attacking cat

Question
Our 3yr old cat attacks my son's girlfriend. She has done nothing to provoke the cat. Whenever she comes over, as soon as she sees her she will hiss and growl. Sometimes running away, sometimes becoming confrontational. If any one of us are there, we can basically calm her down enough to have the girlfriend extend her hand for a sniff and we have even had her give treats to try and create a more positive association. If the cat catches her anywhere in the house without us.....well, blood has been drawn. Our cat is spayed and does not do this with anyone else. The poor girl is terrified! We don't want to have to give up the cat or the girlfriend! We love them both! Please help!

Answer
Okay, how long have you had the cat and how long has the girlfriend been in the picture? Think about anything, even minimal, that has happened from the start. The unfortunate thing about cats is the littlest thing can set them off- even the way the person looks or smells. And cats can also tell when a person may not be a "cat person."

Think specifically, at what point does the cat react- does the girlfriend start with a look or try to give attention- what point specifically does something trigger?

You are on the right track by trying to associate a positive atmosphere. But honestly, you really can't force a cat to behave differently or to accept. Have you tried simply having the girlfriend sit still without paying any direct attention to the cat? Basically having the cat make the first move. That is what I would do. For some reason the cat is very intimidated by her which means that we need to make her realize that the girlfriend is not the enemy.

Keep me posted on this and get to me with some more details. Thanks!