Looking after neighbours cat, scratched me

[Lorrymum]

My neighbour is in Thailand for 2 weeks and asked me to feed family cat. I feel sorry for him, he has the run of the house but has to stay in for whole 2 weeks.
Today I went in and after he had greeted me and I stroked and fussed him,I put out food, water and cleaned litter tray he launched himself at my legs and scratched me quite badly through my jeans. I have had cats in the past and have to say I was quite shocked (scratch drew blood and really hurt!)
I will wear wellies tomorrow to protect my legs but I have no idea why he did it.
Second question, are cats raw fed? The owners left mince and raw chicken to feed him with (and dried food). Unfortunately they didn't think it through and the meat was on its use by date by Christmas Day so I have been just feeding dried food until I can get to shops tomorrow.

Thanks for all the input.
I have solved the mystery of him launching himself at me. He was after the cord dangling on my coat. My husband joined me yesterday and pointed it out!

Aww, he thought you'd worn it for him to play with!

We have a cat who swipes at your leg to communucate displeasure at the service she is receiving. It's stage 3 in her communication strategy after meowing at us and scratching the sofa.
She also bites to terminate any physical contact she is no longer happy with.
Its quite effective!

@Lorrymum

Thanks for all the input. I have solved the mystery of him launching himself at me. He was after the cord dangling on my coat. My husband joined me yesterday and pointed it out!

Ha brilliant! They can't resist anything dangly can they. No innuendo intended.

Keep an eye on the scratch cat scratches can turn nasty really quickly.

I agree with everyone else, the cat sounds bored and stressed.

He probably is bored and stressed but I have tried my best.