*CAT*astrophe. What to do?

I offered a home to a 12 year old cat thinking that two old ladies in a quiet house would be fine. In forty years of cat owning (all strays with a back story) I have never come across such a disturbed animal who took to attacking me and I have only recently finished the antibiotics needed. I was prepared to have her PTS since not being safe in my own kitchen was not acceptable. Her previous owner took her back and I have heard nothing since, but the whole experience was very upsetting.

Oh dear, I am so hard-hearted 🙃

This has happened to me twice .
Once with a dog , which would attack
the refuse collectors and my father if he talked loudly or waved his arms around - though she never bit him , but would catch him by the hand leaving temporary indentations to warn him .
The other was a pathetic bundle of sick kitten , which my daughter rescued from a pet shop . I took him to the vet and he reported the shop for animal cruelty .
We didn't think that he could possible survive , but he grew into a massive and very beautiful tomcat .
He had an amazing personality being playful , but he attacked every workman , who came to the house !
He'd run up their trouser leg and sink his teeth into them . It was hard to prise him off them .
I have no idea what happened to the dog and the cat in their early lives - but I suspect some sort of abuse , which was impregnated in their memories .
I would have to remove them before unwelcome visitors .
Animals which attack take a great deal of patience , regular meals and petting and no change in their routine .
I think that I'd abandon any thought of holidays or consider getting an experienced cat sitter in .
I wouldn't recommend a cattery - it would inflict more changes - getting used to being there and getting used to leaving .

What is the point of having him when you are away from home so much? Is he just an amusement to come home to?
He lives in mouse-catching heaven by fields, a meadow and a river. Brings back at least one live creature every night. Since we rescued him he has stopped rodents from gnawing through our Shipton Mill flour bags, and the electrics behind the dishwasher! He's cut out for hunting, but has yet to take on a fox like our previous cat did. He gets on well with the dogs too. Just obsessed with legs on occasions.

I fear that he isn’t suited to the OP’s lifestyle and I’m surprised she wasn’t questioned about that before his adoption; that has always been the case with each dog we’ve adopted. The cat needs a calm, stable and predictable life. He is not getting that. Any pet means a commitment. What is the point of having him when you are away from home so much? Is he just an amusement to come home to?

Joseann

All valid suggestions, thank you.
Just a bit of history to fill in the gaps - little horror!
He was abandoned by a family who moved away. Probably around 9 months old. No one wanted to re home him from the RSPCA after months of trying to "advertise" him.
He HATES other cats and the RSPCA advised not to leave him in a cattery. It would unsettle him.
He is as good as gold when he visits our vet, so she didn't flag up a behaviour issue, but he definitely has a side to him. Like Calipso says, it is the unpredictability.
Here's a bit of background info if you can enlarge it to read. I'll type it out if you can't.

Even the RSPCA advise against a cattery. Poor thing, he isn't nasty, just frightened of change

Sorry I've repeated a lot of what other posters have said while I was pondering and typing 😞

BlueBelle

This might seem cheeky but you ve just been on holiday going again in June and again in September for long holidays is it really wise having a cat Poor chap doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going or who to connect with

this

I had cats for over 40 years, always had neighbours, family, or cat-sitters. Cats don't like being away from familiar territory - and your cat has probably not even got used to his place in your home/garden yet.

Our dogs have sometimes been for a homestay, ie a professional dog walker who can also have two or three to stay at his house overnight.
Is there anything like that for cats that you could investigate?

My friend has a professional cat sitter who comes to her house to look after her cat. They don't stay in the house but do what your neighbour probably does, on a professional basis.

If you do decide on a cattery then a few overnight stays would be an idea to consider beforehand.

I'd offer but as long as the cat wasn't there.

(Sorry, did I really say that?)

PS Trusted House/Pet Sitters might be worth taking a look at.

He might be fine. I wouldn't want to leave him for that long with a neighbour feeding him if he can get out and roam. He'd be safer in a cattery.

Book him in for a couple of nights having explained your concerns before hand and see how he gets on.

Some catteries do have pens that are separate at an additional cost, or have you considered a house/pet sitter who would stay in your home. That might suit him very well if you're OK having someone living in your home while you're away.

I don’t understand why you ve given him a home when
you re out of it a lot Three fairly long hols this year he must be very confused, first you’re there, then you’re gone and a different person is popping in and out What are you getting out of having a cat he seems to be getting confusion and insecurity

Is he an outdoor cat or trapped in the house while you’re away? a month is a very long time in my opinion

I don't mind abruptness, (!!), I'm trying to work out what's best for him, (without him dicating our lives!). We can afford the cattery fees, but I would worry while away that he was being traumatised by the surroundings.

6th sense?

How did he know?

It seems to be feet and legs he attacks? He swipes at DD's slippers when she sits in the lounge, just like it says he went for the feet of all the cattery staff.

well if he bit your neighbour then biting the vet may not necessarily have been done out of fear unless of course she frightened him which I think unlikely
She was about to cut his nuts off! 😆

Sorry, I sounded rather abrupt but I'm not overly keen on cats!

DD's is unpredictable and terrifies me.

I agree Aveline. It’s not fair to have a pet if your lifestyle includes frequent holidays. A rescued pet needs stability and routine. My rescue dog loves people but hates other dogs - therefore leaving her in kennels is not an option except in an emergency and we don’t take holidays. A small price to pay for the love she gives. I think this cat must be seriously confused and insecure.

well if he bit your neighbour then biting the vet may not necessarily have been done out of fear unless of course she frightened him which I think unlikely.

Perhaps taking Lucifer on, knowing that a cattery wasn't really an option for when you go away, wasn't a good idea. I suppose you'll have to ask your neighbour again or someone else, but do make them aware that he may bite without provocation.

I would ignore what the RSPCA said and put him in a cattery while you're away.

Yes, I guess there is something in that, but we have been doing that for 18 months now without problems.

So he probably thinks you've moved away when you leave him repeatedly for a month at a time. Poor puss.

All valid suggestions, thank you.
Just a bit of history to fill in the gaps - little horror!
He was abandoned by a family who moved away. Probably around 9 months old. No one wanted to re home him from the RSPCA after months of trying to "advertise" him.
He HATES other cats and the RSPCA advised not to leave him in a cattery. It would unsettle him.
He is as good as gold when he visits our vet, so she didn't flag up a behaviour issue, but he definitely has a side to him. Like Calipso says, it is the unpredictability.
Here's a bit of background info if you can enlarge it to read. I'll type it out if you can't.