My cat attacked my husband for no reason

by Debbie
(Chino, Ca)

I found a 2 month old kitten he's a little wild. He will let me get close enough to pick him up. I know it will take more time for him to trust. My question is I have 3 other cats I have rescued and they are all good babies ranging from 1-2 years old. My husband picked up the new kitten and I guess he startled him and the kitten began to hiss and and try to get away out of fear as this was happening our older cat came and actually attacked my husband. Our older cat actually was hissing and scratching and tried to bite my husband. I'm actually shocked because this cat only loves my husband will only lay with him, kisses him every morning I mean just follows him around. So I don't understand what happened? Maybe you can help us with this.

Thank you
Debbie

Answer by Kate
Hi
yes this is a common response. basically what has happened is that the noise of the kitten hissing etc has frightened your older cat. when a cat gets frightened there instinct is to attack no matter what its sort of an automatic response. However what they attack is often not the actual cause of the fear its just the nearest thing to the cat, they sort of blame their fear on that person or other animal regardless. It is called aggression trauma.

Your cat should calm down after awhile and as long as your husband allows the cat to come to him rather than the other way round the bonds should be rebuilt soon.

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/new-cat.html

best wishes Kate

---