Hi there, I have a male cat that is now one and a half years old. I have had him since he was 11 weeks old and had to hand feed him and spent lots of money at vet when we got him because he had been neglected and had terrible gastroentiritis. He has always been an affectionate cat, loveing cuddles in the morning and such. But within the past couple of weeks he has become quite aggresive - hissing at us when he doesn't want to do something and also doing this kind of deep growl. I've never seen him like this before! We have another cat - she is 4 years old, but we have had her for 6 months or so now and he seems to adore her. So don't think this is the problem. I am currently 6 months pregnant so obviously this is worrying behaviour! Any ideas?

AKaeTrue

Aggression can be caused by several different things. A few common ones that come to mind are:
1. He could be experiencing some kind of pain. The pain could become unbearable when picked up or held causing him to associate people as the cause of pain; therefor, the hissing and growling.
2. If your female cat has not been spayed, she could be in her heat cycle. This can cause mean and nasty behaviors in male cats. Also, male cats who are not neutered can become temperamental at times.
3) Has there been a change in his normal routine that might be upsetting him? Some cats are known to hold grudges - some get over it quickly, some never get over it, and some hold no grudges at all.
4. Has he had his yearly rabies shot?
Since the problem has persisted for more than a few days, have him examined by his vet again. If it's happening as a result of not being spayed/neutered, it would be advisable to look into having the procedures done before you have your baby. You want a happy cat by the time your baby arrives.
Let us know how things turn out.

Vicky_27

Hi,
Thanks for quick response. Female is spayed and male is castrated. No change in routine. And I live in the UK so they don't need rabies shots here. Definitely not in any pain.
Have started keeping them in during the day and letting them out at night - it tends to be evenings he gets grumpy, and over the past few days of doing that he seems happier. So far so good anyway!
I'll keep an eye on things though and let you know how things go. He's due his flu and leukemia shots so will have a word with vet then.
Thankyou again!!
Vicky

AKaeTrue

Thats good he's acting happier. Maybe he was just mad about something and now he's getting over it - cats are funny that way at times.
When I was growing up, my childhood cat would get really mad at me when I'd have friends sleep over because I wouldn't let her in my bedroom. She would hide at the corner of the hallway, jump out, and smack my legs and puff her tail up. LOL... But as soon as my friends were gone, she was sweet and lovable again.
Have a good one!!!

clvassallo

Get him neutered if he isn't.

doggie_poopie

Are there any indications of strays or roaming cats coming around outside before or after he gets upset? Do you move any plants in or out?

Vicky_27

He is already castrated. Do not move anything inside and out.