What is wrong with my cat?

[Sharonann]

I have a 5 year old neutered tom cat whose behaviour recently has changed dramatically. He used to be a lazy, laid back cat but now he has become really naughty! He scratches everything in sight even though he has a scratching post, he races around the house messing up the rugs and my shoes and goes to the toilet in my plant pots! He's always up to something.

I've had him for 4 years and even though he has his "mad 5 minutes", its never lasted for more than 5 minutes. There seems to be no reason for the change.

Does anyone know what could be wrong with him and how I can stop him being so naughty??

[kovac]

Sounds like he is having a midlife crisis! I have a very naughty cat (who is chewing my arm as I type) and when he gets too bad, I spray him with water, which usually deters him. My cat is young though, and is starting to show signs of calming down.

In terms of the very recent behaviour - I am unable to advise. Sorry.

[willowman]

Does he go outside? If he does it could be that another cat has arrived in the neighbourhood and is threatening his position as boss of his territory. We own a boarding cattery and when owners relate a similar tale to yours we ask this question, the answer is usually in the affirmative and the owner realises that the bad behaviour started when the new cat moved in. The problem is that I cant give you any answers as to how to control it. Sorry.