Will my ragdoll cat turn on me?

Question

She is a great laid back calm wonderful and beautiful cat but she has been acting wierd and attacking me and my bro i dont know if it is playing or not.Does anyone know if they will turn?

yes she has plenty of toys i always play with her i dont think there is anything wrong with her but her kitten my other cat just recently had to be put down and she has been pawing at imaginary things and chasing imaginary things too

an by the way NO she does not have rabies she is an indoor only cat

She has had an abusive past we rescued her but i believe she is playing but could you help me with the thing about her pawing and chasing imaginary things because her kitten died a few months ago i dont know if she thinks she is still here or what

Answer 1

"Turn", as in become violent with no way back? No, not without an actual, physical issue. But cats can have aggression problems.

The most troubling cause here would be a health problem. Cats, when in pain, often become aggressive; their instincts say that when they are vulnerable, they have to act big and tough. A suddenly aggressive cat often has some sort of health problem, and a vet checkup is indicated.

If your cat is young--less than two years--assume play or predatory aggression. In either case, it's best to play with the cat multiple times a day, till it is exhausted, and to keep a small cat toy in your pocket to throw to it when it is about to "attack" you. Good cat toys include laser pointers, dangle toys, catnip toys, and fishing-rod style toys. Try to get the cat to run up and down stairs, if you can. You can tell this type of aggression by the fact that the cat will crouch and then pounce on you. Ears will be forward, and tail lashing. Playing cats do not generally hiss or yowl.

A second cause of cat aggression is overstimulation. Some cats like to be carried around and petted for as long as you'll do it; some cats prefer a scratch on the head to be the only handling they get. If your cat is overstimulated--that is, if you go "too far" with petting her, especially petting the stomach or picking her up--then she will often squirm or lash out with a paw to get you to stop.

Declawing is another cause of aggression. Many cats have "phantom pain" in the amputated toes; in the worst cases, there can be infection or regrowth of a claw. A combination of pain and insecurity at having lost its best defense can cause a declawed cat to lash out and bite. Assume this cause if a declawed cat absolutely refuses to let you touch its feet.

Fear aggression happens when a cat is "cornered" in some way. A boisterous child, a bigger cat, a human who doesn't know how to handle cats, or an abusive past can all cause a cat to "defend itself". Naturally fearful cats exist who will more easily lash out in fear. Fear aggression can be identified by a cat who backs up, stands sideways to you (to make itself look bigger), puts its ears back, hisses, and yowls.

Territorial aggression is a cat saying, "Don't mess with my stuff". It's usually directed at other animals, but occasionally humans get it, too. A territorial cat generally stares very directly at you before it makes any sort of move.

Nursing females will attack to defend their young. After such an attack, she will probably move the kittens.

Remember that with a cat, aggression always, always has a reason--cats don't just "go crazy" and attack people.

Answer 2

The pawing could be at gnats, very small insects. Ours chase them and it looks like they're chasing nothing till you finally see the black speck.

A cat on the attack at people is unmistakeable. If you think shes possibly playing, then she undoubtably is. A serious cat in a fight will not be backed down and will fight tooth and nail which is completely different from just aggressive play.

Answer 3

Any pet can turn on their owners as they are animals and it is part of their nature. I own a Ragdoll and he also is temperamental from time to time. If your cat has drastically changed in its behavior I have to ask if there have been any major changes in the household...addition of a second cat? Moved to a new house? If there have been no major changes then I would have your vet look at the cat. The next common cause of a drastic change in behavior is a medical problem. Good Luck.

Answer 4

She's bored and wants to play. Try getting some cat toys for her. If she hurts you say no and gently tap her paw or put her outside.

Answer 5

A medical condition called hyperthyroidism can lead to a cat acting hyperactive and aggressive towards its owners. If you suspect your cat has a medical condition you should see a veterinarian.

Answer 6

the same thing happend to my cat. my cat wubby started going over to the neighbors house and staying there instead of my house. we would try to get it to come back and it pretty much became the neighbors cat... but dont wory i hope ur cat comes back and is normal=)

Answer 7

With cats, if you're putting out edgy and nervous energy sometimes they tend to instinctively attack. Try being calm with her and see if this helps.

Answer 8

I'd say this is normal...ours is very easy going and then suddenly will go totally wacko! Attacks the dog...goes after feet...you name it...they are playing!!!

Answer 9

in general those types of cats are good natured like you said, and calm and relaxed

Answer 10

last time I looked Ragdolls were the most laid back of cats...maybe she wants to play...have you tried that ??? maybe she's in pain, have you taken her to the vet ???