Unprooked premeditated nightly cat attacks

My husband, daughter and I have two cats (brother and sister) that have been with us since they were six weeks old. They are now almost 4. They are well-loved by all three of us.

All of a sudden, the female cat (that has always been the soft-hearted one) has started to launch premeditated, unprovoked nightly attacks on me. I am the one that is home the most and have always been very close to them. During the day, everything's completely normal, but in the last week, she has attacked me three times: she wait until we go to bed (spends most of the evening on our laps purring) and watches me intensely. Only me. Then walks onto the bed as if ready to pounce. I try to let her under the blankets, but he shies away. She comes back 6 to 7 times and then decides to attack me. This all happens while I am trying to fall asleep, but am not sleeping yet.

She sits on the night stand and just stares at my face from a 10 inch distance. It is not the REM-sleep eyemovement thing I read about, since I don't even get to that part. She seems to deliberately, carefully plan the attack, and when she finally attacks, it is paired with loud aggresssive hissing, screaming and serious biting and scratching. She tries to go for my eyes, and already got me good once, at 1/2" from my left eye.  

I love her dearly and will of course take her to the vet asap, but I am pretty convinced she is not in pain. This has to do wit sth between me and her. Regrettably, I have no clue what. Nothing is different than last year. Nothing has happened etc etc. And again: during the day she is her sweet little self.

Please tell me what to do to help her.

Erik

[lindasp62]

This is very strange....and dangerous for you!!!! Perhaps she is seeing something in your face at night....something with the darkness or bad lighting....making you look attackable!?!?!  Perhaps if you left a light on in a corner...or put a night light near you?  Maybe she would see differently?  Can you switch sides of the bed?

Have you taken her to the vet yet?  Please let me know...it is curious!!!!!!!!!!

[marissposa]

I know this is out on a limb and I'm a bit skeptical too, but have you tried a pet communicator (psychic)  or an animal pyschologist.   If you run out of other ideas, it may be worth investigating, as it really does not sound medical, but like a social problem. Have you changed your routine,  had less time for her, or have a new household member.?  Is she getting enough stimulation, like interactive play.
Good luck!

[Savas]

I'm hoping this person comes back and lets us know if I was right in guessing she might be pregnant (other post of hers). It would be a mixed blessing...a bundle of joy on the way...and an angry cat because of it. :)