cat attacking

Question
QUESTION: I have a 4 or 5 year old cat (I know it's horrible I can't remember) that my mother and I have had since she was a kitten (less than 6 months I believe).  When we got her we had an older cat, about 12 at the time.  My mother incorrectly assumed the older cat, Ashley, was lonely after the move from a house to an apartment and going from being an outdoor cat to an indoor one.  So we got Chloe.  Chloe wanted to play with Ashley, but Ashley really didn't want to.  They never really fought, but Ashley did tell her when she had enough.  Other than that, both were extremely loving and affectionate.

A year ago we had to put Ashley down, and I could tell Chloe was depressed for a few weeks after that.  She eventually got over it and everything was fine.  About 3 months ago or so, she started attacking us.  My experience has been during petting or playing (with my hands).  Suddenly she'd just sink her claws in deep, bite, and scratch with her back claws.  I just can't tell when it's gone too far and she's done.  I don't see the signs.  My mother's experience has been unprovoked, she says.  

I don't know what's causing this or how to change it.  Can you provide some insight?

ANSWER: It's very possible she's taking a hard adjustment to coping with the loss of Ashley. I would first definitely suggest that you stop playing rough with her. This just antagonizes her rough play with you. I would also implement a scheduled playtime (with toys) along with scheduled relax time where there is no playing involved; only relaxing. The relax time is going to be difficult as I'm sure she's going to instinctively instigate the play mode. When she does this, ignore her instigations and continue calm petting or simply don't pay any attention to her at all. What we need to establish is for her to recognize when playtime is and when it's not. Just curious, how much time has gone by since you got Chloe- how old would that make her now?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you.  We got Chloe from an organization very shortly after she was weened from her mother and shortly after moving into our apartment - that was 6 years ago.  So that's why I think she's about 4 or 5.  I forgot to mention, she is spayed.

I've stopped playing with her with my hands and have been trying to use toys.  The problem is that she doesn't seem to want to play with the toys.  She had one with which we used to play fetch.  It's now lost and for the love of me I can't find it.  I'll throw other toys and she'll chase after it, but then that's it.  We also have the ones that are attached to plastic rods.  When I use those, I can see the play look in her eyes and watching it closely, but she doesn't go after it that much.  

The relax time is easy, she does that most of the time; whether it be while we're at work or home.  One final thing is my mom is once again on the kick of getting another cat.  She thinks this will help Chloe.  After what happened last time, I'm quite hesitant.  What are your thoughts on that?  If so, would it be wise to get a kitten or one close to her age?  Thanks again.

Answer
I agree with you. Getting another cat before the household is peaceful may only cause more drama. I will let you on a little secret when you do decide to bring in another cat- no matter what, cats are territorial and there will always be a transition time before there is final acceptance. I can't guarantee what may happen if you decide to get another cat right now, as every cat in every situation is different. What we need to focus on whether or not you bring another in, is Chloe still needs to figure out her role in the household. Meaning she understands what is expected of her.

It's okay if she doesn't want to play with toys, however stick with the no hands rule.