My male cat attacks my female cat when I pet her. How do I stop it?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It sounds as though the cats are stressed being near each other. If you have tried the natural products, I would recommend trying NaturVet Quiet Moments with Melatonin which can be found online or at your local pet store.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he is attacking you and not trying to play then he should be confined, you should always keep him up to date on Rabies, and you should discuss behavior modification drugs with your Vet, like prozac. I would get it in a liquid form you can put in his food. I would purchase feliway diffusers for around the house, one should go in his room. You can play with him but as soon as he gets over stimulated you need to stop and walk away. If he starts to get aggressive and is coming towards you squirt him with a water bottle. It is inappropriate behavior for a cat to attack you and injury you that badly. You need to strongly consider if this is the kind of relationship you want from a pet. This may not be an easy thing to break him of. I hope this helps and i wish you the very best!

Here is an article on introducing new cats to the home. https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-steps-to-introducing-your-cat-to-a-new-feline/ In addition, I recommend a calming pheromone such as Feliway that can help with anxiety. It is available as a plug-in room diffuser for large areas, and as a spray for small areas like a mat or bed. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8906 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37241 Another product I like is Composure, which is available as a little treat. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetri-science-composure-feline-bite-sized-chews I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach.

There are some things you can do which may help. You will need to take these actions towards both cats. First, try to meet the instinctual needs. Here is a great article about cat's instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Make sure to have separate litter boxes and food/water stations to decrease competition. These separate stations need to be in different rooms. Using a Feliway diffuser, setting aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play for both cats or switching the food to Royal Canin Calm may help. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with stress management. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury. Either are common culprits of a sudden behavioral change. Being an intact male may also be playing a role in the behavior. Consider having him neutered. In the meantime, provide additional food/water bowls, beds, toys and litterboxes to prevent food aggression or resource protection. Consider a pheromone product, such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffusers, to decrease any anxiety or aggression in the home.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is an attention seeking behavior. The best way to avoid this behavior is to discourage it by firmly saying no, and most importantly praise her when this behavior is not observed. For example, when she is begging you pet her, you firmly avoid doing it if you do not desire to do so. If there is any biting, you firmly say no. You then praise her when this behavior is not observed and pet her at those times. This is basically sending a message that you will pet her when you would like to do so. Consider using treats for rewarding her when a positive behavior is observed (such as not begging/biting). Good luck!

Cats are notoriously apathetic to our wishes, aren't they? :) Young cats often have a ton of energy that can sometimes be displaced as aggression. Make sure there are lots of places/things for the cats to explore. Elevated areas like cat trees or cat shelves on the wall are great; window perches, scratching posts, toys, etc. Its also important to make sure that the cats aren't "competing" for resources-- make sure there are multiple food and water bowls and at least 3 litter boxes (if you have 2 cats.... the recommended number of litter boxes is the number of cats +1). Here is an article I think you will find helpful. The website this article is from is a great resource for cat behavior. Thank you for asking PetCoach! https://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-your-cats-may-not-be-getting-along/