Cat attacks wife for no reason?

Question

Sorry about the length of this post -

We have a cat that we adopted when he was a kitten, about 5 years ago - he was rescued from drowning, and may have been traumatized by that incident. He has always been extremely aggressive around strangers - we have to put him in the other room when people come over. His first time to the vet he scratched the nurse from elbow to wrist - she ended up needing stitches.

Anyway, within the last six months or so, he has started randomly attacking my wife for no apparent reason. Sometimes it is because she startles him, but the last attack was while she was sleeping. And this isn't just aggressive play - he attacks very aggressively, screeching and clawing, leaving bruises and deep cuts up the side of her leg or down her arm.

After the attack he will go back to normal, and act like a normal, affectionate cat. The attacks are relatively rare, and have occured maybe three times over the last six months.

As far as know, there have been no changes to his environment, no new scents, no new shampoo brands, and no changes to the daily routine around the house. He only attacks my wife, and has never attacked me or our daughter. My wife has never hit him or anything like that, and when he isn't trying to put her in the hospital, he is affectionate with her.

Many sites recommend spray bottles and what not, but when he attacks, a spray bottle isn't going to phase him. It is an all-out, vicious attack - not play. The wife has had to physically run out of the room or hold him at bay with a blanket.

We don't want to get rid of him, so is there anything we can do about this?

kira k · Accepted Answer

1.Is he Siamese? Such kind of unpredictable behavior is quite typical for that breed.
2. Is he neutered? If not, such behavior is also typical for tom-cats. My mother's-in-law tom-cat, who just adored her, put her 3 times in the ER (stiches, etc.).
3. Monitor him - what can cause his agression towards your wife? May be she uses a perfume or cosmetics which scent he hates? For a cat scents are everywhere!  May be the reason is some definit kind of clothes she put on, or smth like that? May be she cooked some kind of food he never smelled?
4. Male cats can be very jealous! He can feel jealus about her - he has his own reasons. I read a lot of true stories about that.
Of course, you can buy some pills like "Quiet Cat" or stuff like that in your local pet store, and try to prevent the agression. But guys, seriously, it is time to visit a cat behavioral specialist - NOT to a simple vet! If you want to keep your cat in the household, and to feel safe, you have to go! They do miracles, really!
Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

I don't have an answer, but I wonder if our situations are similar. I have a cat around the same age, who also has kidney disease & a bit of arthritis in one elbow. He has always been a biter, (cranky, not abused) but lately the bites have taken on a vicious quality and often happen when I am asleep, the target usually being my wrist or ankle. Before I can get free, he bites deeper and deeper 2or 3 times, as if he is trying to break something's neck? I don't get it. I know he loves me. I'm guessing it is medical, though I dread calling the vet about this (the laws in my state sometimes require that a cat be euthanized for biting.) Does anyone know any reason why an otherwise happy cat would bite with such intensity? He is loved and respected--the only thing I can think of is that he probably would like to go out and kill mice, but I do keep his cat door shut at night, when the mice are active. Also, while it is possible that I accidentally touch his arthritic elbow in my sleep or move my foot in a provocative (to him) manner while asleep, this still wouldn't explain the savage type of bite he is giving me.

Tina C · Answer

If your cat or any pet has such a sudden and dramatic change like that, the first thing that comes to mind is a neurological issue.

You need to take your cat in to be checked, and keep him separate from people until then.


If this is the case, then no amount of 'discipline' will work, as it wont be his fault. And he probably has no control over it.

Good luck though...

new_bumble_bee · Answer

I agree 👍 with most answers though I'd like to add some Humour @ it's a mule / donkey  🐴 cat 😻

Punkin eater · Answer

I fully support bathing him, and then drowning him. 
Google youtube cat attacks owner, 
you are not alone

Eddy C · Answer

Does your wife bathes him? If she does maybe he thinks she's going to drown him.

M S · Answer

get rid of that cat. and, how can I ask you a question about Mark 10?

Sir Smartini · Answer

Your idea is hard to believe

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Cat attacks wife for no reason?

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