Pet care: Ambushed and injured by an orange tabby

It had been a rough day, topped off by stop-and-don't-go traffic on I-25. Jenny was frazzled when she pulled into the garage and came inside through the laundry room. Her husband, Phil, was already camped out on the couch, wine glass in hand, watching the 6 o'clock news. Their orange tabby cat, PJ, rested next to Phil, gently rubbing his head on his daddy's thigh. Chihuahua Micky was curled up on Phil's other side. A placid scene. Jenny kicked off her shoes, poured herself a glass, and headed for her spot on the other side of PJ.

Jenny badly needed to decompress with her good husband, but when crossing the room, she caught movement on her right. A fuzzy orange missile had launched for the back of her head and met its target before she could bob or weave. PJ's claws sunk into her scalp as merlot splashed on, well, everybody. She was frightened and in pain.

Phil jumped up to help, interrupting Shelly Ribando mid-sentence. While dabbing and rinsing his wife's bleeding head, a low growl was heard. PJ was crouched in the doorway behind them with ears flattened, tail switching, laser focused on Jenny.

Phil understood that a showdown with an agitated cat could only lead to further casualties. Holding a bath towel in front of his head and chest, he slowly covered PJ. He then fetched a cardboard box and quickly set it over the dangerous beast. Down on his hands and knees, he slowly pushed his incarcerated kitty into the spare bedroom and closed the door.

What in the #$%! was going on here? Jenny and Phil had no idea. They love PJ. But can you ever trust a pet with a criminal past? A restraining order seemed impractical. Call the Animal Welfare Department? Human welfare would be a better idea. Their veterinarian had given them my card when they'd divulged PJ’s previous, lesser aggression toward the woman who loved him. It was time to get serious.

Next week: Treatment is never guaranteed. Wear a helmet?

• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.