Why did a friendly outdoor cat follow me home meowing? Is it hungry or aggressive?

It sounds like he is acting like a typical friendly kitty. It is possible that he was once owned and that it why he is so friendly. He may have been lost or abandoned, but still has a pleasant attitude around people. If he is gentle enough that you could take him to a veterinary hospital or animal shelter, they could scan him for a microchip to find information on his previous owners. Typically truly feral cats are afraid of people and will not allow this type of contact with people.

I’m sorry to hear about your cat. Perhaps he is protecting another cat (do you have a female in heat)? Perhaps he is not feeling well. Or perhaps he is just taking out some male aggression on you? If he is not neutered yet, I recommend that. You can also try a cat toy to see if he just needs to get some prey-drive type behavior out of his system. Otherwise, talk to your vet to see if there is something we’re missing or something else we need to try. Best of luck to you and your boy!

Since she was gone for so long, an examine with your veterinarian would be recommended. This may diagnose any underlying injury or infection. Frequently, either can be responsible for a sudden change in behavior. In the meantime, give her space and time to reacclimate to you. Don't force her to be held or pet. Offer treats and praise when she comes close. A pheromone product, such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffuser, may help to decrease any anxiety.

That must have been very scary for you! Yes, I would be very concerned about Boo Bear attacking you viciously, especially if this is out of character for him. I'm not sure what his vaccination status is, but (not to scare you but to put the fact out there), sudden aggressiveness can be a sign of rabies. If he isn't vaccinated against rabies and is allowed to go outdoors, then I would be concerned rabies is a possibility. I would take him into a vet immediately if he isn't vaccinated and allowed outdoors, and you should see a doctor as well as soon as possible. Cats have a lot of nasty bacteria in their mouth, and you can get a terrible infection from the bite. You need to be on antibiotics now to prevent this. Other causes of his sudden aggression could be hormone related (I see he isn't neutered and he could be acting territorially), or a medical illness such as pain, an injury, or systemic illness. If he is up to date on his rabies and isn't allowed outside, then I would take him to the vet first thing in the morning. He should be examined by a vet to make sure there isn't a medical cause behind this sudden aggressive behavior. If it is hormone related, then I would have him neutered to help with that.

Hi there. If Buddy is older and this is a new behavior then I suspect he could have an underlying health issue. It is very common in cats to get some diseases as they age. The two that come to mind right away are hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid level) and diabetes. Both can cause a cat to be very hungry which makes them impatient when it comes to eating. These diseases are easily diagnosed with simple blood testing. So, I suggest you get Buddy to your vet for an exam and some blood testing as soon as you can. If health issues can be ruled out then you can talk to your vet about the behaviorial aspect. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Cats are very sensitive to other cats in their territory. Unlike most dogs that will accept another dog into their house relatively easily, for cats it can be a different story. Your cat is upset by the presence of the strange cat in your house. Animals behave that way sometimes for reasons that are unclear, taking their anger out on you. She may smell the foster cat on you. I would definitely keep them separated from each other and give her some time and space to possibly accept the fosters presence. Don't get hurt! I wouldn't force your attention on her for now. Maybe in a few days she'll be easier to approach.

Poor Sebastian. He could be scared or traumatized from being outside. He may have gotten into a fight while being on his own and he could be hurt. Sometimes when vets are hurt they will be skoddosh because they don't want people touching them. If there is a way a trap him and take him to the vet for an exam, you may want to do that. Just be careful to not get bit. Also you could try to offer him some cat food and treats and see if you can regain his trust. I hope he starts to come around for you.