Frank is trying to attack me again

[megarot]

Frank is trying to attack me. This has been going on for 3 hours...

When I came home today he pooped on the floor. I picked him up and told him very sternly NO! then I put him out of the bathroom while I cleaned up the mess. When I opened the door and came back outside I nearly tripped over him almost injuring both him and myself. Since then he's gone into crazy super defense mode. He's hissing and trying to attack my every move.

For awhile he was under the bed and I got him out from under there using a soft voice and coaxing him and he actually came and sat on my lap and we 'reconciled' for a little over an hour. As soon as I needed to get up he ran under the chair and he's freaking out again. I initially wanted to leave my apartment but he's not 'letting' me past him without trying lunge at me when I get too close. If I try to go past him it's going to result in a confrontation and he will be at the loosing end but if he bites me.

So if anyone is listening right now - I could use some advice. If I lock him in my closet or bathroom then I'm not going to be able to get to my clothes or use the bathroom so I really have no where to seclude him while he works this out.

I will not have my animal choose where I go in my home and threaten me like he has.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Have you tried to fold up a newspaper, just 2 or 3 pages and
lightly pop his butt, and say NO. Maybe this will work???
If it does always stick to it and he will know when you get the
paper, he better be a good boy. But, don't play with him with the paper
or he will think it's a game. I haven't had these problems. I have a girl
and I don't know much about boys. But, I think if this is going to work
it would for male or female. Sorry you are having such a time.
How old is he? Also, have you ever used a water bottle to
squirt him??

 

[English Dave]

I'd be reaching for a plant sprayer or water pistol and giving him a pretty good soaking every time he went for me.

 

[Nofuratu]

How long have you had this cat?
Is he neutered?
Has he done this before?
I would be very worried If I had a cat for years and then suddenly he started attacking me out of the blue for no reason....
unless you smell like another cat.....
the water bottle is a good idea.

 

[admin]

Sorry I did not see this thread last night Megarot, I have heard of this one other time, it turned out to be the cat was ill. Once under a bit more control, see the vet ASAP. Hope all is well by now.

 

[Boonecat]

Gee, I've never heard of such behavior from a cat. I'd have to say a squirt from a water bottle is your best defense. Maybe you should take Frank to the vet to rule out any medical conditons if this behavior continues. Or perhaps buy 1 of those calming collars. Not sure if they work, because I've never used 1, but its worth a try.
Please let us know how Frank is doing.

 

[megarot]

This is the craziest thing...

No the newspaper will not work. In fact the advice I took from someone else on here is what escalated the problem. I was told when I cat does this to stand up tall and say NO! and clap your hands. This only served to aggravate him more and he reaaaaallllllyyy got upset. So I did it a few times and he just became completely out of control.

So last night he would hide under the bed or the table and if I came near him while he was being threatened he would hiss and scream as loud as he could and jump out at me if I got too close. But after the initial stand off I had got him to come from under the bed. We cuddled for an hour and reconciled. Then he went off on me again while I was petting him. Then he calms down again and he came and sat next to me on the couch. This time I didn't pet him, I just allowed him to sit next to me. Last night he even came and crawled into bed and slept with me. We woke up this morning on good terms and he was all cuddley and sweet. Then I go to get his food. I walk out of the kitchen with his food in hand while he runs ahead of me - like he does every morning - to the area I set it down. Because I was following him he flipped out and starting hissing and screaming again and went under the bed. I just went past him anyway and set down the food.

It's like if I make a move that is not good to him then he thinks he can flip out on me. But the point is he becomes so uncontrollable and hysterical that I would not put it past him to bite me.

So in answer to some other questions - Frank has been with me for 3 months. He's a neutered 3 year old rescue. He has done this to me one other time but not NEARLY the length of time that this is going on. He got freaked out when my phone vibrated from a call while he was in my bed and went hysterical on me then and came at me. I say he came at me because while he is being defensive he's also the aggressor. He runs at me and will not back down.

I'll try the water bottle but I don't know how much that's going to help. Even if it prevents him from coming at me this jekll and hyde routine is so emotionally draining for me that I don't think I want to do this any longer. I'm considering getting rid of him if this behavior does not end by this weekend. He's already been flip flopping his behavior since 5:30 on Friday.

 

[megarot]

Also, he has not been ill whatsoever. If he won't allow me to move past him without him going crazy on me then I don't see how he will be agreeable to allow me to putting him inside a carrier - which he hates.

Oh and btw at the moment since the last food incident now he's fine - he plops himself down next to me again on the couch as I type this out.

 

[Boonecat]

This is the craziest thing...

No the newspaper will not work. In fact the advice I took from someone else on here is what escalated the problem. I was told when I cat does this to stand up tall and say NO! and clap your hands. This only served to aggravate him more and he reaaaaallllllyyy got upset. So I did it a few times and he just became completely out of control.

So last night he would hide under the bed or the table and if I came near him while he was being threatened he would hiss and scream as loud as he could and jump out at me if I got too close. But after the initial stand off I had got him to come from under the bed. We cuddled for an hour and reconciled. Then he went off on me again while I was petting him. Then he calms down again and he came and sat next to me on the couch. This time I didn't pet him, I just allowed him to sit next to me. Last night he even came and crawled into bed and slept with me. We woke up this morning on good terms and he was all cuddley and sweet. Then I go to get his food. I walk out of the kitchen with his food in hand while he runs ahead of me - like he does every morning - to the area I set it down. Because I was following him he flipped out and starting hissing and screaming again and went under the bed. I just went past him anyway and set down the food.

It's like if I make a move that is not good to him then he thinks he can flip out on me. But the point is he becomes so uncontrollable and hysterical that I would not put it past him to bite me.

So in answer to some other questions - Frank has been with me for 3 months. He's a neutered 3 year old rescue. He has done this to me one other time but not NEARLY the length of time that this is going on. He got freaked out when my phone vibrated from a call while he was in my bed and went hysterical on me then and came at me. I say he came at me because while he is being defensive he's also the aggressor. He runs at me and will not back down.

I'll try the water bottle but I don't know how much that's going to help. Even if it prevents him from coming at me this jekll and hyde routine is so emotionally draining for me that I don't think I want to do this any longer. I'm considering getting rid of him if this behavior does not end by this weekend. He's already been flip flopping his behavior since 5:30 on Friday.

Dang, this all sounds extremely odd. Maybe this behavior is why he was a rescue cat? I'd hate to think this but, maybe something in his brain isn't right? Call your local pet store to see if they carry those calming collars. Try it & keep the water bottle handy. There are also calming plug-ins too. You could put a few around your house. Keep us posted as well.

 

[Boonecat]

This is the craziest thing...

No the newspaper will not work. In fact the advice I took from someone else on here is what escalated the problem. I was told when I cat does this to stand up tall and say NO! and clap your hands. This only served to aggravate him more and he reaaaaallllllyyy got upset. So I did it a few times and he just became completely out of control.

So last night he would hide under the bed or the table and if I came near him while he was being threatened he would hiss and scream as loud as he could and jump out at me if I got too close. But after the initial stand off I had got him to come from under the bed. We cuddled for an hour and reconciled. Then he went off on me again while I was petting him. Then he calms down again and he came and sat next to me on the couch. This time I didn't pet him, I just allowed him to sit next to me. Last night he even came and crawled into bed and slept with me. We woke up this morning on good terms and he was all cuddley and sweet. Then I go to get his food. I walk out of the kitchen with his food in hand while he runs ahead of me - like he does every morning - to the area I set it down. Because I was following him he flipped out and starting hissing and screaming again and went under the bed. I just went past him anyway and set down the food.

It's like if I make a move that is not good to him then he thinks he can flip out on me. But the point is he becomes so uncontrollable and hysterical that I would not put it past him to bite me.

So in answer to some other questions - Frank has been with me for 3 months. He's a neutered 3 year old rescue. He has done this to me one other time but not NEARLY the length of time that this is going on. He got freaked out when my phone vibrated from a call while he was in my bed and went hysterical on me then and came at me. I say he came at me because while he is being defensive he's also the aggressor. He runs at me and will not back down.

I'll try the water bottle but I don't know how much that's going to help. Even if it prevents him from coming at me this jekll and hyde routine is so emotionally draining for me that I don't think I want to do this any longer. I'm considering getting rid of him if this behavior does not end by this weekend. He's already been flip flopping his behavior since 5:30 on Friday.

Petco has the collars.


SentryHC Good Behavior Calming Pheromone Cat Collar
•Helps reduce separation anxiety, excessive meowing, destructive behavior & inappropriate marking
•Sustained released pheromones are proven effective to last up to 30 days
•Fresh, soothing lavender chamomile fragrance
•For cats & kittens with necks up to 15"
•Non-toxic formula

 

[Gryffindor]

Wow...Sorry to hear about all of this. It sounds like he's had a bit of a traumatic past. Do you know his history and why the previous owner(s) had to give him up?

 

[megarot]

No I don't know his history. Perhaps he was badly mistreated. I yelled when I tripped over him. So between him nearly getting trampled and me yelling I guess that sent him into defense mode.

 

[megarot]

Boonecat - he chewed off the calming collar last time I put it on him.

 

[English Dave]

Have you tried one of the Feliway plug ins? I'm guessing you almost falling on him and then shouting has just tipped him over the edge and he's stressed out like crazy.

 

[megarot]

No I haven't tried the plug in. Again it's back and forth and back and forth.

I grabbed a spray bottle and when I spray him he gets back but it only aggravates him so many more levels more.

I feel like I'm at freaking battle with him. I'm so done. I cannot handle this and if anyone wants an insane cat, please feel free to come get him.

 

[English Dave]

No I haven't tried the plug in. Again it's back and forth and back and forth.

I grabbed a spray bottle and when I spray him he gets back but it only aggravates him so many more levels more.

I feel like I'm at freaking battle with him. I'm so done. I cannot handle this and if anyone wants an insane cat, please feel free to come get him.

Try the Feliway, my sisters calico was like Frank 24/7 until the vet suggested she try it, now she's a timid little love bug.

 

[megarot]

As I'm getting ready to leave for the pet store so I can purchase Feliway he keeps running from hiding spot to hiding spot and hissing at me.

I want to lock him in the bathroom/hallway area because I can't even move around my apartment freely. He was sitting on the couch so I walked into the kitchen, got his favorite treats so I can lure him into the hallway and lock him in there. I then walked back into the hallway and sprinkled some treats on the ground and called him. He walks up, sniffed the treats and starts hissing and screaming at me. Then he goes and hides under the bed. I have to walk past the bed to get out of the hallway so then he really flips his lid when I have to walk past the bed.

I live in a STUDIO!! I cannot avoid him and I cant even manage to lock him away because if I walk in his close vicinity he runs at me and begins hissing at me.

Earlier this morning he was sitting on the couch next to me and his blanket was on the floor so I grabbed his blanket to cover him up and when I put his blanket on him he begins hissing at me.

I feel like I'm living with a snake. I called the woman I adopted him from and she tells me to just give it more time to see if he calms down.

 

[Big Hoss]

I would just ignore him..He will stop. Cat are strange, you did something to set him off....

 

[admin]

The best thing to do is ignore him, do not look at him, if he charges or hisses look away as if "You treat me that way, i will not pay any attention to you!" with your arms crossed and looking the other way. Play this game for the weekend. Don't give into him, he just needs to learn who is boss and that you will not take that crap from him!

 

[lodisphynx]

sounds awful. My first thought was a health issue.....
all 4 feet declawed???? never heard of that - maybe previous owner did have issue...

There is a show on TLC "My Cat from Hell". This guy seems to be good -maybe he has a website via TLC that you could contact him? I think he is in California tho.....


There are some animals that just are psycho/brain issues. Frank could be one of those..... same as people....

I'd really try your vet on Monday.....

 

[wundrlust]

Poor Frank. Something terrible must have happen to him. I like Bach Flower Rescue remedy. It's a holistic remedy that works like a valum without the medical side effects. We've used it on all living things from us to plants, animlas, fish and what ever gets stressed out. It's wonderful stuff.

As for the water bottle...I dont think it's a good idea being we have to wash our babies and don't need to put the fear of water into them by using it as a control devise.

I think Frank is trying to tell you something. Try listening to him as a friend. an equal. Don't stand over him but get down on his level so ther is no power struggle. See if that helps.

 

[KitCatty]

There is a product called comfort zone feliway..... search for it online. It is a hormone spray that relaxes cats when they are stressed. You can also get it as a plug in. This is a much better source, I think because it will be constant, rather than spraying the stuff.....

 

[Nofuratu]

I would only use the spray water bottle as a way to protect yourself when he attatcks you, not as a punishment...that may make it worse.

I highly reccomend watching some of "my cat from hell" series. Its like the dog whisperer only for cats. He really goes a lot into feline behavior and how to help cats that are flipping out like yours. I think just watching the show for a few episodes may help you a great deal! I just discovered the show today because a sphynx was on it, and watched 5 episodes in a row. Its very helpful!!!

One thing that works well to calm a cat down, is to blink slowly at it and wait. Its some sort of cat language saying you are calm. If they blink slowly back then it means they are open for you to interact with them. So when he freaks out try a slow blink.

Does your place have a lot of places he can climb and survey everything from above? This is something that helps cats that are stressed out. They feel more confident if they can escape someplace up high and just watch. It sounds like he is underfoot a lot, when he should be climbing up above and perching.

Also, you said once he freaked out when you were petting him. Is it possible he is getting overstimulated? Try NOT petting along his whole body all the way to the butt, that overstimulates. Just do a head or chin scratch, or neck rub.

I wish I could help more....the feliway diffuser is also a good idea.

 

[megarot]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I've done almost everything but watch the cat whisperer episodes (I can only find 1 and 2 minute clips with no helpful tips).

It's been well over 48 hours and I've had Frank contained for several hours and he's been given lots of time to calm down and be totally alone. I've also placed a Feliway diffuser in the room he's in. He is still growling at me and I feel certain if I was to let him into the main part of the apartment he would run under the bed and would continue in the same aggression.

Considering after the amount of time that has gone by and that he is not acting any better, I do not want Frank in my home anymore. Unless there is someone who wants to take him then he will most likely be checked by the vet and if they do not find a physical issue with him he will be euthanized. The rescuer said that she doesn't feel she could place him in a new home in that condition and may have to do the same. If I took him to a shelter they would also euthanize him.

Unfortunately no one seems to believe me in the severity of his condition. The rescuer didn't really seem to believe me at first until I called her during one of his episodes and explained what he was doing and she could hear him screaming at me. This isn't a matter of ignoring him. He has attacked my legs several times and if he had claws I would be cut up and bloody no doubt. That's not something you 'ignore'. The next step for him would be to bite me and if that happens it's not going to be good because I don't want to hurt him in self defense.

 

[Sillysphynx24]

The Feliway plug ins take a full 28 days to reach maximum potency in your place. They do work great, but its not an immediate fix. When you take him to the vet, I would reccomend having them do a blood panel with a thyroid test. If he has an overactive thyroid it can cause a lot of behavioral issues. It is less likely in a 3 year old cat, but still something to rule out. Most cats that are hyperthyroid get aggitated very earily and also most of the time they eat ravenously. Its almost like they are on overdrive. Not treated, it can also lead to kidney probelms, heart problems. blood pressure problems and cancer. Also have the vet check his anal glands as something as simple as that can make some cats very upset. They can get full enough to where they can actually abcess out. If he has an anal gland impaction he may be feeling a almost pinching feeling back there and when he turns funny, he may think your the one hurting him. It can be very painful, and cats can lash out if in pain. Good luck!