Neighbour's cat attacked me

[Thistledew]

I have known him almost 5 years since we moved in. I'm not sure how old he is but think he is getting on in years.

He has always seemed friendly and I have stroked him when he has been in my garden or out in the street.

Today, I went out into my garden and he came over to me. I said hello and stroked him a couple of times. I then tried to walk away and he came up again apparently fussing for attention and meowing. I ignored him and he bit me on the leg, hard enough to draw blood. This is the second time he has gone for me in similar circumstances but the first time he didn't make contact and I thought he was just playing.

I would appreciate advice as to how I should discourage him from approaching me. I don't want to frighten or upset him but equally I don't want to get bitten again.

I texted my neighbour to let her know but have had no response.

Avoid looking at him, turn away, do not touch him. However now he has done this it is likely he will do it again.
Keep a water spray handy and use it when he gets near you. Or a tin of small stones to shake if he looks like he is going to try.

If the skin is broken you need to wash immediately with soapy water/disinfectant. Keep an eye on it for swelling or any little red lines starting from the wound and get to the doctor as soon as you see any symptoms. Not trying to scare you but I have had this happen with my own cat, he will sneak up and bite me if something upsets him or he wants to play and ended up with an infection and antibiotics once.

Try hissing at him.

I would speak to your neighbour. Especially if there are any kids in the street who pet him. If he is getting on in years he may need a once over at the vets, could be a bad tooth or something else causing him pain and making him lash out.

Just a normal spray bottle will see him off. It won't scare him but he'll scamper off.

Do keep a close eye on the bite and dettol the hell out of it.