"Sammy" - semi-feral attacked me

I have been feeding neighborhood strays for several years. One in particular was a sad case. Over time I was able to pet/befriend him. I decided to try to help him out since winter was coming. He was estimated to be ~10 years old. Got him vaccinated and then neutered. Was going to let him sleep on the screened porch but after awhile just brought him into one of the bedrooms. I have a dog and 3 other cats. I let him outside in the daytime once the other cats are secured in another room. The other night I went in the room and gave him some treats and was backing out the room to leave. He came after me trying to get out (all my other pets were out at the time). It was all I could do to get out of the room and keep him in there. He shredded both of my legs. It was a bloody mess. I can't believe he did this to me. I let him out the next morning and will never bring him back in. I'm really afraid of him now. He stays outside my front door wanting to come in. I'm terrified to go out when he's around. Anyone else have this happen?

Sorry that happened to you . I'm sure he panicked at being restrained and seeing the dogs. I really doubt he'll do it again now that he's back outside, as long as you don't try to restrain him. Have you provided him with a warm place to sleep? He might be happier to stay outside if he has a cozy spot.

I agree, he must have feel stressed by the others in some way.  You dont write clearly if the others were visible to him, but the wave of smell perhaps, when you opened the door?

I mean, direct attacks on the human are NOT common.  Defensive at the catching may happen, not not later on...

What happens now and then, is the redirected aggression. Typical example is your homecat sees a foreign cat outside, perhaps looking in through the windows.  The cat gets angry and excited. He cant attack the foreigner, and suddenly attacks his best friend, your other resident...  Sometimes the owner can get viciously attacked...  The remedy is to close him in a room and let him cool down several hours... When adrenaline goes down, he is back his normal loving self....

As said, this happens with residents too, not just fostered ferales.

Another scenario is if he wants to rush against the other, and tou try to stand inbetween...

My guess is it was something like that with you.  Can it be so??

But if you feel uncofortable, of course he can surely manage as your outside kitty. He did managed before. Now neutered and with your help he should do OK too.

Tx a lot for trying!

Welcome to our Forums!

Good luck!.

He'd been coming inside for almost a month before this happened. I think he wanted out of the room and attacked me to get out. I had a gate that covered the doorway so the cats could see each other.  I did not let him outside until the next morning. I feel so bad. He was always so friendly and loving until the attack. Now I am afraid of him. he keeps coming to the front door to come in but I can't take that chance again.  I'll continue to put food out but that's it. I don't blame him but whoever the original owner who abandoned him or did not spay/neuter his parents. I'm heartbroken.