Aggressive cat behaviour

[Barmaid]

Our old boy is about 18. He's in really fine fettle - his fur is in lovely condition, he eats, drinks and toilets appropriately, he cuddles, he is active, he plays and in all respects seems well. However, over the last two months he has become extremely aggressive with our other three cats. He will just have a pop at them for no reason whatsoever. The girl has now taken to sitting and growling at him constantly (which at 3am is a rare pain in the neck). Sometimes it is just a hissy spitty spat and sometimes it is a full on scrap. Beforehand they all used to get on quite well, but the others are now quite wary of him. He's always been a bit feisty and for example will chase dogs (stupid I know).

Can anyone think of any reasons for this? I reckon it is him being cantankerous in his old age and there is probably not much that can be done. What do others think?

[murraymints]

I'd get him to the vets for a check over...perhaps he has a sore bit that he is protecting ????

[LoftyLottie]

Dementia perhaps Barmaid. It does happen frequently in old cats. Dementia can take many forms but it does cause personality changes. Does he ever pace about and cry and night and has he become more vocal lately. Are there any other changes.

[Barmaid]

He might do I suppose, although when I cuddle him he never shows any sign of pain. He will specifically chase after one of the others just to give them a whack for no reason whatsoever.

[LoftyLottie]

Would agree, it could well be his teeth. Basically, he needs a check up Barmaid.

[pastafreak]

I would agree. Humans are the same. Whatever his characteristics have been-ie-feisty-it will now be exaggerated. He may also be feeling his age a bit-and really can't be a**ed to be nicey-nicey.
Maybe provide him with a 'safe' corner that he can retire to when he seems to need space.

[Barmaid]

lol, he hasn't got any teeth but will still happily chomp his way through biscuits!

There haven't been any other changes Lofty - just this scrapping with the others.

He last saw a vet last June or July for his jabs and the vet was amazed at his age and condition.

[LoftyLottie]

Well I have noticed Mr LL is getting really grumpy these days and he is in good condition in other respects. So perhaps it is just down to age then!! After all he's a bloke and they are all pains in the bum as they get older!!

[LoftyLottie]

Come to think of it Mr LL is having some dental problems lately!!

[Barmaid]

Yeah I'll take him to Uncle Vets. He munched his way through a pile of biscuits this morning (I give him meat but he will insist on eating biscuits), but I suppose it could be his gums.

[redman41]

He's a pretty old Tom now probably just a bit grumpy for his age. A medical at the Vets might be a good idea just incase he has a problem.

[CatGirl4]

I agree with the others,it's worth getting the vet to check him over.Have you thought of gett ing a plug-in Feliway? it can calm situations like this.

[arwyn]

LOL @ Loffty.