Cat question?

[Beth]

I know this is not a cat forum, and I don't know if any of you guys can help me out on this. But there is many an FOT cat owner out there, and maybe this has happened to your cats,

My cat, Stuart, who is about 2 1/2 years old, has started acting unusually aggressive. He was always the alpha-kitty, but lately, he has been dominating his brother much more than he used to--chasing him around, biting him, kicking him off the bed (this stuff all happened before, but not as frequently). He also howls to go outside a lot and makes a break for it every time I open the door. He's indoor, and has never really expressed any desire to get any closer to the outdoors than sitting in the window. I'm not comfortable letting him out either, because we have lots of coy dogs surrounding our house.
 
I have no idea what's up. Have anyone else's cat's had a sudden spell of aggression at around 2 years? I'm calling the vet tomorrow just to be safe, but I was curious if this was a common thing.

[Stan]

 Is he neutered, or not so much?

That might be a factor especially if there are local outdoor female cats in heat.

[KickTheBobo]

Bob Barker the lil ruffian.

[erika]

If he's not neutered, that's definitely the issue.

If he is, you should take him to the vet for sure because lots of times kitties get aggressive when they don't feel good.

I hope all is well...

[Andy]

When I spent my time out in Western Oklahoma, our cats got depressed and it manifested itself in some really weird ways.  Sprinkles got really agressive and her third eyelids would not completely open even when she opened her eyes all the way (they just hung out at about 30% open and she looked like a demon cat)

[Sarah]

I agree that there's likely a lovely lady sending off irresistible pheromones outside.  Even if he's neutered, he still might find this arousing (anyone who says neutering kills the reproductive urge is nuts).  But I agree with erika that, if he is neutered, you should probably take him to the vet, just to be sure there isn't some other reason for his behavior.  Not that a vet will necessarily be able to figure this out (I have as little faith in them as in their counterparts in the field of human medicine).

[Jason]

I could never keep a cat inside.

[John Junk]

I could never keep a cat inside.

Don't judge!

[erika]

I could never keep a cat inside.

I used to think the same thing. Growing up I had an indoor/outdoor kitty who lived to be 20 years old or so. But then I got Sasha when I was in college and living in the city, and have lived in apartment complexes since then where it would be impossible for me to hear the kitties when they actually *want* to come back in. So their little paws don't ever touch the grass or climb in the trees

That said, my indoor kitties are much more cuddly, talkative and open to belly rubs than my indoor/outdoor.

[Beth]

I could never keep a cat inside.

I used to think the same thing. Growing up I had an indoor/outdoor kitty who lived to be 20 years old or so. But then I got Sasha when I was in college and living in the city, and have lived in apartment complexes since then where it would be impossible for me to hear the kitties when they actually *want* to come back in. So their little paws don't ever touch the grass or climb in the trees

That said, my indoor kitties are much more cuddly, talkative and open to belly rubs than my indoor/outdoor.

My cats spent their childhood in an apartment, so they're used to being indoor. They are the friendliest, cuddliest cats. 

Also, coy dogs are vicious, and scary. I've heard them outside killing deer, and I wouldn't want that to happen to Stuart.

And yes, he is neutered. Sounds like it might be time for a trip to the vet. There are, however, several barn cats that roam  our farm. Could be a lady among them. But I was not aware that he would be affected by it, without his reproductive organs.

[Sarah]

Believe me, Beth, the absence of reproductive organs doesn't eradicate the drive.  The urge may be weaker or confused, but it's there.  My dog Bandit, decrepit though he is, still gets violently horny around Duchess, my other dog, and my cat Mitchell gets erections though he was neutered at six months (his sister doesn't inspire them; I do, weirdly enough).

[Beth]

Believe me, Beth, the absence of reproductive organs doesn't eradicate the drive.  The urge may be weaker or confused, but it's there.  My dog Bandit, decrepit though he is, still gets violently horny around Duchess, my other dog, and my cat Mitchell gets erections though he was neutered at six months (his sister doesn't inspire them; I do, weirdly enough).

That just never occurred to me. And the howling thing is happening at night, so it makes sense. Plus, he does come across as quite the ladies man:


A part of me is wondering why the pheromones aren't affecting his brother, though. Although, if a cat were ever asexual, Blam would be that cat. Stuart's like the sporty jock, and Blam just reads LOTR and plays dungeons and dragons all day.

[erika]

We all know what happens to people who repress their sexual feelings.

(He does look like a sexy boy though)

[Andy]

also, I think we should have a cat forum.

[erika]

Here's a question:

WHO WANTS THIS ADORABLE KITTY?

She'll make a lovely addition to your catless or single-cat household. She's fixed and friendly and wants to snuggle you and squeeze you and love you forEVER.

http://tinypic.com/r/ff787p/4