My adult cat is attacking guests

by Jackie
(Irvine, California)

My cat is nine years old and never attacked people before. Now all of sudden she has attacked two guests out of the blue. My daughter is pregnant and she attacked her boyfriend. We thought maybe she was protecting my daughter as her boyfriend accidentally hurt my daughter when he laid beside her and all of a sudden Sydney, nine year old female cat attacked him out of no where. Then a few months later my friend was over and telling me story. She got a little loud and again, my cat came running out of my room and started to attack her. I don't know what to do, we are going to be having a baby around here, I am little worried.

Answer by Kate

yes this sounds like trauma aggression. basically your cat has been frightened and she is reacting with aggression. this is a natural response to fear.

Normally the behavior subsides after a few days but if not a period confidence building is required and this involves restricting the cat into one room for a few days. this is not punishment but a way to allow the cat to calm down and to relax.

During this time make sure she gets regular visits , has plenty to play with to distract her etc.

best wishes Kate

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