My cat literally slashed my mother - Please Help :(

[NewYork1303]

 
Thanks for replying, @NewYork1303  I really appreciate it, as I need everyone's input on this.

I do try and direct his attention to some toy etc and it works. But today no toy was around to do so. He takes his toys out to the balcony and we were inside. 

I am going to arrange a vet appointment on the next week. I didn't have the time to take him these past few days (I wrote the reasons in my previous posts). 

But I am going to seek a 2nd opinion as well.. 

My mom's wound getting worse, resulted to her not wanting Grizzly in our home anymore.. Right when we had started making progress, we went 100 steps backwards, on that matter.
I want her to talk to a vet about this, to try and make her understand how this happened. I told her that the wound got worse by a useless doctor, it wasn't that bad the first day it happened... She insists that it might be so, but Grizzly caused the wound in the 1st place and she is afraid.. It is totally understandable.. But I really want to correct this whole situation. And letting Grizzly off the hook everytime he acts out, by "sweet-talking" or "directing his attention with a toy" is not a solution. He needs to be afraid of acting out to begin with. 

It's all so confusing in my head right now.. On one hand I don't want to give up on him.. Or rehome him.. I'm afraid that someone else won't be so patient with him and they might end up hurting him. On the other hand, I can't live like a hostage in my own home and be in a constant argument with my mom.. I feel like things have gone as worse as they could go.. 

I really, URGENTLY need more advice, input, opinions as to how I can correct this.. Seriously..

 So glad that you have a behavioral specialist who might be able to help! I think this was perhaps already addressed, but with fear as the core of the aggression, making him afraid to act out isn't something that would be good for anyone. Cats don't respond well to punishment for behavior, but they do respond well to redirection and positive reinforcement. Hopefully the behavioral specialist can help make life easier. In the meantime, carrying toys around to distract him with might make it so that there is less worry about getting hurt in the meantime. Rescue remedies might help until medication can be decided on. I don't know if the vet is likely to enjoy having this behavioral specialist to talk to. and again with all of it, getting grizzly a clean bill of health will ensure any medical cause besides mental illness is ruled out.

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this situation. It sounds so terrible and heartbreaking. Hope things start looking up soon. 

 

[grizzlysapien]

@siamiam2  I normally move him to another room to let him relax. But now that we have split the appartment in 2, it is difficult to have another extra room for Grizzly to be confided in. So, I try my best to work with him when he has this behaviour.. If only I lived in a mansion..! 

 What you say about long history of issues, you are right. And I have already told her that if she wants Grizzly out, I'm out too.. It's a long story.. I just hope that he behaviourist sits down and talk with my mom (he said he will) and put some sense to her.. Although, I cannot fully blame her is she feels the way she feels. She's been through a lot of shock.

@KKoerner  then leave the collar without the bell on him! what's the matter with you? LOL (kidding!)

Of course you can understand that putting him down and "replacing" him with 2 more, is no option.. If it comes to putting him down, which is the extreme IMO, I'd do it if there's nothing else to be done either in terms of his health - maybe he's having a medical issue that could lead to a poor quality of life - or if the behaviourist concludes, he is too dangerous to be with us and to be rehomed.. In that case, I wouldn't leave him out in the streets, just to find a gruesome death by some other cause.. It is the humane thing to do in these cases.. 

Let's just hope we'll find what's causing all this.. But to be frank? Right now, my #1 priority is my mother's wound to heal properly so she doesn't get into more adventure.. 

 

**Oh! forgot to mention:

Grizzly + other cats? No way.. He is very socialized with humans but not with other cats.. Which has always put a stop to us getting a 2nd cat to be friends with him and so on.. I haven't talked with the behaviourist about that yet. I just think, we should face one thing at a time. If we correct his current issues, he might be safe with another cat in the house.. 

 

[margd]

That's great news about the animal behaviorist being willing to talk to your vet about Grizzley's issues. Although I also disagree that neutering won't help, it does seem like more than hormones is going on. I hope the sedatives help. They also might help your mother be more comfortable around him and be more willing to give Grizzley another chance. You are really between a rock and a hard place right now. I can't imagine how hard it is for you right now trying to avoid setting Grizzly off while handling everything you have to cope with. I wish I had more ideas of things to try but do want to offer my moral support. You are doing everything right for both your Mom and Grizzly. Try to take some time for yourself even if it is just a bubble bath and a glass of wine! [emoji]128523[/emoji]

 

[kkoerner]

I certainly understand your mom's wound being priority! I hope everything settles down soon and you can get a break!

 

[grizzlysapien]

 
 So glad that you have a behavioral specialist who might be able to help! I think this was perhaps already addressed, but with fear as the core of the aggression, making him afraid to act out isn't something that would be good for anyone. Cats don't respond well to punishment for behavior, but they do respond well to redirection and positive reinforcement. Hopefully the behavioral specialist can help make life easier. In the meantime, carrying toys around to distract him with might make it so that there is less worry about getting hurt in the meantime. Rescue remedies might help until medication can be decided on. I don't know if the vet is likely to enjoy having this behavioral specialist to talk to. and again with all of it, getting grizzly a clean bill of health will ensure any medical cause besides mental illness is ruled out.

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this situation. It sounds so terrible and heartbreaking. Hope things start looking up soon. 

Thanks @NewYork1303  for your input. I have been trying to move toys around. But it's not always feasible. I have other things to do around the house and during the day, so it might sleep my mind.. Besides he spends the whole day out in the balcony, so he moves them by himself over there.. I'll just make sure I keep a couple out of his reach and near me, just in case. And yes, I am on trying out Bach's Remedies just to see if they have any results.. Always with caution of course..

That's great news about the animal behaviorist being willing to talk to your vet about Grizzley's issues. Although I also disagree that neutering won't help, it does seem like more than hormones is going on. I hope the sedatives help. They also might help your mother be more comfortable around him and be more willing to give Grizzley another chance. You are really between a rock and a hard place right now. I can't imagine how hard it is for you right now trying to avoid setting Grizzly off while handling everything you have to cope with. I wish I had more ideas of things to try but do want to offer my moral support. You are doing everything right for both your Mom and Grizzly. Try to take some time for yourself even if it is just a bubble bath and a glass of wine! [emoji]128523[/emoji]

@Margd  it's soooo very  hard! Let's not forget, I have to help my father as well, who lives in a different address.. I am about to visit him in a little bit.. I trully hope that sedatives do some work for a few days until the behaviourist comes over.. As for the whole neutering thing.. I remember what the vet said.. She had said that I took too long to neuter him and that resulted to hormones+instict to grow side by side.. So, neutering is a good idea to start with, but it was not the ultimate solution. She had also said that it would take up to 6 months for Grizzly to "tone it down a bit" after the hormones were taken away.. And coming to think of it, it does make sense and what the behaviour says, makes sense.. Many strays have been neutered from time to time.. But they remain aggressive.. That's what they know how to do. Because, they grew up this way.. Fighting for survival.. So, taking this away from an animal, who has learned to act this way, is pretty difficult, just by neutering.. And Grizzly seems to have based his "facing of fears" on being aggressive.. 

In conclusion, I believe that in Grizzly's case? It's a genuine behavioural issue.. Because with the hormones sky high, he has manifested more friendly behaviours in the past. He was never aggressive like that. 

 

[kkoerner]

Thanks @NewYork1303
 for your input. I have been trying to move toys around. But it's not always feasible. I have other things to do around the house and during the day, so it might sleep my mind.. Besides he spends the whole day out in the balcony, so he moves them by himself over there.. I'll just make sure I keep a couple out of his reach and near me, just in case. And yes, I am on trying out Bach's Remedies just to see if they have any results.. Always with caution of course..

@Margd
 it's soooo very hard! Let's not forget, I have to help my father as well, who lives in a different address.. I am about to visit him in a little bit.. I trully hope that sedatives do some work for a few days until the behaviourist comes over.. As for the whole neutering thing.. I remember what the vet said.. She had said that I took too long to neuter him and that resulted to hormones+instict to grow side by side.. So, neutering is a good idea to start with, but it was not the ultimate solution. She had also said that it would take up to 6 months for Grizzly to "tone it down a bit" after the hormones were taken away.. And coming to think of it, it does make sense and what the behaviour says, makes sense.. Many strays have been neutered from time to time.. But they remain aggressive.. That's what they know how to do. Because, they grew up this way.. Fighting for survival.. So, taking this away from an animal, who has learned to act this way, is pretty difficult, just by neutering.. And Grizzly seems to have based his "facing of fears" on being aggressive.. 
In conclusion, I believe that in Grizzly's case? It's a genuine behavioural issue.. Because with the hormones sky high, he has manifested more friendly behaviours in the past. He was never aggressive like that. 

This is part of what makes me think something happened and these behaviors are a PTSD type reaction! If you haven't mentioned that to the behaviorist, I would mention it when you talk next. Hopefully he is able to help Grizzly and your family!

 

[Columbine]

grizzlysapien - Wow, I missed so much! I'm so glad you've found a good behaviourist to work with you and Grizzly. I'm so sorry things are getting worse again. The more I read, the clearer it is that Grizzly's major aggression is a abnormal fear response. The behaviourist is right that neutering won't alter the fear response, but it WILL make Grizzly a little calmer in general, and that can only have a positive impact on his behaviour. Neutering should also help with any dominance issues that may be intertwined in this whole mess.

I do think that medication is ultimately going to be essential. Currently Grizzly isn't starting from a place of balance, so any emotional response he is can't help but be unbalanced too. Meds shouldn't literally sedate; instead, they should re balance his brain chemistry so he's able to respond in a balanced way. Meds are not the whole story though. They will help (hopefully a lot), but you will also have to retrain him so he learns that he no longer has to react as he has been. Sadly, there are no quick fixes.

With the Bach's remedies - I'd still the the Rescue Remedy to try to help release the birdcage incident a little, but I wouldn't bother trying with the others at this point - you need to know more about what's going on in his furry little brain first. I'm sure there will be a way through this.

I really get how strained things must be with your mom right now - it sounds rather like how I and my mum are together when we're both stressed. Hang in there. There will be an end to this. At least you now finally have the right person helping you and Grizzly.

 

[nansiludie]

How long have you had Grizzly? Also was he ever watched or pet sitted by someone else? To me for some reason, I feel he has been abused or scared very badly by loud noises, brooms, etc. And it seems those things set him off. I have helped kitties that were abused, it takes a while for them to come around, some never do. I hope that Grizzly does well with the medication and next Vet visit, I will say the specialist really doesn't have much to go by, unless he has actually met the cat. I do not know if you would be open to using one, I have not used one myself but plan to, but there are animal communicators out there. @ShadowsRescue  has used one.

 

[kskatt]

Ok, I really have been reading and trying to "see" what's going on. Now, I can't remember one thing. This has to have been discussed and I don't remember?

Has Grizzly been checked for a brain tumor? Is it possible he may have suffered a brain trauma?

Everything I read sounds neurological.

Grizzly is blessed to have you as his guardian. I know of cats that have been euthanized for less. I have to admit to being rather surprised at how this degree of behavior has not caused anyone to give the opinion of euthanasia. I hope a solution can be found, my heart goes out to all of you (mother, father, you and Grizzly). It does not sound like a very happy life for any of you.

His aggression does go way beyond any "normal", be it hormones or anything. I have dealt with ferals that are teddy bears compared to Grizzly. I have trouble recognizing his outbursts as "just" fear. Something far more complex is going on.

 

[grizzlysapien]

This is part of what makes me think something happened and these behaviors are a PTSD type reaction! If you haven't mentioned that to the behaviorist, I would mention it when you talk next. Hopefully he is able to help Grizzly and your family!

@KKoerner  I mentioned it to the behaviourist. It was one the reasons why he insisted that this problem is strictly behavioural and not (only) hormonal.. I really do hope that the behaviourist does the trick.. 

@GrizzlySapien - Wow, I missed so much! I'm so glad you've found a good behaviourist to work with you and Grizzly. I'm so sorry things are getting worse again. The more I read, the clearer it is that Grizzly's major aggression is a abnormal fear response. The behaviourist is right that neutering won't alter the fear response, but it WILL make Grizzly a little calmer in general, and that can only have a positive impact on his behaviour. Neutering should also help with any dominance issues that may be intertwined in this whole mess.

I do think that medication is ultimately going to be essential. Currently Grizzly isn't starting from a place of balance, so any emotional response he is can't help but be unbalanced too. Meds shouldn't literally sedate; instead, they should re balance his brain chemistry so he's able to respond in a balanced way. Meds are not the whole story though. They will help (hopefully a lot), but you will also have to retrain him so he learns that he no longer has to react as he has been. Sadly, there are no quick fixes.

With the Bach's remedies - I'd still the the Rescue Remedy to try to help release the birdcage incident a little, but I wouldn't bother trying with the others at this point - you need to know more about what's going on in his furry little brain first. I'm sure there will be a way through this.

I really get how strained things must be with your mom right now - it sounds rather like how I and my mum are together when we're both stressed. Hang in there. There will be an end to this. At least you now finally have the right person helping you and Grizzly.

I really hope so too, @Columbine  

 I don't know if he is the right person, but he is the 1st one in Greece as an animal behaviourist. Other behaviourists are practically dog trainers. He is the only one I can get some help for a cat. 

 
How long have you had Grizzly? Also was he ever watched or pet sitted by someone else? To me for some reason, I feel he has been abused or scared very badly by loud noises, brooms, etc. And it seems those things set him off. I have helped kitties that were abused, it takes a while for them to come around, some never do. I hope that Grizzly does well with the medication and next Vet visit, I will say the specialist really doesn't have much to go by, unless he has actually met the cat. I do not know if you would be open to using one, I have not used one myself but plan to, but there are animal communicators out there. @ShadowsRescue  has used one.

@nansiludie  I've had Grizzly since he was 15days old. His mother had been poisoned so, we organized a campaign for the whole litter to be adopted. So, I fell in love with Grizzly and I adopted him. I have never abused him, or punished him. My reactions were always  "mellow" towards him.. Funny you should mention if he's ever been pet sitted by someone else. The only time I can think of is last summer, when he escaped from our balcony to our neighbours (we share a common balcony, because we live in the same building). So, when we couldn't get him to come back they would say to us that "it's OK, let him sit with us for a while, it's no problem" and he seemed to be very fond of them.. This summer I set up a safety net, so no more "visits" to the neighbours..

BUT coming to think of it: About a month ago, the neighbours saw how much Grizzly had grown and the said they miss when he used to pay them visits.. So, my mother thought it was a good idea to give Grizzly to them for about an hour. When we got him back, the couple told us that he bit the woman, while she was ironing.. But she's always had cats, so she didn't mind.. Do you think something happened while Grizzly was over there? The man told me he used to feed Grizzly raw fish last summer (he goes fishing every morning) and I told him not to do it again.. Maybe they had something to do with his change? I don't know.. I have to note that when my mother gave them Grizzly for one hour, it was after he had attacked me in April and before he attacked my mother.. What are your thoughts?

The behaviourist will come to our appartment to spend time with Grizzly as much as needed. So he can conduct his estimation, study his behaviour and reactions etc.. For now he only has what I told him over the phone. But I must say, our conversation over the phone lasted very long so I tried giving him as much info as I could. Our next communication will be on Monday, after he will have talked to our vet about the medication. 

I've never heard of "animal communicators" - sounds interesting. We don't have any of those in Greece.. And this behaviourist is the only one I could find in the country.. 

 

 

[handsome kitty]

@GrizzlySapien   I hope the behaviorist can help.

I would also like to suggest something for your mom to calm her.  It doesn't need to be anything major.   I take a low dose of Prozac for anxiety and other mood swings.  It can't be good for her health to be so stressed out.

 

[grizzlysapien]

 
Ok, I really have been reading and trying to "see" what's going on. Now, I can't remember one thing. This has to have been discussed and I don't remember?

Has Grizzly been checked for a brain tumor? Is it possible he may have suffered a brain trauma?

Everything I read sounds neurological.

Grizzly is blessed to have you as his guardian. I know of cats that have been euthanized for less. I have to admit to being rather surprised at how this degree of behavior has not caused anyone to give the opinion of euthanasia. I hope a solution can be found, my heart goes out to all of you (mother, father, you and Grizzly). It does not sound like a very happy life for any of you.

His aggression does go way beyond any "normal", be it hormones or anything. I have dealt with ferals that are teddy bears compared to Grizzly. I have trouble recognizing his outbursts as "just" fear. Something far more complex is going on.

@KSKatt  thanks for your  input too. No, Grizzly hasn't been examined for brain tumor. The vet said that the 1st step should be blood analysis and IF that shows anything, we would proceed to other tests. If Grizzly has a brain tumor, wouldn't his white cells be over the roof? Just a guess, I wouldn't know.. After the vet examined him and received his bloodwork from the lab, she was mostly concerned about his high glucose and Grizzly's weight loss of 2 kilos. She said that there was nothing else apparent on his bloodwork. She suggested we should do a re-test on his blood to see how his glucose was going.. I didn't manage to take him for the re-test, 'cause my mother's wound got worse.

I must remind you that my father's health issues have nothing to do with Grizzly. He has totally different issues that were caused by his "arrogance" of not doing any check ups all these years and now he is dealing with the concequences. It's just that we had such bad luck that the incident with Grizzly and my father's health problems, took place on the exact same day! That's why I've been running around like crazy 

How do I test him for brain tumor?

 

[grizzlysapien]

 
@GrizzlySapien   I hope the behaviorist can help.

I would also like to suggest something for your mom to calm her.  It doesn't need to be anything major.   I take a low dose of Prozac for anxiety and other mood swings.  It can't be good for her health to be so stressed out.

@Handsome Kitty  thanks for your  concern. Usually the Greek doctors prescribe Xanax for stress.. The thing is that there is a monthly limit to what a person can get to be prescripted for them. My mother's meds for the month have already reached their limit and we cannot prescribe anything more 

 And you cannot buy it without prescription.. So, I just try to persuade her to be as relaxed as she can be, to help herself. If her wound starts to heal properly and she begins to recover, believe me, she won't need Xanax or Prozac! She'll be thrilled 

 

 

[nansiludie]

 
@KKoerner  I mentioned it to the behaviourist. It was one the reasons why he insisted that this problem is strictly behavioural and not (only) hormonal.. I really do hope that the behaviourist does the trick.. 

I really hope so too, @Columbine  

 I don't know if he is the right person, but he is the 1st one in Greece as an animal behaviourist. Other behaviourists are practically dog trainers. He is the only one I can get some help for a cat. 

@nansiludie  I've had Grizzly since he was 15days old. His mother had been poisoned so, we organized a campaign for the whole litter to be adopted. So, I fell in love with Grizzly and I adopted him. I have never abused him, or punished him. My reactions were always  "mellow" towards him.. Funny you should mention if he's ever been pet sitted by someone else. The only time I can think of is last summer, when he escaped from our balcony to our neighbours (we share a common balcony, because we live in the same building). So, when we couldn't get him to come back they would say to us that "it's OK, let him sit with us for a while, it's no problem" and he seemed to be very fond of them.. This summer I set up a safety net, so no more "visits" to the neighbours..

BUT coming to think of it: About a month ago, the neighbours saw how much Grizzly had grown and the said they miss when he used to pay them visits.. So, my mother thought it was a good idea to give Grizzly to them for about an hour. When we got him back, the couple told us that he bit the woman, while she was ironing.. But she's always had cats, so she didn't mind.. Do you think something happened while Grizzly was over there? The man told me he used to feed Grizzly raw fish last summer (he goes fishing every morning) and I told him not to do it again.. Maybe they had something to do with his change? I don't know.. I have to note that when my mother gave them Grizzly for one hour, it was after he had attacked me in April and before he attacked my mother.. What are your thoughts?

The behaviourist will come to our appartment to spend time with Grizzly as much as needed. So he can conduct his estimation, study his behaviour and reactions etc.. For now he only has what I told him over the phone. But I must say, our conversation over the phone lasted very long so I tried giving him as much info as I could. Our next communication will be on Monday, after he will have talked to our vet about the medication. 

I've never heard of "animal communicators" - sounds interesting. We don't have any of those in Greece.. And this behaviourist is the only one I could find in the country.. 

 

since he had attacked you first and then he went over for a visit and then the second attack, its hard to say. Did he ever show any fear/aggression towards them? If not, then I doubt it. I hope the behaviorist can help you and Grizzly. Please keep us posted on how it goes and try to take good care of yourself and your Mother and Grizzly, you'll not be much good to them if you don't take good care of yourself, easier said than done but its true.

 

[grizzlysapien]

Thanks @nansiludie  , I know.. I'll try to do that.. It's just that it feels like 24hrs in a day aren't quite enough! LOL

Regarding the neighbours: he showed aggression on that day I told you (when he bit the woman).. and one other time, last summer when he returned from one of his "visits" he was a bit scared.. But from that point after he never showed a problematic behaviour towards us.. This all started during the last few months, from his attack to me and after.. I never "threatened" him with a broom or a mop etc.. Not even to "play".. Because I was afraid he would take it the wrong way.. So, I never was "aggressive" towards him or anything like that.. BUT I must note that I scolded him everytime he would scare the budgies.. And I tried being firm  - didn't hit him or anything - but I tried to make it clear that this is a serious "no-no".. The only reason I've been strict towards him were the budgies. 

 

[nansiludie]

 
Thanks @nansiludie  , I know.. I'll try to do that.. It's just that it feels like 24hrs in a day aren't quite enough! LOL

Regarding the neighbours: he showed aggression on that day I told you (when he bit the woman).. and one other time, last summer when he returned from one of his "visits" he was a bit scared.. But from that point after he never showed a problematic behaviour towards us.. This all started during the last few months, from his attack to me and after.. I never "threatened" him with a broom or a mop etc.. Not even to "play".. Because I was afraid he would take it the wrong way.. So, I never was "aggressive" towards him or anything like that.. BUT I must note that I scolded him everytime he would scare the budgies.. And I tried being firm  - didn't hit him or anything - but I tried to make it clear that this is a serious "no-no".. The only reason I've been strict towards him were the budgies. 

Are the birds kept in their own separate room? Also he is not allowed to play with any feather/bird type toys is he? If he was to play with feather type toys it might give him the wrong idea about your birds and stir any predatory  instincts inside him.  I cannot keep any birds in my home, my Whiskers even rips the feathers out of my dream-catcher decoration, all that is left are the beads on it. That happened the first day I received it.

 

[kskatt]

 
@KSKatt  thanks for your input too. No, Grizzly hasn't been examined for brain tumor. The vet said that the 1st step should be blood analysis and IF that shows anything, we would proceed to other tests. If Grizzly has a brain tumor, wouldn't his white cells be over the roof? Just a guess, I wouldn't know.. After the vet examined him and received his bloodwork from the lab, she was mostly concerned about his high glucose and Grizzly's weight loss of 2 kilos. She said that there was nothing else apparent on his bloodwork. She suggested we should do a re-test on his blood to see how his glucose was going.. I didn't manage to take him for the re-test, 'cause my mother's wound got worse.

I must remind you that my father's health issues have nothing to do with Grizzly. He has totally different issues that were caused by his "arrogance" of not doing any check ups all these years and now he is dealing with the concequences. It's just that we had such bad luck that the incident with Grizzly and my father's health problems, took place on the exact same day! That's why I've been running around like crazy 

How do I test him for brain tumor?

I do understand that your father's issues are not due to Grizzly. I'm assuming he lives with you and your mom, and the emotional stress would be difficult for everyone living there.

I know nothing about connections between white blood cells and cancer, of any kind. I just feel there is something neurological involved. He was fine and then, rather suddenly, had a serious behavior change. I

wish I could believe it was just hormones, but I have never ever heard of behavior like that JUST due to hormones. Not cat against humans. Redirected anger can be pretty serious and is worth investigating. But, it doesn't build up, even over a short time, it happens in that very moment. And there is usually an instigator more than a sudden noise. You have had him for quite some time and I'm certain you have swept and cleaned in the past with no aggression. It is not something he has never heard before.

Your situation scares me. I want Grizzly to be fixed, I want him to live a long and happy life. I am scared for you, but I am terrified for your mother. How are you going to feel if Grizzly should attack her again and she is so scared she has heart failure and dies? She could end up with an infection that takes her life.

I am so sorry, I hate throwing "worst case scenarios" at you, but they are something that can happen and something you need to consider. My heart breaks for you and you are all in my prayers

 

[grizzlysapien]

 
Are the birds kept in their own separate room? Also he is not allowed to play with any feather/bird type toys is he? If he was to play with feather type toys it might give him the wrong idea about your birds and stir any predatory  instincts inside him.  I cannot keep any birds in my home, my Whiskers even rips the feathers out of my dream-catcher decoration, all that is left are the beads on it. That happened the first day I received it.

@nansiludie  the birds are kept in a separate room during the winter. OR in the same room when we are around and are able to keep Grizzly from getting to them. I don't think he "hunts" them.. Or it doesn't seem like that. He just goes over to them, stands on his back legs, touching the cages with his front paws and looks at them.. He has knocked over one of the cages a couple of times, cause his weight is more than the cage itself. 

When he was a baby he used to sleep right next to the cages.. Like he felt safe? I don't know.. But, I am sure things change when they grow up and "hunter's instict" kicks in..

And OF COURSE NOT, I don't give him anything feathery to play with! He mostly likes balls and "noisy" things.. like a plastic supermarket bags he drags around the house. I make them like "knots" so he can kick them around.. 

 
I do understand that your father's issues are not due to Grizzly. I'm assuming he lives with you and your mom, and the emotional stress would be difficult for everyone living there.

I know nothing about connections between white blood cells and cancer, of any kind. I just feel there is something neurological involved. He was fine and then, rather suddenly, had a serious behavior change. I

wish I could believe it was just hormones, but I have never ever heard of behavior like that JUST due to hormones. Not cat against humans. Redirected anger can be pretty serious and is worth investigating. But, it doesn't build up, even over a short time, it happens in that very moment. And there is usually an instigator more than a sudden noise. You have had him for quite some time and I'm certain you have swept and cleaned in the past with no aggression. It is not something he has never heard before.

Your situation scares me. I want Grizzly to be fixed, I want him to live a long and happy life. I am scared for you, but I am terrified for your mother. How are you going to feel if Grizzly should attack her again and she is so scared she has heart failure and dies? She could end up with an infection that takes her life.

I am so sorry, I hate throwing "worst case scenarios" at you, but they are something that can happen and something you need to consider. My heart breaks for you and you are all in my prayers

@KSKatt  my parents are divorced. So, I go from one home to the other.. Thankfuly, my dad lives quite near, he's a 15min walk from my home.. So, the emotional stress regarding the incident with Grizzly weighs on me and my mother mostly. But I am stressed about my dad's health as well. 
Usually, when cancer is present, the white cells increase, to fight it.. I am no doctor, but it's what I have seen in humans.. Of course this does not constitute the certainty of a cat not having a tumor somewhere. That's why I asked what kind of test should he take to determine that?

I am hoping that the behaviourist will also determine if this behaviour is pathological or some kind of PTSD.. We've never hurt him of course, but it's quite a puzzler the fact that he almost changed over 2 days or so.. And yes, you're right. I swept and cleaned quite often over the 16-17 months I've had him and we had no aggression. He just followed us around like "watching a movie".. Or if we turned on the vacuum cleaner, he would disappear and hide. If we manage to clarify the reason why he believes he should react aggressively and correct it, I don't think we'll have any more incidents. I will ask the behaviourist tomorrow, what kind of test should I take Grizzly to do, so that we can determine if it is neurological or a brain tumor. When I talked to the vet, I had no response, cause she thought that this was a normal behaviour.. 

 

 

[siamiam2]

Just a thought Grizzly? Go live with dad and take the ca

 

[grizzlysapien]

Just a thought Grizzly? Go live with dad and take the ca

So, I should ditch my mother, @siamiam2  ? Good idea, I'll have Grizzly take care of her wound..