Why is my cat suddenly so mean?

[Helgand]

Basil is 5.6yo and has been fairly amenable all that time but suddenly in the last few days has lashed out at DD1 when she gently stroked him and has scratched my ankle twice for daring to walk past him. He has a sister who is the same as normal. Caught him having a spat with another cat across the road yesterday - I haven't seen any other cats around here for months so could it to be anything to do with having his territory challenged? Normally he loves me and just hates DH so I am really concerned that he has turned on me because I have always been his favourite. Why might this be happening and what can I do to make him feel happier? BTW DD1 is 3.0 and DD2 is 1.2 so have to sort this out quicksmart before one of them gets clawed nastily.

any time one of mine has behaved like that it's been because they've been in pain. can you get close enough to him to check him over?

Second pinktuplips.

If he had a fight or anything he may be hurt and not like being touched.

That's what I was going to say PT. I'd get him to the vets for a check over personally.

I think it is possibly that he is feeling poorly, or feeling threatened by the new cat on the block. I agree with getting him checked out by the vet.

Yep, I agree too. Get the vet to check him over, sounds as if he's been hurt.

I'm afraid I always found this with cats as well. If their personality changes, it's because they're sick. We always took in strays and often they became poorly with infections which are common in strays. The warning signs were always them getting narky.

Hope he's better soon. Vet visit prob in order for a check up.

Will try that - he is really small so it's not hard to pin him down even when he's in a foul mood. I've not noticed that he's off his food, staying in more or anything so although I don't think he is in pain, I am definitely going to give him a thorough medical now you've made that sensible suggestion.

Let us know how he gets on

Oops, x posts there - had only read pt when I replied - 6 of you all saying same thing speaks volumes. Thanks for all your advice, she says, wearing very long and thick trousers in preparation for next swipe!

I would say he's in pain from some wound. Poor thing.

how is basil now helgand? did you find out what was wrong with him?

Thanx for asking Pinktulips. He seems to be okay (she says nervously ...). DH and I checked him over - no adverse reactions to the examination, but did find a tiny bit of matted fur so wondered if there had been a small wound recently, but his skinned was fine. He seems to be back to his normal self, no further swipes and there have been a couple of times which could have triggered one according to his 'mean' rules iykwim. He has been really cuddly with me. I am keeping an open mind though and if there are any further instances of out of character behaviour I will take him to the vet.

thats good news, hopefully it was just something minor that he was being a bit oversensitive about