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Why is my small 3-year-old cat aggressive, wormy, and has leaky eyes?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 3 months old | 5.5 lbs

My cat is like the poster pet for problems. She is a normal tabby from what I and my family can tell, except she is the size of an 8-month old kitten and she is three years old. No matter what we do, she always seems to have worm problems, she is very aggressive and she has a small knob at the tip of her tail. She is my cat through and through, she will follow me around the house and cry when I am not around. Her eyes are always leaking and she doesn't retract her claws.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 16th, 2019

It may be that she just has a very small stature. Some adult cats can be quite petite, and that doesn't necessity have a negative effect or mean that there is significant problem that has caused it.
Regarding the worm problems, what specifically is the problem? If she has tapeworms, make sure to treat her for fleas, as they often get tapeworms from ingesting fleas while grooming. Also, take her to your vet for a fecal exam so that your vet can make sure that the appropriate dewormer is being used.
I'm not sure specifically what kind of aggression you are seeing, or how severe it is, but here is a great resource regarding feline aggression with ideas on how to help manage. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats
I don't know how old she was when you got her, but I suspect the "knob" at the tip of her tail is probably due to an old tail injury.
I hope that helps you. If not, please post a specific question on the forum and we will try to further advise. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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