cat just attacked my face like a punch bag

[marchblues]

We inherited a neighbours cat a couple of years ago, he's a neutered male around 10 years old. We always thought he was a miserable street cat when we saw him around but since he's been with us he's the cuddliest cat we've ever met, constantly jumping on our laps to sleep and coming for cuddles etc.

This evening he walked onto my lap and I picked him up to lay him on his back (basically so he's cradled like a baby!) which we always do and he loves. He was moving his tail a bit so I made a comment to DH that it makes me nervous when he does that when cuddling as it seems like he's going to pounce (famous last words). He then put one paw on my chin (again, he does this all the time especially to DH) but I moved my head back a bit and made a bit of a 'mmmmmm' noise to try and get DH's attention as it made me feel a bit worried!

Next thing I know - it's all a bit of a blur - he's hissing and has leapt up in front of me and is attacked both sides of my face with his claws. It was terrifying if I am being honest - literally swiping at my temples with his claws like a punchbag. I have cuts all over my face and hands.

Does anyone know why he would have done this?

DH leapt up and shooed him out the room but he then sat in the other room hissing. We've now put him in the garden and I feel scared about being around him. I'm not naturally a cat person anyway and they have always made me feel a bit nervous, but we took him in and I thought I was overcoming my fears but now just don't want to be around him.

If if is out of character, he was 'spooked' by something. It may never happen again, i hope it doesn't, but I've had several cats and sometimes they behaved bizarrely.

@gamerchick

So are you going to take him to a vet? It doesn't sound as if he goes for MOTs.

You got your lugs boxed. Learn cat body language ASAP and wholly ignore garage person who also doesn't seem to know cat body language either.

Out of interest, can I ask what I have written that makes you assume he doesn't go for MOTs?

You dont mention how long you've had him and it doesn't sound like you've had much experience of cats so probably didn't pick up on warning signals in time. It can be hard enough for those of us who have always had cats. I agree that a vet visit is worth it and maybe some reading on cat behaviours. Cats protection league has some good web pages.

Out of interest, can I ask what I have written that makes you assume he doesn't go for MOTs?

Extrapolation. Have you made thst vets appointment?

He’s a cat, they don’t necessarily have to have a reason to lash out. Of course if it’s out of character he maybe in pain or he may just have been annoyed with being picked up and cradled?

My cats mega friendly but every so often he will randomly lash out, usually when I walk past him. He does love having his tummy rubbed on his terms but occasionally will go from being perfectly ok with it to not being ok with it. Sadly my cat has no tail so I can’t always judge how he’s feeling (no tail flicking) but the fact your cat was moving her tail was a warning sign to leave her alone.

I agree it could be pain. You'd never know in cats. I remember going to scoop up my cat who was the sweetest little thing and tolerant of everything. She growled like I've never heard in my life. When I let go I had blood on my hands. Silly we thing had got in a fight outside and come off a little worse for wear. Needed some stitches at the vet. She growled at my like a little demon.

Ignore people who are being pricks. Some people like to think they are animal whisperers 🙄

The truth is if he gets check up and he's not in any pain then he was probably just being a grumpy wee shit for no reason. Cats can be cunts sometimes. I've had them all my life and sometimes they just are wee arseholes.