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kamryn_helm

What is wrong with my cat?

10 years ago

Okay, so every so often I give my cat tuna for a treat. He loves it, and he usually eats it all up. He sometimes leaves a little bit on the plate, but he always goes back for it after a little while. Yesterday, I gave him his last can and he took a sniff and just walked away, so I figured he didn't want it. So, I let our dog have it. Well, he came back into the room when she was finishing up and just started attacking her (smacking her and hissing and growling at her). He calmed down after a little while of being put in his room and then today I tried to give him some potted meat and he would growl at me while I was holding him and feeding him. He wouldn't eat it unless it was on my finger or I was holding the plate, but, he was growling at me at the same time. Why is he being like this all of a sudden? He's never done this before. Please help!

Comments (5)

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Kamryn, this and your previous post gives me the impression that you may not have had a lot of experience with cats - or at least having one living in your home. I assume you are keeping him confined - otherwise he'd be out sowing his wild oats and establishing his territory by fighting other males, and your question to us would be something more like " why does my cat disappear for days on end and come home with torn ears?"

    Back when most cats lived on farms or were free to roam, people didn't spay/neuter their pets as much.... but now we do, as a humane act - not only to prevent millions of unwanted cats from being euthanized every year but just so that they can live as pets confined in our homes without high levels of stress (for themselves or for us.)

    I would suggest that besides getting him neutered (what's holding that up???) please, please read up on cats and cat behavior - there is a lot of really good, science based information out there now, but way too much to sum up in a few paragraphs - a couple of good ones are " Cat Sense" & "the Cat Whisperer," & the ones by Pam Bennett Johnson arent too bad either.

    Anyone have any others? Beware of ones that aren't up to date or just say dumb stuff like " aren't cats mysterious" Well no, there's reasons generallywhy they do what they do.

    Cats have only been domesticated for 5,000 yrs and there is much about them that still is their wild, original nature. Thats why we love them, because they arent dogs and they have a bit of that wild cat still in them! By understanding them you will go along way towards creating a good, loving, mutually beneficial relationship.

    I cant really analyze this situation, since I don't have many details about this situation, but off the top of my head Ill just say if you are keeping him confined then Im not surprised he's acting out his frustration aggressively. At age 3-4, is when they reach whats called "social maturity" (sexual maturity of course happens much earlier) and thats when they are fighting for territory, establishing their position in the heirarchy. So again, no surprise there either, he's at the age where he's asserting himself .... and the sex drive his intensifying this.

    There is nothing "wrong" with him!!!! He is acting in a way that his feline nature and his hormones are compelling him to. My concern is that if you are punishing him, or even yelling at him or using an angry tone of voice for something that's not his fault... then it will only exacerbate the situation, and the longer it goes on the harder it will be to turn it around.

    Basically I guess Im saying what jim above did, but using more words .... and I hope a kinder, gentler tone of voice!

    Also, his food should be safe from being eaten by the dog - is there a place on countertop or can you create a higher place or block off a room with a baby gate. Perhaps there is a history between them that has come to a head. Sometimes we humans aren't picking up on the stressors that our animals are going through. He should have his own safe feeding place. Then, if you choose to give the dog the cats food then you take it and put it in the DOG's place.

    Im not understanding why you are holding him and feeding him at the same time. Perhaps he just decided he didn't like it - I know my cats would hate it! Again, best to feed in a safe, quiet place.

    Pls, talk to your vet, get the surgery done, read the books ..... and let us know how its going.

    Kamryn Helm thanked Debbie Downer
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    PS All counties have low cost spay/neuter programs. I know some people are funny about having their pet's manhood removed - if you are one of those people - dont worry he'll be just fine after the surgery. He will NOT be freaking out or thinking "OMG I hate you for having my balls removed". Its a minor surgery which heals fast. He'll act exactly the same, but then over the next few months youll see him start to mellow out.

    There is NOTHING cruel about this - what's cruel is 2 million unwanted cats killed every year for no good reason other than people not taking responsibility. Whats cruel is keeping a cat, male or female, from acting on strong biological urges, and then insisting there's something "wrong" with him for doing exactly what nature is intending him to do. (I once knew people that never bothered to get their female cat spayed, would just put her in a room and then yell at her for yowling - same kind of thing.)

    Sorry if that's blunt but you need to understand what's going on here. Best, Cath in WI

    Kamryn Helm thanked Debbie Downer
  • 10 years ago

    What the heck? Who in the world doesn't neuter their cat? Why have an un-altered cat? That poor cat is probably frustrated to death. Get him fixed and he'll stop his aggression.

  • 10 years ago

    Uh, no, actually people who keep cats in their home generally do spay or neuter. Youre lucky if he hasnt started spraying - that generally gets people motivated to get kitty to the vet.

    No, I dont know your situation, but I do know about your CAT's. You may see "rudeness" - I see people who care about cats in general, and your cat in particular... and are starting to get a little frustrated that you dont seem to be taking their/our advice to heart.

    As others have already said... you should be able to get this done for free or maybe $25 or so. Or arrange a payment plan with your vet. Neutering costs much less than spay-shouldn't be much over $100-150. Or ask family/friends that this be your holiday or birthday gift.

    ASPCA database of lowcost or free spay/neuter providers: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/low-cost-spayneuter-programs

    Humane society has additional info / suggestions including charitable orgs specifically to help people in financial distress : http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/tips/afford_spay_neuter.html

    Most shelters, vets, and animal advocates want to see people being able to care for their pets AND they will do what they can to help people do that. If you dont get help from one shelter or provider.... try another.

    Now that you have this information you'll be following through .... right?

  • 10 years ago

    Neutering may help yor cat.

    You asked for help, it became our business. I did not think you were "for real", I thought you were posting on the Internet for your amusement, e.g., trolling, cat fishing.

    Please understand, a pet has expenses above food.


    Google: economic euthanasia.