Our 5 year old male cat has recently attacked my husband twice; once when husband was having coffee at the kitchen bar, and tonight when he was asleep in his recliner. This is an indoor/outdoor cat that we rescued from a wild situation, tamed and had neutered. The attack tonight was really bad, with deep claw tears in the upper and lower arms. This cat has a female sibling that we rescued at the same time. They are both friendly with us, like attention, but don't like to be held or cuddled; they come and go as they feel safe. When company comes, they do not like to be near.

As soon as possible, I would take the cat to a vet for an evaluation. There may be something healthwise going on. Rule that out first. And mention the attack to the vet.

Had the cat been watching another cat or a wild animal outdoors (through a window)? I'm thinking displaced aggression.