Cat has become attacking bitey nightmare!

[MrsFilthPacket]

He's always been a placid lump, a lap cat, will slump next to you on the sofa for a nice tummy rub. I've always been his "human" - he sleeps either on top of me or next to me, and has to touch me. In the past two days he has become a hissing bitey nightmare - I can't sit down on the sofa without him attacking me. He has savaged my arm with his claws and teeth and looks a bit mad, with a snarling face, or with his tongue sticking out.

I've no idea what has brought about this change in behaviour. He was yowly when we came back from holiday, I put him on some "calm" cat food, and the yowling stopped and he settled down, back to his usual self. Now he is miaowing to himself and savaging me, but the yowling has stopped. Any idea what has brought on this change in behaviour, please?

[MuggaTea]

Has anything chanfed in the house? Visitors etc? Perhaps he is in pain? Might be a trip to the vet.

[LadyMoth]

Is he a ginger tabby? I've heard they can go like this.

I'd take him to the vet to check if he's ill or has a problem, like splinter stuck somewhere.

[Weedsnseeds1]

Maybe he is in pain for some reason? Vet check as PP suggested. Even if he's annoyed at you for going on holiday, this normally takes the form of the "cold shoulder" rather than physical violence!

[bikerlou]

He's definitely ill, cats like that don't suddenly just attack. My last cat to do that turned out to be in great pain with cancer so please get your cat checked out.

[Lanaorana1]

He's ill and it's hurting him. Vet, I would.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Vet, definitely.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I agree with previous posters, please get him checked out. My cat has always been bitey and scratchy but as it's a definate change in behaviour it could mean he's in pain.

Good luck, let us know how he is.

[MrsFilthPacket]

Thanks - will sort out a vet visit asap.

[RubbishMantra]

YY, he's in pain - something's not right with him.

He needs a vet appointment, ASAP. Ask for blood/urine tests (vet can extract urine) to be done while you're there if they can't diagnose immediately - It may be something as simple as he got into a cat fight, and has a painful abscess.

Saves more stress for your poor boy, rather than multiple visits to the vet.

And bring a fresh poo sample if possible.

[daimbar]

Definitely Vet. It could be something serious like a brain tumour that's needs swift attention.

[OhTheRoses]

How old is he? Cat's get dementia

[MrsFilthPacket]

He's 7. I think too young for dementia. Will see if vet can see him in the morning.

[Botanicbaby]

Hope he's ok & nothing serious.

I would agree sounds like he's in pain.