Forum Topic

Aggressive cat

A white cat with tabby patches has recently attacked four other cats, including our own, in the area around Roman Road, Bedford Park, by biting them near the tail area. One cat has now been bitten twice. The cat does not wear a collar.  If this cat belongs to you, please can you consider keeping it indoors as it has already caused the death of one of these animals when the bite, which was undetectable, became infected. We have called the RSPCA and are waiting for them to respond.

Diana Davis ● 1740d12 Comments

Having had a cat who was bitten in the same way, Diana, I put a few posters up and - thankfully - the owner got in contact. All very cordial, and the 'bitey' cat was subsequently neutered. Its behaviour changed (almost overnight).

Dave Smith ● 1740d

Possibly feral?

Vanessa Smith ● 1740d

Thank you, maybe we should try that!  Best wishes, Diana

Diana Davis ● 1740d

Dave, you're brilliant! I spend practically all my waking hours trying to persuade people to get their cat neutered at 5 months old.  Once they're 7 months old they can cause no end of trouble, the expense of having injured cats patched up is enormous.  So, once again, well done Dave.😻😻👍👍

Juliet Hogg ● 1740d

Possibly or abandoned and hungry.

Diana Davis ● 1740d

Just to let you know that I rescued the cat 4 years ago. He is neutered and has worming and flea treatment. He is permanently out of doors because he won’t come indoors. He is not hungry he has 2 meals a day. I have discussed him with neighbours. There are 2 options which are being looked into by HAWS. At the moment he has a companion which is a large beautiful ginger cat , I don’t know who that belongs to. He has also had quite severe injuries but survived without any infections. I will keep you informed. He has a large black spot and no ears !

Maureen Yakoubi ● 1739d

"He has a large black spot and no ears!" Reminds me a bit of a chap who used to be in the form above me at school, always wondered what happened to him...

Brian Joseph Coyle ● 1738d

Neutering is not a blanket solution for aggression in cats (or dogs) but it will prevent territorial marking.Aggression in cats is complex and is frequently seen in play, during fear, due to over-stimulation (including contact with humans), maternally (defending kittens), territorially, when cats are in pain, when they are establishing status and when re-directed including to humans.Territorial aggression won't necessarily diminish with a reduction in hormones, although it is socially responsible to neuter cats.Although some cats manage well when kept indoors, confining a cat to restrict unwanted behaviour is likely to cause more problems than it solves, especially for the cat.

Charlotte Kasner ● 1737d

Our Diva is frequently nipping us - and particularly likes to wrap herself around my ankles and bite, she will also sit quite nicely between us then give one of us a bite - often drawing some blood before taking off. Apparently she was like that with her former owner, she's neutered and spoiled rotten and we've just come to the conclusion she feels she is far superior to us mere humans, who obviously need keeping in check.

Vanessa Smith ● 1737d

The problem is that this particular cat is causing injury to neighbouring cats who have all had to be taken to the vet for courses of antibiotics and kept indoors until their injuries heal. One cat has been attacked twice. So it isn't just an affectionate nip - different league altogether unfortunately.

Diana Davis ● 1726d

Dear Maureen,I am not sure if it is the same one (I didn't notice whether the cat had ears or not as it is usually too far away and runs off when it sees anyone) - but if it is, thank you for keeping me informed. This is serious. All the cats are bitten on their rear flank by the tail area, presumably while they are trying to run away - vets' bills are high and one cat has died. I do hope you can solve the problem as you are clearly trying to do. Thank you.

Diana Davis ● 1726d

Vanessa, when a cat attacks your ankles it's through 'fear'. During its very early years it would have been treated badly in some way, probably teased. Some people think that  teasing is fun but don't realise that the cat sees it as aggression.Diane,find the owner, get the cat neutered (can be done FOC)and he'll stop his aggression, I guarantee it!!!

Juliet Hogg ● 1726d