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Female Cat changes behavior

14:33:20

Question
Patches
Patches
I have four older cats, a dog and now six new kittens in my house.  The oldest cat, Patches, is actually the mother to the kittens and the other three older cats. So these cats have been around each other since their birth.

Patches is always a wonderful mother to her kittens, even to other stray kittens.

However, here lately she has been getting mean towards every animal and sometime toward me and my boyfriend. It started when she was pregnant with her last litter. She started growling and hissing at everything. She attacks my other animals and when I let her out she attacks the cats that live near by. So far I have yet to see her be that way with my nieces and nephew, she just avoids them. (Seeing how they rage from 7 years old to one year old, I can't say I blame her).

Her behavior is disturbing. I want my sweet cat back. I make time to play with her and pet her, but most of the time she wants to be alone.

I was never a cat person until she came along. I love her dearly but I can't allow her to attack other animals. What should I do?

Answer
Maria S.,

Have you had her checked for medical issues by your vet?  I would especially have the thyroid checked. When cats are in discomfort, they can exhibit these types of behaviors.  

Is she spayed?  Often spaying can help keep a female calmed down when she no longer has to deal with her hormones.

Please let me know what you find.

Best regards... Norm.