Pet Information > ASK Experts > Cats > Cats > Extreme aggression towards me

Extreme aggression towards me

16:23:54

Question
Norman,
  I read the question "Aggression towards me" and your answer disturbed me very much.
'If, on the other hand, his ears are back and he is emitting that banshee shriek and does have a wild look in his eyes, take him back, he is, in truth on the attack and not playing!!!!!'
My cat is a little less than a year old, he is not neutered and is a purely indoor cat. Ive always been afraid that I played to rough with him when he was a kitten and as a result plays too roughly now. However recently(past month or so), he has been out-right attacking me. He goes right for my arm when Im laying on the bed or sitting on the couch, grips the skin on the back of my hand and digs in with all his claws..all the while making that banshee shriek. Even if i manage to pry him off and scold him, 5 minutes later he will attempt the same thing. I tried researching online what the cause might be and only came across that he may be in physical pain thats causing him to act out. Ive read to avoid trying to anthropomorphize animals, but i swear that it seems as if he is jealous or trying to get my attention. He does it when Im on the computer or watching tv, or when I am hanging out/talking to a friend. Is he bored from being inside all day and angry that I dont play with him more when I am home? Ive considered having him fixed to take away some of that testosterone and calm him down, but will that help? I want to avoid getting rid of him if i can. Can training stop this behavior? Thanks.
-Jason

Answer
Jason,

The key comment is that "he is not neutered".  Now is mating season and a non-neutered male a little less than a year old is like a high school student.  His behavior means thta he is trying to breed you!!!!!!!!

So, first off, get him neutered immediately.  After that, you and your vet can put him on hormone therapy, like megace, to get his testosterone to dissipate that much more quickly.

My guess is that will calm him down substantially!!!!!

You can also look at my answer on the other "Aggression" question that I answered for somw other tips which may be helpful, including using a Feliway diffuser.

Good luck and best regards... Norm.