Thread: Help! Aggression problem

Oh boy how upsetting for everyone,this all seems to tie in with the age {4yrs} when you look to these cats to reach maturity so seems as if for some reason he has started wanting to show his dominance,become top "person" but whatever could have sparked that off,sometimes it can be something very small that you wouldn't even class as significant so is hard to think "oh yes" that could have beeen it,perhaps take him back to basics,as he is obviously an inside cat try the feliway plug in diffuser or capsules such as zylkene {threy are herbal so don't put "real" drugs into him} just to see if it will help calm him into becoming more of his natural self, you can't pull back or show you are frightened because that gives him more side to being boss over you. I think I would try starting off with the plug in treat the situation as normal as possible even though it might mean ignoring some of the bad bits no response means nothing to act up to & keep everything crossed that he will ease out again,he could just be bored with life & needs a bit more active play get him something like a laser light that you can run him around with & give him proper play times during the day,might even be better for him to be put into a cattery when grandmother is away too more constructive for him & once again breaking the "you are invading my space" syndrome....
Very best of luck with the problem & I am sure there will be more suggestions winging your way & although it may not be an overnight fix do hope we will get an update sometime to say a nice boy is back...x

An aggressive MC... that's rare.
You could try searching the internet for tips. Type "cat behaviour" or "cat behavioural problems", etc. into Google and I'm sure you'll find much information.
Good luck!

Personally speaking I would treat him like a naughty child, TIME OUT, if he is misbehaving then put him in another room for a while till he cools his heels, I also have a water pistol , if any of mine have a hissy fit with any of the others I send a jet of water hurtling at them, over the years it has proved brilliant in stopping all sorts of UN-wanted behaviour, and best of all the cats don't connect it to me, I now only need to pick it up and shake it to send them off in different directions.
It sounds to me like you grans cat is trying to be Alpha dominant, it will be hard but she MUST stamp it out otherwise things will get worse.
It might be an idea that when visitors come he goes to another room, just till she gets him sorted.
Lets be honest these are large cats and could do some serious damage.

Originally Posted by cjacinte

The vet's recommendation, as well as that of his breeder, was that my grandmother should get a kitten so that he'll have company and a playmate. While this sounds like a good idea, it's not possible.

This sounds really upsetting for the people and the poor cat too - I've never heard of an aggressive Coonie. Not sure if I picked up correctly from your post but is your grandmother's boy alone a lot? I don't think they cope well with solitude. Hope you find the answers you need.

Originally Posted by Carol ann

Personally speaking I would treat him like a naughty child, TIME OUT, if he is misbehaving then put him in another room for a while till he cools his heels, I also have a water pistol , if any of mine have a hissy fit with any of the others I send a jet of water hurtling at them, over the years it has proved brilliant in stopping all sorts of UN-wanted behaviour, and best of all the cats don't connect it to me, I now only need to pick it up and shake it to send them off in different directions.
It sounds to me like you grans cat is trying to be Alpha dominant, it will be hard but she MUST stamp it out otherwise things will get worse.
It might be an idea that when visitors come he goes to another room, just till she gets him sorted.
Lets be honest these are large cats and could do some serious damage.

I thought of time out as well but not knowing the age etc of lady concerened could be a bit difficult,I had to do that with a girl of mine & it worked well but the first few times having to scruff a hissing snarling scratching cat & get it somewhere else was rather difficult & a male woud be harder still due to the extra weight,I also use the water squirter if required now I have quite a few cats find it as you do a lot easier way of stopping anything getting out of hand & again as you only have to pick it up but again a bit difficult if the cat is attacking you from behind,no warning sounds to make you aware of what is going to happen.I used to have several water bottles all over the house so one was within easy reach but down to just the one in the sitting room now & pleased to say it doesn't have to be used too often.....

Thank you all so much for the excellent suggestions! They are definitely ones that my grandmother can put into practice, and I'll pass them along. And no, her cat is rarely left alone - it's just been during the rare need for a petsitter that this behavior started to manifest itself. It makes sense that he feels the need to defend his territory, but definitely not something we want to continue or escalate...

Thank you, again!!