Sudden Aggression Problem

[SterlingsMom]

Hey everyone!
Took me a while but I finally found a willing volunteer to help me take a video of Sterlings behavior. This is how he acts when anyone he does not know tries to touch him. He will not seek anyone out to stalk or surprise attack, his aggression is only triggered when someone who is unfamiliar to him tries to pet him. As you can see in the video, he becomes quite vocal and will turn around to bite.

This behavior could not be further from how loving and sweet he is to myself and anyone who is his family. I am not sure what is going on, but it makes me so sad that not many people get to see the amazing boy that I do :cry:

For some background, he will be a year old November 5th, he was neutered at 3 months and has a clean bill of health. He eats, drinks and uses the liter box normally.

Anyone have any idea why he is so upset? What can I do to make this better?

VIDEO:


Thank you guys!

 

[Toa and Ross]

@SterlingsMom As I see it Sterling is being clear on a nice way: I don't want to be pet by a stranger! He stays kind, doesn't really bite, just asks the person to stop petting on a way that's normal for a cat. My girl Jade does the same with strange people. I always tell my friends that they have to leave Jade alone. They can talk to her and if she comes to them (if they're patient and come by often enough she does so) they can pet her.
I can understand you want to show people how loving and sweet Sterling is. I have the same with Jade. She doesn't even want to be cuddled by me when strangers are around. So I just let her and know it's a secret between her and me that's she actually a cuddle bear.

 

[GoldHazel]

@SterlingsMom if he was never like this before, it makes me wonder if something happened to make him like this. Maybe even something you are not aware of?

Has anyone...a cat sitter or anyone been alone with him for any amount of time (even 5 minutes or less)? Had he been to the vet's office without your presence being in the room?

Also, have you tried the Feliway diffuser in your home (many of them plugged in throughout your home)?

 

[Catzzzmeow]

His behavior does not really alarm me. Many people have cats that disappear when company comes. I think it is great Sterling still wants to be out and about when company comes. I would be more concerned if he was going after people if they were not touching him. He probably has gained confidence and knows what he likes and what he doesn't or as @GoldHazel mentioned some interaction with someone might have caused it.

Patti

Patti

 

[GoldHazel]

I can't view the video until my kitties' bedtime. I don't want to get them alarmed at any cat sounds.

I have one sphynx that will hide when new ppl come over. If I find him and pick him up, he gets very tense and nervous. I don't make a fuss about it, there is no aggression towards anyone though. The others will be greeting new ppl as soon as they hear the doorbell ring.

 

[SterlingsMom]

@Toa and Ross, I agree, he is saying 'stop it' in a nice way for a cat. He will more so just threaten to bite and become vocal, rather than actually hurt anyone. I am just confused as to why. This is a fairly recent behavior, within the last few months. When he was younger, I had company over quite often and he would always let my guests pet and love on him. It seems like no matter how often he sees someone, they remain a "stranger". A friend has been staying with me for more than two weeks and Sterling still has a problem with him (he was the one petting him in the video).

If he does not want to be pet by strangers, that will be okay, I just wish I knew exactly what is causing this sudden behavior.
Personality? Age? Insecurity? Territorial aggression?

Just like Jade, Sterling is sweet to me and I guess that is all that matters :happy:

Thank you for your reply!

 

[SterlingsMom]

@GoldHazel, this 'stranger danger' is a recent development over the last several months. Nothing sticks out in my mind that could have caused this. Due to school, Sterling stays with my parents two nights a week. My parents absolutely love and adore him! Anyone who has ever been alone with him I have trusted to treat him well. My vet did take him into the back room to microchip him, but again, I completely trust her. I do not think any sort of interaction with a stranger has been negative.

Thanks for bringing up some great points! I do have a Feliway diffuser in my home, and I am going to get one for my parents as well! :happy:

 

[SterlingsMom]

@Catzzzmeow, I am so glad he is not an ambusher!

"You can look but you cannot touch"-Sterling LOL

 

[GoldHazel]

@GoldHazel, this 'stranger danger' is a recent development over the last several months. Nothing sticks out in my mind that could have caused this. Due to school, Sterling stays with my parents two nights a week. My parents absolutely love and adore him! Anyone who has ever been alone with him I have trusted to treat him well. My vet did take him into the back room to microchip him, but again, I completely trust her. I do not think any sort of interaction with a stranger has been negative.

Thanks for bringing up some great points! I do have a Feliway diffuser in my home, and I am going to get one for my parents as well! :happy:

@SterlingsMom I can't help but wonder now if your vet bringing Sterling to the back to microchip him was the culprit that started this sudden behavior. Microchipping a pet is painful and that's why the majority of the time, it's preferred to be done while the pet is under anesthesia for spay/neuter. It doesn't have to be that way, but it's preferred since a fat needle is used to inject the rice size chip in place.

Just training to brainstorm.

Whatever the case may be, I'm sorry about his behavior. It's so upsetting when you have a terrific, friendly pet and then something turns that around. Hugs!