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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Can/should I see about getting my cat to sleep as he keeps attacking people

104 replies

User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:33

Regular lurker, Name changed for this as I am embarrassed.

So I have a cat and he keeps attacking people to the point of I am embarrassed of his behaviour, I have had so many people knock on my door about him complaining.
He's half Bengal he seems to enjoy attacking people, His usual thing is to go up to people act really friendly rubbing himself against them then when they go to pet him he will lash out and attack them. (To be honest sometimes he will just attack anyway but that's his usual thing he does)
He's really menacing the way he does it, leads people into thinking he wants a pet and attention and I'm at the end of my tether with him. I have tried rehoming shelters but they are all booked up and tbh he is not rehomable as he is just too spiteful, he is 6 years old. he attacked a little girl today and it made me so cross and embarrassed.
He's attacked my friends son before too and my kids won't go near him because he's so vicious.
Any advice I would be greatful for. What can/should I do?

OP posts:
TheSpottedZebra · 30/08/2017 22:35

Keep him inside?

KeepCalmLadybird · 30/08/2017 22:36

Hi user, I had exactly the same problem with my cat! I ended up paying £200 to see a cat behaviourist 😱 His behaviours still isn't perfect but it's much better . I'm at work at the moment but if you pm me your email address I can send you some info I have? It is probably a fear thing, the behaviours it was so helpful and taught me things I didn't even think to look for x

Justchillaxing · 30/08/2017 22:36

Just keep him inside Hmm

KeepCalmLadybird · 30/08/2017 22:37

It's not spiteful behaviour he probably thinks he wants to be petted but then has a fear response x

Huffletuff · 30/08/2017 22:37

You'd seriously consider killing an animal because you won't keep him in/see a behaviourist?

BannedFromNarnia · 30/08/2017 22:38

Sign on the collar telling people not to stroke him?

User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:40

Zebra I couldn't keep him inside he's very much an outdoor cat he will howl and howl if I try and keep him in, Even when moving house I couldn't keep him indoors to let him get used to the house as he is very vocal.
Really keepcalm, Its so embarrassing I feel so bad for my neighbours :(

OP posts:
User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:41

He won't wear a collar he hates them and gets them off,

OP posts:
Orangebird69 · 30/08/2017 22:41

Have you spoken to a vet about it?

TheHungryDonkey · 30/08/2017 22:42

We had a cat years ago that used to attack. It was the most bizarre sight. He would jump up and down about five foot in the air with his four legs straight but at height would go for the face with his feet. I can't explain it properly but it was nasty. We had to keep him in for a bit to keep neighbours safe. He settled down eventually. I remember my mum having some kind of plug in thing which was supposed to release something into the air to help keep him calm.

grandOlejukeofYork · 30/08/2017 22:43

Sign on the collar telling people not to stroke him?

How are they going to read that uinless they are close enough to be attacked by it?

KeepCalmLadybird · 30/08/2017 22:43

Would you consider getting a behaviourist to come and see him? U normally need a referal from a vet and they aren't always as expensive as mine, your vet probably has a recommended one.

Or you could keep looking for a rescue centre and once there they would do work with him to ensure he could be rehomed.

I will send you all my info and advice of things to try but please don't have him put to sleep please try a few things first x

KeepCalmLadybird · 30/08/2017 22:44

Feliway, definitely get some feliway

User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:44

About his behaviour orangebird yes, They just laugh it off, I felt a bit silly.

OP posts:
Badhairday1001 · 30/08/2017 22:45

Male cats are definitely more grumpy and the Bengal will make him more temperamental. My friend had a similar problem and kept the cat inside and built a large run in the garden that he would spend time in each day. My cat is really grumpy and often stalks me and the kids
and attacks, especially if it's raining which puts him in an awful mood because he won't go out in it. We all love him though and I just squirt him with a water spray when he starts, it definitely helps to deter him. Is he neutered?

EMSMUM16 · 30/08/2017 22:46

Put a collar on him telling people not to touch. I don't think its 'spite' & no i really do not think it is a goid response to put him tp sleep. Try everything, a behaviourist as someone has mentioned previously & they have offered to advise on contacts. Take them up on it. My female cat bites when she wants attention. Something is not right for your cat, putting him to sleep is an extreme reaction & is not fair on him

User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:47

I don't want to have to have him put to sleep I didn't realise there were behavioural therapists for cats!, I will definately look into that!
Thanks keepcalm!!
I will Google this feliway stuff too! Thank you!!

OP posts:
User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:49

Yes we got him neutered years ago on advice it would calm him down as he was attacking a lot of the cats in the neighbourhood really badly. As well as people. :(

OP posts:
Juicyfruitloop · 30/08/2017 22:50

If your cat is not attacking you' I would keep him inside.

If it was a dog would any of the posters giving the OP a hard time except the same behaviour.

KeepCalmLadybird · 30/08/2017 22:50

User if you go to your vet (or go to a different one as it sounds like yours are shit!) they should give him the once over (to make sure he isn't ill and that's why he's doing it) and can then refer u. If you feel it's too expensive they can probably offer you some advice.

www.apbc.org.uk/help/regions

Columbine1 · 30/08/2017 22:51

I always thought Bengals were the loveliest, friendliest cats from those I've met - except to other cats...
But partner's boss claims to have been ambushed by his cat & bitten severely :) so I realise I'm quite lucky with my docile moggy

KeepCalmLadybird · 30/08/2017 22:51

The link above has registered behaviourists on

User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:51

As previously stated he won't wear a collar every time he has had one on he takes it off.

OP posts:
User9988 · 30/08/2017 22:53

Thanks so much keep calm!x really appreciate it!

OP posts:
Juicyfruitloop · 30/08/2017 22:54

He is vicious towards your kids. If he was mine he would have to go. No second thoughts.