random cat aggression

[carpool]

We have recently (about a month ago) taken in a cat (about 13 -14 we think) which had belonged to an old friend of DH who was in a care home. The cat originally lived with DF at his home and was allowed to go into the care home with him about 9 yrs ago. DF unfortunately died at the end of November and we took cat to live with us. We used to have our own cat but sadly he had to be pts in May as had cancer. Cat has lived with his owner pretty much in one room, only being taken out occasionally by the carers to visit the resident's lounge. Not unnaturally the cat was very scared to begin with but we got a Feliway and the pet remedy spray and she seemed to gradually settle. We have been keeping her pretty much in the kitchen most of the time (have a large kitchen diner so able to have litter tray and food in there separately) but have been leaving the kitchen door open during the day so she can explore at her own pace. Then one day completely out of the blue she started growling and hissing and ran at DH and clawed his leg. It took a few hours before she calmed down again. Then all was well again until Boxing Day morning when she did it again as he went to empty her litter tray. Then this morning again her litter tray needed emptying and she started growling and hissing. Later on this afternoon we were in the sitting room and she was out in the hall when DH got up to out to the loo and she got upset at him again, growling, hissing and threatening to attack. She then ran into the kitchen so we left her in there for the afternoon on her own and by the time we had to get dinner ready she seemed to have got over it again. We really don't know what to do now as we don't know even if this is normal behaviour for her or something new. Our old boy was a big softie who didn't have an aggressive bone in his body so we are just not used to this. We also have young grandchildren who visit and I wouldn't trust her in the same room as them currently which isn't sustainable. What do you experienced cat owners think? Is this just settling in issues which will abate in time (and if so how much time?) or should we take her to the vet or do you have any other suggestions?

I'm not for a moment suggesting your husband has been rough with the cat, but could he have accidentally hurt, mishandled or scared it?

That would be my first thought. Combined with the huge changes in its life and and the disruption of Christmas, it could explain this behaviour.

Sudden aggression also always warrants a vet appointment for signs of injury or illness, so please make one asap.

When did the cat first lash out?

Two thoughts:

Can/do any outside cats see into the house? If so that's a mahoosive stressor and redirected aggression against household cats/dogs/humans is a really common reaction to intimidation by strange cats

The cat is old enough that osteoarthritis is more likely than not. Painful animals are less able to cope with stressors or change. If that cat turned up on my consult table, I'd give it a good look over and then probably trial pain meds anyway.

When was the last time this cat saw a vet?

To answer a few questions: no, I am sure my husband didn't accidentally hurt or scare the cat. He and our old boy were best buddies and he is a very kind and gentle person. I think if anything he tries too hard to be friends with her when maybe she isn't the kind of cat that wants as much attention. She doesn't seem as bad with me but maybe that's because most of the carers at the home were women or because I tend to leave her alone more and just keep talking to her.

Part of the problem we have is that we have no idea if this is new behaviour or not.

Regarding other cats I don't think she could see any outside unless she looked out of the windows. She does sometimes sit by the back door which has glass panels but she wouldn't have a very good view of the garden from there and she hasn't been sitting on the kitchen windowsill much. She hasn't spent much time in other rooms yet as is still getting used to being in a whole house.

I am not sure when she last saw the vet but she had regular vet visits when in the home as per their rules. I think a vet visit is going to be the way to go once we get into the New Year. (always assuming we can actually get her into her cat carrier!)

A few thoughts to try?

Sometimes cats can be prone to being scared of men more. Don't think anyone really knows the reason why but theories of heavier, louder footsteps, being taller and women's voices being more in tune with cat sounds, rather than men's deeper and often booming ones.

But, rehomed (you guys are the tops!) at end of November for a very scared is next to no time to get used to a new home, all your noises, routines and smells will be threatening and intimidating for an already nervous cat that's been through a lot. People visiting over xmas and you guys out at a different routine too will be wobbly times for her.

I'd suggest hubby spend a few weeks just ignoring her. Sit down on the floor at quieter times and let her come to him and you and just stroke once or twice.. maybe have some small bits of cooked chicken. Some, many in fact, cats find repetitive stroking in the same spot irritating and will also make the grumpier ones lash out. Stroking in slightly different places is a good thing! And of course, cats prefer those who do not stare. If hubby looks, ask him to slow blink then look away, it's less intimidating.

Please make sure she has somewhere, a couple of spots where she can hide. Get a tall cat tree and a box type bed, and never approach her in those while gaining trust because those will be her safe spots while feeling overwhelmed. If she attacks hubby again, it would be best if he gently leaves the room. No waving arms or shouting, even though for sure would've hurt.

Play is a good way to create a bond but I think that may be best in a few weeks if she plays at all at her age, or chose a very gentle game.

Good luck! Am sure she'll get there.