Why did your 2 year old cat attack you and a guest and then went after you three times that night and two times the next morning when she bit and dug her nails into you?

Answer 1

Cats can attack or act badly for very specific reasons, including;

• Humans training the cat in kittenhood to kick, bite, and scratch as part of play. When the cat grows up, it doesn't know any better and repeats those bad behaviors. For this reason, pet owners need to avoid rough play with kittens and cats. Cats are not like dogs but sometimes people who play roughly with dogs think cats enjoy it too--but even kittens do not like rough play.
• For some reason becoming afraid or nervous, especially around strangers. Cats who are shy around new people are better put into a room where the cat can be alone while humans visit in another room.
• Being accidentally hurt (accidentally kicked, tail stepped on); cats do remember hurts that humans inflict. A cat may act strangely for several weeks after an accidental but minor injury.
• But the biggest cause of bad behavior in an otherwise well-behaved cat is illness. A cat with a urinary tract infection or male with a urinary blockage can suddenly turn into a very mean cat. Cats withdraw when ill. If picked up when ill, they may attack. I had one cat who began screeching as he ran wildly to the basement--he had a urinary blockage. Cats do not handle pain of an acute illness very well. You should think illness when a cat suddenly acts differently, and get her / him to a vet.