Here we go again.....

[Higgens]

Is getting your cat declawed an option? At least you could minimize the damage if there were another episode.

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by Higgens

Is getting your cat declawed an option? At least you could minimize the damage if there were another episode.

That is one possible action we are considering. I'm also going to find a veterinarian and have him checked out very thoroughly.

[krustycat]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

That is one possible action we are considering. I'm also going to find a veterinarian and have him checked out very thoroughly.

please don't do that, it's better to give him in adoption.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[Antonmb]

Don,

I'm really sorry to her about your cat. I've experienced similar behavior before in a Russian Blue that we got from the humane society, but we always assumed it was the result of too much inbreeding. You mentioned that your cat had been feral, and from experience I've found that cats who have grown up in the wild can exhibit irremedial behavioral issues, including paranoia and aggression, sometimes the result of malnutrition, parasites or traumatizing incidents during their early life. Here's a link to an ASPCA site discussing cat behavior issues, including this except regarding redirected aggression. Given that there was a cat yowling outside the window this may be related:Aggression in Cats | ASPCA

"Redirected aggression is probably the most dangerous type of cat aggression because the bites are uninhibited and the attacks can be frightening and damaging. Unfortunately, it’s also a very common type of feline aggression. Redirected aggression occurs when a cat is aggressively aroused and agitated by an animal or person he can’t get at (because there’s a window between them, for example). Unable to get to the trigger of his agitation, he turns and lashes out at someone—person, dog or cat—who is nearby or who approaches him. There can be considerable delay between the initial arousal and the redirected aggression, as long as hours. This is why cat parents sometimes describe this kind of aggression as unprovoked or “out of the blue.” They weren’t even aware of the initial trigger (for example, a cat outside who passed by 30 minutes before the attack). A redirected attack occurs only if an agitated cat is approached or there’s someone close by. The cat won’t go looking for someone to attack! It’s not a malicious or even intentional type of aggression. It’s almost like a reflex, done automatically without thought. This is why it’s never a good idea to break up a cat fight or approach an agitated cat showing defensive or offensive aggression postures."

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Don, I'm really sorry to her about your cat. I've experienced similar behavior before in a Russian Blue that we got from the humane society, but we always assumed it was the result of too much inbreeding. You mentioned that your cat had been feral, and from experience I've found that cats who have grown up in the wild can exhibit irremedial behavioral issues, including paranoia and aggression, sometimes the result of malnutrition, parasites or traumatizing incidents during their early life. Here's a link to an ASPCA site discussing cat behavior issues, including this except regarding redirected aggression. Given that there was a cat yowling outside the window this may be related:Aggression in Cats | ASPCA "Redirected aggression is probably the most dangerous type of cat aggression because the bites are uninhibited and the attacks can be frightening and damaging. Unfortunately, it’s also a very common type of feline aggression. Redirected aggression occurs when a cat is aggressively aroused and agitated by an animal or person he can’t get at (because there’s a window between them, for example). Unable to get to the trigger of his agitation, he turns and lashes out at someone—person, dog or cat—who is nearby or who approaches him. There can be considerable delay between the initial arousal and the redirected aggression, as long as hours. This is why cat parents sometimes describe this kind of aggression as unprovoked or “out of the blue.” They weren’t even aware of the initial trigger (for example, a cat outside who passed by 30 minutes before the attack). A redirected attack occurs only if an agitated cat is approached or there’s someone close by. The cat won’t go looking for someone to attack! It’s not a malicious or even intentional type of aggression. It’s almost like a reflex, done automatically without thought. This is why it’s never a good idea to break up a cat fight or approach an agitated cat showing defensive or offensive aggression postures."

No other animal was outside at the time of the incident. All the noise was Smokey himself during the outburst. I think after considering the time just before the attack and his behavior as of late redirection might be the answer. We've been seeing what we think is a pregnant female outside from time to time. This, along with him being off the med's for several months may have caused the "perfect" storm. I will be speaking to a bet on Monday and may even consult and cat behaviorist. No matter what my wife's not ready to have him leave the home.

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by krustycat

please don't do that, it's better to give him in adoption. Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

It was just one thing that was being discussed. As for adoption Yolanda doesn't believe he'd be cared for well enough. The only thing I know for sure at this point is we're not giving up yet.

[Doug Lax]

This could be an option and the website said said they are in the bay area

The Cat Coach | Cat Behaviorist | Cat Training by Marilyn Krieger

[Antonmb]

Don, how are things going with Smokey, any update?

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Don, how are things going with Smokey, any update?

Tony, thanks for asking. Things are going fine and little by little Yolanda is feeling more confident. Both of us work days but I make a distinct effort to play with him. One thing's for certain we won't give up on him.

[Antonmb]

Glad to hear things are going well, and thanks for the update.