Cat attacks

[sharver2000]

I have a six year old neutered cat.  He has also been declawed.  I adopted him about 2 years ago.  He had a urinary infection and ear mites when I got him but he is now healthy.  He has never been aggressive with me, in fact he is very affectionate but he hisses at my husband and sons.  He also attacks them unprovoked.  He howls and pounces, often when they are unaware he is even near them, say sitting in a living room chair reading a book.  My sons do not live with us, just visit.  He has attacked one of them while sleeping.  He has done this to my husband in the past but not recently.  My husband was a truck driver and was seldom home but is now retired and home daily and the attacks have increased in frequency.  He hasn't bit them but my husband is reaching the limit of his patience.  Any suggestions?

[sharver2000]

I checked out the link.  It gave me some ideas.  I'm willing to try anything that sounds reasonable.  I've grown attached the cat.  Thanks.

[sharver2000]

Thanks.  I'm willing to give the spirits a try.

[sharver2000]

My cat was declawed when I took him in.  I do not think he was well treated by his previous male owner. He has shown no signs of aggression to my daughter or grandkids.  They even lived here briefly with no problem.  I neglected to mention that I have another cat, about the same age, female, spayed, declawed, who was already a member of the household when he came.  They get along.

My men do not have other cats in their lives.  The cat can be distracted when we see him staring or wagging his tail and the attack is aborted but he often sneaks up on the poor victim.  We do let him into the bedroom because the room is unheated and it is beginning to get cold here.  This is a new development and so far, so good.  No attacks.  When my son stays we keep his door closed and will continue to do so.

The cats are not allowed outdoors although my husband is tempted to show the male the door.  He won't but sometimes he'd like to.  He thwarted an attack today by tossing about a yarn ball with the cat. I think that's a good sign.  

Thanks for the suggestions.

[CML2014]

Hi Sharver,

Was your cat declawed when you got him or have you since gotten him declawed?  Declawing a cat is traumatic for them. I am dead set against it, but each to their own. Cats will become more aggressive after this sometimes their personality totally changes. Declawing has taken away their sense of security at not being able to defend themselves or escape predators by climbing out of their way. So as Opus has said please do not give your cat up.

I think the problem may be that your cat is a male and he feels you are his property and sees your husband and son as competitors for your affection.
He will probably, in time , get accustomed to them being around and no threat to his security. Until then do not allow him in your bedroom at night, thus preventing late night surprise Ninja attacks on hubby

Also their could be a smell on your husband and son that is making him territorial. Does your son or husband have contacts with other cats?

Male cats are VERY territorial, and he has been used to being top cat with you. Now that your husband is home more he is not particularly happy sharing you, you little vixen, LOL!

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress, K?
CML

[aligator79]

I don't know if any of this works but Jackson Galaxy has a line of products called Spirit Essences.  I guess it's similar to essential oils for pets.  http://www.spiritessences.com/?Click=3511

[opus88]

I will include a link, gives some info on identifying aggression...however does not give much on how to treat this..I will keep searching. One thing you do need to do is get a Vet check up to be sure there is nothing medically wrong such as bad teeth or a UTI causing pain.

You can try using a feliway diffuser in the house, to help calm him...they are avail at Amazon

If all else fails before 'getting rid of the fella' and I sure hope you won't give up on him:( is medication to calm him down, I am generally not in favor of medicating an animal, but if it means him loosing his home than its worth a try. A Vet can help you there

https://ca.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AkWC.ZjWv_h_Qaspqj3Kg8ot17V_?p=youtube+assist+feeding+cats&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-715&fp=1