Sudden change in cat temperament

[fergujan]

One of our cats who has always been very affectionate has suddenly become quite vicious. He will not let us pick him up and when we try and go near him he hisses and tries to attack us. He is neutered and this was done about 6 months ago but the change in his behaviour is very sudden. There has been no change in his living circumstances (i.e. no new pets etc). We have also noticed in the past 2 days his fur (he is long haired) has become greasy and matted. We are wondering if he could have some form of illness. Any advice would be great.

[Noweia]

He may be in pain - if he's sore he won't want you to go near him! Best take him to your vet to get him checked out.

Let us know how you get on!

[annavc]

I'd echo what Noweia has said - get him to the vet - definitely sounds like he's in pain.

Let us know what they say.

[Barmaid]

I remember our cat doing this when we were younger. He was a big old tom (part feral) and it turned out, on further investigation that he had been bitten on his spine (lord knows what by, he never went for mice, only rabbits, rats, stoats, owls and, yes, even baby foxes). Anyway, he had an abcess and it turned him right nasty (or I should say, nastier) for a while. A similar thing happened to my rather timid female a couple of years ago - turned out she too had an abcess following some sort of fight and it changed her completely for a couple of weeks. If that is what it is, nothing to worry about - just some antibiotics and some tlc!! Good luck.