Cats on the attack!
By sjm1344
@sjm1344 (20)
United States
July 22, 2008 4:41pm CST
Awoke at 4:30 this morning to cat sounds I have NEVER heard before. We have three, and they are all indoor cats. They usually get along pretty well, just an occasional spat here and there. Today was something else, though. I think a neighbor's cat must have peeked in the winddow and that started the melee. The weirdest thing is that of the three cats, the most cuddly and the one that gets picked on the most by the other cats, is the one that has started attacking the other two. He even attacked our dog! I have tried all day to bring peace back, but Tyler is not having it. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? The youngest cat was brought in two years ago, and the other two ore six and five. The aggressor is the five year old. I'd appreciate any advice.
6 responses
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
23 Jul 08
oh dear that sounds really bad. i wonder what really riles Tyler? it seems that he is behaving totally out of character. i've never had my cats behave this way, even when there was once a cat burglar in my home. a cat stole into my home, probably attracted by the smell of cat food. could it be brought on by something else? something that makes Tyler feels very threatened? it might cause the behavioural change if it's that serious. cheers 
@sjm1344 (20)
• United States
24 Aug 08
Thanks everyone for commenting. A month has gone by now, and things are back to somewhat normal. Tyler is not attacking anyone anymore, and the other two cats are not leery of being around him. It took at least two weeks for that to happen, though. Our vet had suggested we try a sedative for Tyler if he didn't calm down, but thankfully he did before we resorted to that. Everyone has had their yearly physical and are all well. I appreciate everyone posting about this, I was frantic trying to figure out why my sweet natured cat would turn "killer."
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
25 Aug 08
so happy to hear that everything is fine now. Take care and give your cats a big hug for me ;)
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
22 Jul 08
I would suggest separating Tyler from the others until he calms down. Put a litter box, water, food, etc in a bedroom and close him in for awhile.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
23 Jul 08
Have you taken him to the vet? The weight gain then loss could be a lot of things. Could he have a thyroid problems? Has he had any seizures or be diabetic? If there is something like that medically wrong with him, that could be affecting his brain.
@sjm1344 (20)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Thanks for the suggestion. We've done that, and we're just in a wait and see pattern right now. I am really afraid that a switch has flipped in his brain. He already has this huge food obsession. He has been overweight for his first few years, and then a couple of months ago, he started losing some weight. Right now he's at a very good weight, and he's become more active. But when he wants to eat, he wants to eat right then, and he cannot be still until his face is in the bowl. I'm afraid we have another major issue on our hands. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
@whywiki (6066)
• Canada
22 Jul 08
I have two indoor cats that are sisters. They put up with each other most of the time. I think they are not much different than humans and some times family scraps the best. My cats go crazy when the neighbors cats come to the window. I think in time they will settle down again, at least I hope they do
@snowy22315 (180870)
• United States
22 Jul 08
I guess the cuddly kitty just had it. I dont know what you can do at this point since they've alredy been living together quite a while. Maybe try to give them their own space as much as possible so they dont have to share space would help.
I dont know this sounds like one for the animal experts.I dont know.
@mcat19 (1357)
• United States
22 Jul 08
It will pass. You are right about the outside cat starting it. It's called displaced aggression. They can't get the intruder, so will go after each other. My daughter has a brother and sister who do this. Just ignore them, they'll get over it.
I had a wonderful orange boy who would go totally berserk when an outside cat challenged his territory. He would even attack me, who was the one he loved more than anyone.
Good luck. If you have catnip, I would give it to everyone.
@sudalunts (5523)
• United States
22 Jul 08
I know the sound you are talking about. Every night when we go to bed, our Jakie, male cat desides to fight with Scootsie, our female. The sound she makes is heart wrenching, like someone is murdering her. My husband sleeps through it. When I get up Jake, knows that he is wrong and he will run where I can not get to him.
@sjm1344 (20)
• United States
22 Jul 08
Isn't it amazing what some people can sleep through? :) Do you think Jake claims the bed and occupants for himself, and that's why he attacks? I think we might try a another cat tree, to see if that will divert attention for awhile. Maybe that would work for your cute Scootsie, too. (Although I really dislike the look of cat trees, don't know about you.)
