Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My spayed cat attacks after I pet stray cats. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 12.5663 lbs

My cat is spayed since several months but now he is getting more territorial and aggressive. Sometimes we pet some stray cats and once he smells it when we get back home, he acts so aggressively by attacking us. Is this normal behavior for a spayed cat?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 2nd, 2019

Hello, cats indeed are territorial and dont like unfamiliar smells. This means that your cat when he smells other cats on you, he does not recognize you sufficiently and will react with aggression mainly out of feer. It would be ideal that if you will be petting other stray cats that you wash your hands thoroughly and even change your clothes before interacting with Bascoot as this can not only make your cat afraid but also be a source of stress.

Hope this helps and best of luck.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button