Fear aggressive newly neutered stray male cat

Question
We saved a unneutered male cat with a bite on his leg 6 weeks ago. Had him neutered and medicated for infection and tested felv neg. first test.  We must keep him downstairs until the next 3 month felv test because senior cat upstairs is not inoculated.  He is very very lovable and then late afternoon he gets freaky and aggressive.  His fear seems to be the creaking floors above him as we walk around.  He climbs the poles and throws  himself against the wall in anger or fear.  We tried feliway and now he is worse.  We're waiting for the scent to go away.  Do you have any suggestions to get the loveable cat he is back.  He has bitten me 2 times in fright.  We cannot bring him upstairs until the next felv test in October.  Thank you.

Answer

Katie in cage Janet,

The cat is probably used to being outside in the evenings to hunt. A previously outside cat does not take well to being locked up.

I would speak to another vet about keeping the cat separated until his 2nd test. That sounds excessive.

You can get a cat cage/dog crate for under $100 at Petco and put the cat outside in it. That may make him happier. I am including a photo of the cage I use when I'm 'cat sitting'. It works out well.

For hunter type cats you need to re-create a hunting environment inside if they can't go outside. I get beef ribs from the grocery store and have the butcher cut them in half. The cats get the thrill of a 'fresh kill' plus the fibers in the meat helps clean their teeth.

I would get little stuffed furry white mice for him to 'catch' and pull a shoestring around to chase.

You can speak to a vet about giving the cat 'kitty Prozac'. It is commonly used to calm cats that are upset, stressed, or have emotional problems.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi