should have clarified. Have you tried any calming products when he's with your grandparents or going to the vet? There are a lot of products available besides collars.

This might be long so forgive me....

I had a cat who was not properly socialized. He also displayed every type of aggression a cat can have. (play, over stimulation, redirected, dominant, fear, non-recognition...did I miss any?...) In the beginning, his aggression was never directed to us except for CLEAR over stimulation and play, but his overall aggression and anxiety did become worse with age. It was only as he became older that the redirected and dominant aggression started. He also became very aggressive towards our elderly sick cat and we had to keep them separated 24/7 - he was NOT the nurturing type. ANY LITTLE change in his life caused fear and thus his aggression "flared up".
We worked with him the best we could, and I was able to decrease his dominant aggression towards me. And he eventually became tolerant of people in the house, but ONLY if people left him alone. If anyone tried to initiate anything, they would get a hiss, swat, growl.
My first recommendation would be to keep him in your home and have people come to your house for care if you go out of town. Taking him out of his environment that he knows adds to his fears and anxiety.
If you're not comfortable with medicating, at least get medication you can give your cat prior to going to the vet, it might help minimize having to sedate him (with stronger stuff) for routine visits.
I would tell anyone who comes to your home to COMPLETELY IGNORE him when they come over. If he want's to investigate a visitor, let him do it on his terms. I know you mention that your Grandpa was able to pet him once, but that by no means, means your kitty will trust him the next time he sees him.
Once they are in the home, and your kitty seems to be comfortable, allow them to offer him some treats, while still not initiation any form of contact. And leave it at that. NEVER let some one try to initiate contact, I can't stress that enough. If your kitty wants to rub up on them, great, but that's it. You can even have the cat treats at the ready for your guests when they come in, if your kitty tends to "guard the door" and investigate "who dares to enter his domain" (like mine did) they can immediately give him a treat or two (from a distance), he may then associate "stranger danger" with a good thing instead.
If you do this every time with every person who comes over, hopefully, he will realize that visitors are not bad and not something to fear.
Our boy always had anxiety and fear aggression but by working with him, AND OUR GUESTS, we pretty much eliminated the need for him to act out his fears. He would sometimes hiss if he felt someone was coming too close, but for the most part he would just hang back and watch or go down to his safe space.
There were even some people who could pat his head (only once or twice though) He would come around and give them the stink eye, but after a treat, he would accept an outstretch hand for a sniff, a little pet, but then he would walk away.
A cat with fear aggression, is frustrating, so I can understand your tears. I shed them myself. But like you, we loved him, he was such a great cat with us. I'm going to stop here with my post but if you have any questions just ask.
I would highly recommend reading up on all the different types of aggression. Every type of aggression needs a bit of a different approach to help eliminate or at least tame a bit. Also NEVER react to his aggression with aggressive behavior (yell, stomp, spray bottle, hit, shove). It can be hard, especially when it's an instinctual reaction, but it just reinforces that he should be scared.

Anyway, just ask........

No matter how many people tell you 'just let him have a little catnip' DON'T. In our aggressive cat, catnip removed all of his socialization, he went back to a feral state that he had never experienced in his life time. We didn't analysis it too much, just never brought catnip in the house while he was alive. Your cat may do fine on it, but if he goes wild, it's difficult to get it up off the floor while he's guarding it.

Yes, ours was a 'don't touch the fluffy cat." Nature's joke to make him look so cuddly.

Thank you guys. And to Jem, it would be all well and good to have people come over but I don't have anyone that ever comes over. My grandparents (more grandma) struggle to climb the steps to my apartment and they don't come over often. I've taken Nikita over there multiple times (every time I do the laundry, which is pretty much two or three times a month) but because she's the "angel" she goes, I've taken Prince on occasion, but rare occasion and not nearly enough....Dr. Rowe told me if I wanted to socialize him at all with the grandparents that once a month thing with treats would certainly not help if I did that.....

I did talk to Dr. Rowe and she said right now the best thing we can do is just monitor him because he has absolutely no major issues at home or within his element or with me in the same place as him and this one time with my grandpa is the only time he's ever lashed out like that at any other human (he's hissed and bared fangs at people, but never struck anyone) so she said it's hard to decide to put him on medications right now especially because it's hard to know what may or may not work with him and some medications would have to be compounded rather than pill-and the fact that he has no problem when I'm around or when he's at home suggests monitoring him for the moment


The very first time he's ever even hissed at another human or shown any aggression was actually towards Dr. Rowe herself when she gave him his rabies shot last year. Before even that he was totally fine with the veterinarian clinic, never a problem. The minute she gave him the shot, he snapped his head around and hissed at her like she was the devil incarnate. Ever since then, he's become warier of other humans. I don't know if maybe that's important or not, but it seems important to note that was the first instance of him hissing at any human. (He only ever hissed once before and that was when I first brought Nikita to the apartment when he was eight months)

I'm a bit confused, I am unclear why you are referencing the times when he's with you.

Your subject/title indicated the problem is when Prince is elsewhere. --By the way, is your grandfather ok? You obviously don't want a repeat of that happening.

With that said, these products are over-the-counter available without a prescription.

Only Natural Pet has a product called Just Relax Calming spray with essential oil (catnip oil).

There's this one, be sure and scroll all the way down the page;
Bach Flower Remedies - Rescue Remedy Pets Dogs Cats Horses Birds

Richard's Organics Pet Calm-this one is drops that you put on the tip of the tongue. Also, Quiet Moments Cat treats, and there is Calming Care, Calm-o-mile, Sentry, Natures Miracle calming spray, Vetri-Science's Composure is another item to look at, Pet Remedy (it has valerian) is yet another, as is Essential Pet Pet-ease, Only Natural Pet (brand and website) has other calming products, Pet Naturals also has one I believe.

Also Thunderease has diffusers as does Sentry, Comfort Zone and feliway, although diffusers are expensive and not always an answer.

Lambert Vet Supply is a website to look at, and of course chewy, also there's Petwishpros, animaleo, 1-800-petmeds, Petco and PetSmart, and other pet stores.

There is also a product called a lickimat which could be helpful, as cats can be calmed by the process of licking. The LickiMat - Food Puzzles for Cats

This discussion's post talks about some other products;
Calming Treats For A Very Picky Cat

In addition, it could be beneficial if when he is at your grandparents that MusicForCats . com, the app Relax My Cat or classical harp music is played.

Also, perhaps you could consider more playtime, and taking him for walks.

Do you have cat trees? Both upright and horizontal scratchers? My apologies if you mentioned these already.

How To Make Your Home Bigger (at Least For Your Cats)

19 Best Interactive Cat Toys: Your Ultimate List (2019) | Heavy.com

21 Best Cat Toys: Your Ultimate List (2019) | Heavy.com

Home - the Ripple Rug

Food Puzzles for Cats

The LickiMat - Food Puzzles for Cats

Favorite Cat Toys

17 Best Toys For Lazy Cats

Furballsmom said:

I'm a bit confused, I am unclear why you are referencing the times when he's with you.

Your subject/title indicated the problem is when Prince is elsewhere. --By the way, is your grandfather ok? You obviously don't want a repeat of that happening.

With that said, these products are over-the-counter available without a prescription.

Only Natural Pet has a product called Just Relax Calming spray with essential oil (catnip oil).

There's this one, be sure and scroll all the way down the page;
Bach Flower Remedies - Rescue Remedy Pets Dogs Cats Horses Birds

Richard's Organics Pet Calm-this one is drops that you put on the tip of the tongue. Also, Quiet Moments Cat treats, and there is Calming Care, Calm-o-mile, Sentry, Natures Miracle calming spray, Vetri-Science's Composure is another item to look at, Pet Remedy (it has valerian) is yet another, as is Essential Pet Pet-ease, Only Natural Pet (brand and website) has other calming products, Pet Naturals also has one I believe.

Also Thunderease has diffusers as does Sentry, Comfort Zone and feliway, although diffusers are expensive and not always an answer.

Lambert Vet Supply is a website to look at, and of course chewy, also there's Petwishpros, animaleo, 1-800-petmeds, Petco and PetSmart, and other pet stores.

There is also a product called a lickimat which could be helpful, as cats can be calmed by the process of licking. The LickiMat - Food Puzzles for Cats

This discussion's post talks about some other products;
Calming Treats For A Very Picky Cat

In addition, it could be beneficial if when he is at your grandparents that MusicForCats . com, the app Relax My Cat or classical harp music is played.

Also, perhaps you could consider more playtime, and taking him for walks.

Do you have cat trees? Both upright and horizontal scratchers? My apologies if you mentioned these already.

How To Make Your Home Bigger (at Least For Your Cats)

19 Best Interactive Cat Toys: Your Ultimate List (2019) | Heavy.com

21 Best Cat Toys: Your Ultimate List (2019) | Heavy.com

Home - the Ripple Rug

Food Puzzles for Cats

The LickiMat - Food Puzzles for Cats

Favorite Cat Toys

17 Best Toys For Lazy Cats

Click to expand...

So much to respond to....Yes, I'm sorry for any confusion. The subject title references a time in which he is away from the house but the reason I indicate the times he is with me is just to elaborate and explain more of his situation; to try and help understand that he is behaving in a certain way when he is outside of the apartment (such as my grandparents or my veterinarian) and when I am not there...The reason I am referencing those times he is with me is just to help create more of an understanding, so that you know that he is not always acting in a certain way. Dr. Rowe noted the importance of this as well, saying that there's a clear difference between him acting this way out of his element and only then versus if he is actually having problems at home too. He has no trouble at home, perfectly calm and willing to be petted while also seeking attention at times.


My grandfather is well, thankfully, and of course he doesn't seem fazed. He just seems more concerned that Prince might actually attack me as he gets older, which I don't think would happen. Grandma is the one that doesn't love animals and she doesn't interact with either of the cats (which actually means Nikita is drawn to her, lol) so I'm kind of glad about that because she can get into worse shape over an injury of any sort than Grandpa. The only reason Grandpa got hurt was because he apparently reached to pet Prince, who, for the first time, went ballistic. Dr. Rowe asked if Prince ended up chasing him or anything, but he didn't. As far as I know, from what Grandpa told me, Prince got him on the hand and left him alone once Grandpa moved away. Prince didn't pursue him or anything,

I've had the Sentry calming collar on him for about a month, but likeI told Dr. Rowe and she seemed to agree, it's not much use if he has no problems at home.


I've got plenty of trees/posts, like the one in that picture, but those aren't at my grandparents' place. I still think the issue is just socialization. He hasn't been over to see my grandparents that often, certainly not as much as Nikita has (Grandma constantly talks about how Prince will get into things and knock things over while Nikita does not, so I stopped taking him as a result). I feel like I should visit my grandparents more frequently and take Prince along to try and get him used to that environment.

Sort of I wonder if I should take him alone; but at the same time I feel like it would be more of a benefit to take Nikita along if I take him just so he has the familiarity of her presence.

Nature9000 said:

Sort of I wonder if I should take him alone; but at the same time I feel like it would be more of a benefit to take Nikita along if I take him just so he has the familiarity of her presence.

Click to expand...

How about both ways?

The only thing I can think of that may help keep him calm at your grandparents house is if you bring all his favorite things (blanket, toy, bed, pillow...) that smell heavily like him and a few things that smell like you (unwashed t-shirt, used pillow case) when you take him over there. At least he could then have a safe room/space that is "all his" but has familiarity with your scent also, that could help the transition and stay when you are out of town.
If all he did was swat then leave your grandpa alone when he pulled back, that's good. He was letting your grandpa know to leave him alone and grandpa listened. This is where training humans is just as important (or even more so) as animals. I'm sure if he were to be left alone (from hands on attention) and only played with (wand toy - no hands), fed, given treats (from a distance) your little tiger should keep his wild side to himself.
The aggression he shows when out of his element is based on fear, he's not being mean or bad, he's scared and unsure of his surroundings, so the more familiar you can make it the better.
As for the aggression he shows at the vet, that's not uncommon and most vets should know this and it should not be a concern. All the smells from so many animals, people, and so on, would be overwhelming to a creature of habit who prefers stability and familiarity, as most cats do.

How does he do travelling in the car? in a carrier?