Could be an illness, it could be something called "misdirected aggression" - has there been any strys around?

"Redirected or misdirected aggression is simply a term used to describe the situation where aggression of whatever motivation is directed toward a victim who is not the initial provoking stimulus. This can occur when the cat is unable to direct its aggression toward the provoking stimulus due to confinement, restraint or lack of opportunity in some other way. For example, if your cat is sitting on a windowsill and sees another cat out in the garden he may become very agitated and begin to focus on the other cat and show aggressive body postures, hisses, or growls. If a person or animal in the home were to walk into the room and approach the cat at that precise moment they may find themselves the recipient of an aggressive attack, even though they had done nothing to provoke it. When this scenario involves another resident cat within the household who approaches and inadvertently disturbs such an aroused and agitated housemate there can be long lasting consequences with the two cats seeming unable to tolerate being together after the incident. In extreme cases they may even go so far as to fight on sight. The initial provoking stimulus that arouses the cat is often another cat, but it could be any sight, sound, or source of discomfort that leads to a heightened level of anxiety. '

Hope this helps!

Here is a link that might be useful: Agressive Behavior in Cats

The quoted article can be found here:

Here is a link that might be useful: Aggression Cats

That's certainly not normal. I'd watch for other signs. First, any limping or anything. Feeding and more importantly, drinking habits. Do *not* let her become dehydrated - it can happen quickly.

Maybe try to separate her for a bit. See if she calms down. It could be she wants rest and the others don't leave her alone. We all get grouchy without sleep. Then I'd approach her carefully, possibly with a treat to see if she'll eat. Then pet and see if there's tender or sensitive spots. You know what's normal for her so give it a test. You could even put in food, water and a litter box and then it's easier to monitor her habits. One thing my sister does is to measure the water and record it. (Impressed the vet) It told her clearly how much they were drinking and you know whether it's enough to stay hydrated.

Could be an upset stomach. Could be a lot of things. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

Animals are good about telling us when something's wrong. Problem is, us humans are too stupid to understand!

Keep us posted.

After spending countless hours and $$$ over the past few months at the vet with my dearly adored Himalayan who began by showing similar signs...I discovered her angst, behavioral changes and eventual small [and hidden] body lesions were the result her kitty litter. Apparently, World's Best has changed their "formula" and whatever they've done has had an extremely adverse effect on my cat. There'll be no more corn based litter in this house.

Because none of the meds that I administered seemed to work...and "our" extremely talented vet had run out of ideas...I kept poking into "our" daily lives searching for an answer. The discovery was almost accidental...but confirmed when I bought a new litter box and new litter out of desperation. The moment I put the box on the floor...she jumped in for a closer look. Upon addition of the new Swheat litter...she jumped in again and immediately christened it.

Mind you...my "only" child has never had to deal with any accumulation in her litter box because she immediately comes to me to report any "contributions". So the condition of her litter box is always near immaculate. I thought I had that situation under control. I never considered it was the litter itself until I went to buy a new supply and got into a discussion with the supplier.

The moral of this story...animal changes may often be caused by something very simple. After spending well over $600...I wish I'd had this epiphany earlier.

We've been happy ever since with the lesions almost completely gone and her loving personality firmly in tact.

HTH.....Anne

Thanks for the link, I appreciate it. It is interesting reading but I'm not sure that is what is wrong. I think we may call the vet tomorrow if this continues. Sometimes she is fine but then just starts growling and hissing. I have checked her food dishes, litter boxes etc. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Eyes clear, nose is fine, ears clean, she is shedding/molting a lot but that could be from the stress she is showing. Tail area is fine and clean.

The one other thought that isn't so obvious is possibly a tooth. Sometimes it's just, hey, I don't feel well today or I'm not in a good mood. Sounds like you checked the big things. Just make sure she's hydrated and I still would consider separating her for a bit just to see what happens. Maybe there was a feud. Give her a scratch under the chin and some chicken for me.

Oh, and of course shedding is normal. Right now she's changing wardrobes for fall. I think mine doesn't want to wear white fur after Labor Day. :)

My only cat turned sorta mean and would growl at me when I touched him and ate very little. The vet examined him and did not find anything wrong until just as he was putting him down he felt an node on his hip under all that fur.

He had to sedate him to drain it and he had to put in stitches,

The vet said he had most likely been bitten by another animal or a snake.

I think a vet check is in order. I would be concerned the animal is hurting somewhere - a bladder infection, tooth abcess or some other infection. A kidney obstruction can be fatal within hours. The two times I had one of my cats growl when I petted them, they were blocked. Fortunately I recognized the pain as I ran my hand down their back, and we got them into the vet in time.

I wouldn't assume this is a behavioral issue until a medical cause is ruled out.

Good luck. I hope it's nothing serious.

Just wanted to update you guys and thank you again for all the advice. I had every intention of taking her to the vet today but I think I found the problem...their food. I put new food down (they get fed twice a day) and I noticed they all sniffed and walked away. I let it go for a bit and still no takers. So I opened a new bag and they all ran to it and ate it! They have been fine since. The only thing I can think of is the food must be stale or something. I use Purina Cat chow, always have and they get a treat of canned food also. They all seem to be getting along now so I can only think they were all just very hungry and one was particularly cranky.
Will still keep an eye on them though..but no fighting today at all.
Thanks everyone, Purina will be getting a call from me.