Mufasa has turned into a killer

[SuzeQuze]

My cat is attacking me suddenly. My roommate had another cat here for a while, Rambo, and they never got along. Mufasa was always afraid of him. Now that he is gone he is still paranoid. One thing that sets him off is if I wear pants that flow or move at all. He will see this and just attack, especially if I am coming out of the bathroom. Probably the combination of the noise and what he sees scares him.

His claws are really long though and his attacks are totally vicious. My legs are completely scratched up right now. I'm going to talk to his vet too but I was just wondering if any of you have any experience with calming down a cat. I can't have him doing this. It's really awful. It's also really heart-breaking, what happened to my little sweetie pie? :(

[BlackWidow]

My cat is attacking me suddenly. My roommate had another cat here for a while, Rambo, and they never got along. Mufasa was always afraid of him. Now that he is gone he is still paranoid. One thing that sets him off is if I wear pants that flow or move at all. He will see this and just attack, especially if I am coming out of the bathroom. Probably the combination of the noise and what he sees scares him.

His claws are really long though and his attacks are totally vicious. My legs are completely scratched up right now. I'm going to talk to his vet too but I was just wondering if any of you have any experience with calming down a cat. I can't have him doing this. It's really awful. It's also really heart-breaking, what happened to my little sweetie pie? :(

..sorry to hear that. I would talk to the Vet asap!!!

[amber]

The only thing I can think besides the effect of the other cat having been there is that my sweetie poo Spanky head got progressively crabbier over a period of months, and it turned out he had a respiratory infection during that time. As soon as I got him medicine and he felt better, he de-crabbed. He wasn't really attacking me, but he would growl at me and attack the other cats much more than usual, and he would hiss at everything and everyone. :shrug: I hope your cat is not sick, it sounds more like he is just spazzed out and nervous and paranoid.
Good luck, Suze.

[xdreamsunwindx]

I've had episodes where my cats went ape**** and just attacked me at random. It would go on for a while, and then they'd stop.. I don't understand what the deal was, but they sure were acting weird. I'd agree you should take him to the vet, see if there's anything going on. Maybe the heat is getting to him?

My cat, Stevie (don't ask), is three years old now, and she's been attacking me ever since. It's not like she's hurting me, she's just.. crazy. I think she was raised by wolves :laugh:

[JazmenFlowers]

my cat has also gone through bouts of random bitchslapping. sometimes she does nothing but lay around and sometimes she acts like Freddy Kreuger on me. it comes and goes.

[GODDESS6]

my cat has also gone through bouts of random bitchslapping. sometimes she does nothing but lay around and sometimes she acts like Freddy Kreuger on me. it comes and goes.

omg, your cat must be related to mine:nod:~ i was walking from the rest room the other day & she ran & clung to my bare leg, can you say YEEEOOOOOOWWWW!!!~

[SuzeQuze]

omg, your cat must be related to mine:nod:~ i was walking from the rest room the other day & she ran & clung to my bare leg, can you say YEEEOOOOOOWWWW!!!~

You guys should see my legs. I look like I've been battered. I have puncture marks all over my calves and a couple of long scratches. It is really bad! He's getting soft paws put on at the vet on Tues. I have started carrying a spray bottle of water around with me and spray his nose if he starts in on his hissing and growling. It won't be such a big deal once his claws are taken care of. It was never an issue, he has always been friendly like a dog almost, and he is 4! He's a bit old to suddenly become vicious. But it's from Rambo having lived here plus one time he snuck out and my roommate's brother in law tackled him and hurt him a bit. So now he's more scared of people.

Thanks everyone for your input. :wavey:

[camchristo]

Hey, Suze. Do you clip your Mufasa's nails? Just asking because if you've done it at all, you could put the Soft Claws on yourself. Two of our cats are not declawed and we put them on at home. It really only takes a few minutes. They work wonders.

Our mean cat, Coco, doesn't have any claws. She is limited to growling, hissing and huffing. I'm the only person who can touch her without objection. And she even bites me sometimes for no reason. She's nuts, but she's always been that way.

Hopefully Mufasa will calm down after more time away from Rambo. I guess you won't have to wonder if you should get another cat, huh?

Good Luck.

[BTFLCHLD]

sorry suze... in the meantime try not to close the bathroom door or wear loose clothing. Seems he is upset about that other cat, I would think. I have never had this happen to me, but I would imagine it is a horrible experience being scratched in such a way. I would do my best to ignore him...hard to do with him on attack-mode but seems it his way of seeking attention from you. Perhaps if he is ignored he will realize he won't be getting any...well realize that after he has ripped you to shred. I am glad that you are taking him to the vet as it may be something along the lines of what xdreams / amber mentioned. goodluck.

[SuzeQuze]

Hey, Suze. Do you clip your Mufasa's nails? Just asking because if you've done it at all, you could put the Soft Claws on yourself. Two of our cats are not declawed and we put them on at home. It really only takes a few minutes. They work wonders.

Our mean cat, Coco, doesn't have any claws. She is limited to growling, hissing and huffing. I'm the only person who can touch her without objection. And she even bites me sometimes for no reason. She's nuts, but she's always been that way.

Hopefully Mufasa will calm down after more time away from Rambo. I guess you won't have to wonder if you should get another cat, huh?

Good Luck.

I'm afraid to clip his nails so I'm just having the vet do it and put the soft paws on for me. At some point in the future maybe I can cut them myself. Mufy has been calm the past couple of days. The last trigger seems to be him sneaking out, I tried to catch him and he got spooked and went after me. So I let him be and come in on his own time. But he continued to attack me randomly over the next few days. I am carrying a squirt bottle around with me now though. One squirt and he runs away. Tomorrow is his appointment so no worries after that.

[SuzeQuze]

sorry suze... in the meantime try not to close the bathroom door or wear loose clothing. Seems he is upset about that other cat, I would think. I have never had this happen to me, but I would imagine it is a horrible experience being scratched in such a way. I would do my best to ignore him...hard to do with him on attack-mode but seems it his way of seeking attention from you. Perhaps if he is ignored he will realize he won't be getting any...well realize that after he has ripped you to shred. I am glad that you are taking him to the vet as it may be something along the lines of what xdreams / amber mentioned. goodluck.

Yeah exactly. Well he comes into the bathroom with me. It was horrible since he can make me bleed so much and do so much damage. Very scary. I got him a new toy too so he can get out aggression/stimulation on it. He was also put in a room by himself for quite a while the other night and I think he got the message.

[rbs3676]

he is 4! He's a bit old to suddenly become vicious. But it's from Rambo having lived here plus one time he snuck out and my roommate's brother in law tackled him and hurt him a bit. So now he's more scared of people.

I think that pretty much says it all, dont you?

I feel badly for your cat. He is reacting to what you have put him through.

rbs

[SuzeQuze]

I think that pretty much says it all, dont you?

I feel badly for your cat. He is reacting to what you have put him through.

rbs

Ouch. Thanks for the sympathy. He's treated very well.

On edit: This has really been bugging me for some reason so I'm going to go ahead and defend myself. I love my cat more than anything. Rambo came here because my roommate rescued him when his owner, her uncle, died. We had no way of knowing he would insist on being the alpha cat. She brought him back to the shelter. Her brother in law grabbed Mufasa because he was running around and I live on a very busy, 2 lane street. He scared him more than hurt him. He's really quick and sneaky and can get through my legs really easily if I am going outside with something in my hands or something. Now I just let Mufasa come back in when he's ready and pray and pray he's not hurt. Anyway, I do the best I can.

[skcin]

Boo has been acting strangely, but just a bit jumpy & quick little scratches, no clawing or attacking. Oh, she's suddenly started watching TV too. :shrug:

[SuzeQuze]

Boo has been acting strangely, but just a bit jumpy & quick little scratches, no clawing or attacking. Oh, she's suddenly started watching TV too. :shrug:

He gets that twitchy thing sometimes too. He's been very good the past couple of days.

[madformac]

I think that pretty much says it all, dont you?


Yeah I do. But about you. Was there any need for that? :shrug:

This has really been bugging me for some reason so I'm going to go ahead and defend myself. I love my cat more than anything. Rambo came here because my roommate rescued him when his owner, her uncle, died. We had no way of knowing he would insist on being the alpha cat. She brought him back to the shelter. Her brother in law grabbed Mufasa because he was running around and I live on a very busy, 2 lane street. He scared him more than hurt him. He's really quick and sneaky and can get through my legs really easily if I am going outside with something in my hands or something. Now I just let Mufasa come back in when he's ready and pray and pray he's not hurt. Anyway, I do the best I can.

I know how you treat your cat and I've seen the affection between the two of you. There is absolutely no reason for his behaviour to be related to how you treat him. I would have to say there are many possible reasons, Rambo/ dominance issues, chemical imbalance, medication side effects, even the seasons. Has he been neutered? If yes was it done properly? Male cats without it are pretty fierce after 3 years of age.

Whatever it is, it's certainly not through bad treatment. :):wavey:

[SuzeQuze]

Whoever I spoke with about the vet putting on soft paws was mistaken because they don't do that. So Mufasa doesn't have them but he's been pretty well behaved this week. Just pointing the squirt bottle at him stops him from being nasty now. He hates the water that much. But I can often redirect him just by crouching down and patting him. Something about my shins sets him off, like he has PTSD or something. So I'm doing my best to keep his life stress-free. He's not allowed on the porch for a while since that seems to trigger him. He seems very happy. He was a really bad boy at the vet though. But he's been a sweetie since coming home. I know it's impossible but I keep thinking he saw the kitties in cages and thought he'd better behave or Mom will put him in one. :lol:

Thanks again for your input on this.

[irishgrl]

Whoever I spoke with about the vet putting on soft paws was mistaken because they don't do that. So Mufasa doesn't have them but he's been pretty well behaved this week. Just pointing the squirt bottle at him stops him from being nasty now. He hates the water that much. But I can often redirect him just by crouching down and patting him. Something about my shins sets him off, like he has PTSD or something. So I'm doing my best to keep his life stress-free. He's not allowed on the porch for a while since that seems to trigger him. He seems very happy. He was a really bad boy at the vet though. But he's been a sweetie since coming home. I know it's impossible but I keep thinking he saw the kitties in cages and thought he'd better behave or Mom will put him in one. :lol:

Thanks again for your input on this.
Cats ARE pretty smart after all :nod:

[golden braid]

Whoever I spoke with about the vet putting on soft paws was mistaken because they don't do that. So Mufasa doesn't have them but he's been pretty well behaved this week.

At my vet's office they do put on soft paws and I had them put them on my kitty once. The soft paws worked well and stayed on really well for a month I think and then they slowly started falling off. I haven't had them put on again because my kitty is good about not scratching but if I did need them again I don't think I could put them on myself. My kitty is too wiggly for me but behaves really well at the vet's.

I'm glad Mufasa is at least behaving more normally this week. :)

[SuzeQuze]

At my vet's office they do put on soft paws and I had them put them on my kitty once. The soft paws worked well and stayed on really well for a month I think and then they slowly started falling off. I haven't had them put on again because my kitty is good about not scratching but if I did need them again I don't think I could put them on myself. My kitty is too wiggly for me but behaves really well at the vet's.

I'm glad Mufasa is at least behaving more normally this week. :)

Thanks, he attacked me right after I made that post. :lol: I think they do put the soft paws on at Angell but the vets don't do it. I could never get them on him. The vet suggested I try clipping a claw here and there so they are at least no longer dagger-like. We'll see if I can get away with that.

[BTFLCHLD]

Thanks, he attacked me right after I made that post. :lol: I think they do put the soft paws on at Angell but the vets don't do it. I could never get them on him. The vet suggested I try clipping a claw here and there so they are at least no longer dagger-like. We'll see if I can get away with that. omg suze if he is still attacking you, you will be hard pressed to get him to be still while clipping his nails. whatever you do, when you try, be sure to be fully clothed in heavy jeans, two sweatshirts or some sort of heavy, thick, long-sleeved top, and gloves. Try to do it at a time when he is lovey...if there is a time he is like that anymore...or sleepy. if you can, have someone well clothed hold him while you well clothed clip them. goodluck.

[JazmenFlowers]

all of our cats have decided they are pissed and they aren't going to take it anymore. maybe it's that time of the month for kitties worldwide. :shrug:

mine is still acting like a biotch too so I know how you feel Suze.

[SuzeQuze]

all of our cats have decided they are pissed and they aren't going to take it anymore. maybe it's that time of the month for kitties worldwide. :shrug:

mine is still acting like a biotch too so I know how you feel Suze.

Thanks, those little buggers! :laugh: I look like I've been bitten by a dozen vampires on my calves and shins.

[gldstwmn]

Maybe he needs a little girl kitty to nurture and play with?

[Kelly]

I have been reading this thread, following Mufasa's progress. I swear to God, I JUST got up from my computer and by cat bitch slapped me. He never does that, unless he is hungry. ;) He is laying on the ground next to me and as soon as I stood up he smacked me on the calf, with his claws out. WTF??? He totally impaled my leg and I have two punctures. Holy crap. I think there must be a full moon or something, because all these sweet puddy's are acting nuts. :o He usually only gets irritated when his bowl is empty, or has only a few nuggets of food left. He prefers to have a full bowl. :laugh: This is totally out of the norm for him as he is usually very mellow and lazy.

I hope Mufasa gets over the trama of having another cat invade the house soon!

[JazmenFlowers]

^^^
I know, right?

my cat used my leg as a launching pad and then had the nerve to beg for a marshmallow out of my bowl of Lucky Charms. of course I gave in.

[SuzeQuze]

I have been reading this thread, following Mufasa's progress. I swear to God, I JUST got up from my computer and by cat bitch slapped me. He never does that, unless he is hungry. ;) He is laying on the ground next to me and as soon as I stood up he smacked me on the calf, with his claws out. WTF??? He totally impaled my leg and I have two punctures. Holy crap. I think there must be a full moon or something, because all these sweet puddy's are acting nuts. :o He usually only gets irritated when his bowl is empty, or has only a few nuggets of food left. He prefers to have a full bowl. :laugh: This is totally out of the norm for him as he is usually very mellow and lazy.

I hope Mufasa gets over the trama of having another cat invade the house soon!

That is so weird! That's exactly what he's been doing. Except pre water bottle he would not stop until I could run away and get in another room. Maybe it's something in the air. :eek:

And Chris, I think he will get a little sis soon. My roommate is moving out and he is going to miss her so much, he needs a companion! I think he'll be fine with a kitten since she won't terrorize him or try to be alpha kitty. Well, hmm, we'll see about that. I did have a kitten once take over but my cat Izzy was very skittish. I'll wait a bit though and see if he calms down.

[SuzeQuze]

Well I never did get a kitten because it just seemed like too much to take on at the time. But ever since my roommate moved out Mufasa has been better behaved. She used to tease him too much. And he hasn't attacked me for a long time. He still is skittish once in a while but I have spent a lot of time reassuring him and such so I think he's feeling pretty safe again.