My cat Noki reacted very strangely the other day. He plopped down into a chair, and being so cute, I couldn't resist petting him. Everything was going fine, and then I started doing that "eye thing" with him--you know, where you look at your cat with squinty eyes, and they do the same to you. Noki and I frequently squint our eyes at each other, showing each other our affection (sorry that sounds so cheesy!). But this time, his eyes got all big and round, and he started caterwauling. I pulled away a bit, but he continued moaning, and his ears flattened down against his head. I stood up and began to leave (afraid he would claw me, and thought it best to leave him alone) and then he recoiled back and swiped at me. He did it in a way that seemed defensive and fearful.
Noki has never acted out like this before, and I can't understand the sudden fear. Also, for the most part, he seems to get afraid when someone would enter the room, especially with loud footsteps. I've always assumed that this was a typical "scare-dy cat" reaction, but I'm beginning to wonder if somewhere down the line, me or my husband taught him to be afraid.
I would appreciate any input regarding his behavior. I'm sure all of you can imagine that I was a little hurt by his fear and agression and mystified by his behavior. I wish cats were easier to understand!
Noki is an indoor cat that will be a year old in July, and has been neutered.
Noki has never acted out like this before, and I can't understand the sudden fear. Also, for the most part, he seems to get afraid when someone would enter the room, especially with loud footsteps. I've always assumed that this was a typical "scare-dy cat" reaction, but I'm beginning to wonder if somewhere down the line, me or my husband taught him to be afraid.
I would appreciate any input regarding his behavior. I'm sure all of you can imagine that I was a little hurt by his fear and agression and mystified by his behavior. I wish cats were easier to understand!
Noki is an indoor cat that will be a year old in July, and has been neutered.