I am desperately seeking input on how to handle a very difficult situation with my cat.
- 5 yr old female cat - took on at approximately 10 weeks old from local shelter
- indoor only
- does not like to be pet on body - minimally will tolerate head petting
- pretty much only friendly when feeding time - wants to be fed
- when cats come to our screen door, my cat gets very agitated - growls etc - does not attempt to attack the cat (get through the door) nor has she attacked any person near her with this scenario - when she sees the cat. She winds up going under a bed for a while but continues to growl.
- when she hears a cat outside but cannot see it - when my door or windows are open and it's dark out, this is when she's attacked me - three times now. Once she bit me which became infected (May 2017) and the latest attacks I was able to keep her from biting me - by putting a large pillow between us and spraying her with water.
I've read about 'redirected aggression' and believe that's exactly what's going on here. Obviously I can't control the cats outside and since the first attack last May, I have kept my window's closed at night for fear of her attacking me. With the attack last week, I'm extremely frustrated and although I do love the cat, concerned about my safety therefore seeking options.
BTW, I did go to my vet after the first attack and he suggested either medicate/sedate her and/or try to trap the cat causing the agitation - call animal control. Neither of these options were acceptable to me.
I would be grateful for any advice.
- 5 yr old female cat - took on at approximately 10 weeks old from local shelter
- indoor only
- does not like to be pet on body - minimally will tolerate head petting
- pretty much only friendly when feeding time - wants to be fed
- when cats come to our screen door, my cat gets very agitated - growls etc - does not attempt to attack the cat (get through the door) nor has she attacked any person near her with this scenario - when she sees the cat. She winds up going under a bed for a while but continues to growl.
- when she hears a cat outside but cannot see it - when my door or windows are open and it's dark out, this is when she's attacked me - three times now. Once she bit me which became infected (May 2017) and the latest attacks I was able to keep her from biting me - by putting a large pillow between us and spraying her with water.
I've read about 'redirected aggression' and believe that's exactly what's going on here. Obviously I can't control the cats outside and since the first attack last May, I have kept my window's closed at night for fear of her attacking me. With the attack last week, I'm extremely frustrated and although I do love the cat, concerned about my safety therefore seeking options.
BTW, I did go to my vet after the first attack and he suggested either medicate/sedate her and/or try to trap the cat causing the agitation - call animal control. Neither of these options were acceptable to me.
I would be grateful for any advice.
