Senior cat just really bit and scratched me hard, and I am surprisingly and unreasonably upset

[VexedofVirginiaWater]

My ginger girl is about 15 and she's always been a bit spicy, and yes, she sometimes has a little dab or a bite, but this was a serious go.

I was on the sofa on my laptop, and I had some things next to me - a headphones case, my kindle in its case, my phone etc, and she was sitting on them or scratching them etc and I was trying to retrieve them. I finally got the last item and was putting on the other side of me, when she pounced and really sank her teeth and claws in.

Have to admit I had a little cry - what could have made her do this? 😿

Probably pain. She's old. Big behavioural changes are usually medical, and at her age I'd say she's sore. It would be worth a vet trip to discuss as cats are very good at hiding pain.

Agree, get her checked out. It's sometimes the only way a cat can tell you she's feeling unwell. If she'll let you make a fuss of her, feed her favourite food.

I also agree she needs a vet check. Did she draw blood? Just cat bites can be nasty.

Thank you everyone, she seems as normal this morning but I will make her an appointment just to check.

Yes, probably pain - something like 80% of cats have arthritic changes by the age of 10 so at 15 I can almost guarantee that she needs to be on some kind of pain management.