Help - My cat is suddenly biting us for no reason!!

[Ralphie]

For about two weeks and mainly this past one, my male, neutered, two year old cat, has been biting us for no apparent reason. He will just come up and bite the snot out of whatever body part he can reach and then runs. Yesterday, he bit my knee of all things. He's also been aloof and meows demandingly that we stand beside him as he eats his cat food.

My mother thinks he may be ill, but I don't want to take him to the vet just yet... everytime we walk through the vet's door, it always costs a lot and a lot of extras that are "NECESSARY" get tacked on. I just want to see if anyone else has experienced this with their cat(s) and what the cause was before I take him in.

Nothing has changed in the house, no new pets or changes of any sort. I can't figure this out.
Thank you so much! [/b]

[Jen]

Sounds like he might be wanting extra attention. If you were a cat, this might be how he would initiate the cat in play. Try giving him extra play time.......maybe chasing a toy on a pole.

[Tina B and crew]

unfortunately your mother may be right... I probably wouldn't be so quick to think so if you hadn't said that he'd been aloof and meowing more. I'd definitely recommend having him checked by your vet. I understand the cost factor....but you may feel your vet is doing things that are not necessary, yet they could be tests that are crucial to find out what is wrong. Ask your vet what is essential before you give your OK to go ahead...if you don't trust your vet to be honest and have your cat's best interest in mind then I'd recommend getting a new vet. I've never experienced sudden unprovoked biting behavior from any of my cats. It may well be purely behavioral, but it's best to rule out any underlying physical problems to start with. I know that isn't what you wanted to hear, but it's the best advice I have.