Why did my cat suddenly attack after sniffing a box and seem in pain?

Question

my mom found a cardboard box on the street my cat wouldn't stop sniffing the box and she pushed him away and he attacked her aggressively and hit her vein she was bleeding everywhere and he hissed at me and then started meowing almost like he was in pain. The doctor gave her a shot and said cat might have rabies but my cat has been with us for two years and she scratched us plenty of times none of which we got sick i don't understand why he behaved like this. please help. Pet's info: Cat | Machbagral | Male | unneutered | 10 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

If your mom found a cardboard box on the street and brought it, it likely had strange smells. This may have caused Oliver to act aggressively, it's called redirected aggression. Something set him off, possibly a smell from another cat, but since he couldn't attack that cat, he went after your mother. Aggression can be hormonally related, as intact male cats are territorial. I'd have him neutered. Best of luck.

Why did my cat suddenly attack after sniffing a box and seem in pain?

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