Question:
I have just encountered the strangest behaviour in my cat. I was recently married and just moved my cat into my new house. My cat has met my husband & has bonded with him. My husband will play with him and feed him etc without any problems. Last nite as we were doing some work around the house, the cat came up to my husband and had a freak attack. He started to hiss and growl at him for no apparent reason. There was no previous 'bad' experience that would cause this type of behaviour - especially since an hour before this attack we were all wrapping gifts - the cat & my husband playing with the ribbons & paper together. Since the cat got agitated & would not stop hissing and growling at my husband I thought i would try to calm him - he hissed and growled at me. We left him alone all nite and thought that this morning things would be better. When I saw him this morning his behaviour was relatively normal towards me - but as soon as my husband looked at him or talked to him , he would begin hissing and growling and run away. I have never seen him react this severely to anyone before and since my husband works from home he is left with a very angry cat in a house all day.

ANy help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated & quick!!
Thanks

Lily

Answer:
Hi There,

I suspect that this behavior is related to the new house and the new move.

I think that the most important thing is for your husband to continue bonding with the cat. Maybe the best way to do this is for your husband to pet the cat frequently especially when the cat is napping or sleepy.

I also think that if your husband leaves a few of his items of clothing (with his scent on them) around the house and especially near where the cat likes to hang out most, the cat will get more used to his scent and him.What also might be useful is for your husband to give the cat some cat treats when the cat is good...and if your cat responds to catnip, then maybe have your husband put some on a pair of jeans that he is wearing.

In my opinion this whole episode is a territorial thing and it will go away in time.

Good luck

Ophelia

Answer: