I have a problem that is getting worse to the point that I can't go on vacation for more than a few days. My 7-yo bengal is being VERY aggressive towards pet sitters, to the point of drawing blood. This has only started in the past two years (he used to only hiss at them.) He is generally pretty friendly the first day: tipping over to get pet, playing with toys, etc. The second day he starts hissing and some warning growls. This past time he outright ran to the door on the third day in order to attack my sitter.

Some background:

- I used to be military and he's moved about seven times. He adjusts quickly to new environments.
- He's displayed redirected aggression at me, usually when I accidentally trip over him or when he knocks something over on himself.
- I had a houseguest this past summer who was there alone for a week. He seemed to have no problems with a live-in sitter and even started sleeping with her at night.
- I've left him at my parent's house to be catsit before (they live 4hrs away so that's not a solution). He gets a bit withdrawn but doesn't go into attack cat mode.
- One of my attempted pet sitters was my cleaning lady. He's totally fine with her when she comes over in the middle of the day, but not if I've been gone for a few days.
- He doesn't display any other bad behavior while I'm gone (such as peeing outside the litter box.) He's also extremely affectionate with me when I come back (not angry.)
- He used to be awesome outside on a leash but has recently started getting very worked up ( I posted another thread on this a while back.) Around the same time that he started attacking pet sitters.

Any a suggestions? For now my plan is to just leave him home alone if I have to or take him with me when I can (he flies well.) He will eat dry food if he has to, although I know it's not very good for him. A live in pet sitter is hard to find and I can't rely on him getting along with them as well as my previous houseguest (who he knew well at that point.) I'm desperate for a longer term solution.

Thinking from another perspective - how about putting him in a cattery when you need to be away ?

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The little monsters 3

It sounds like severe separation anxiety! Cats love routine and schedule -- and it has been uprooted. I always board my cat at his vet's office. They are familiar with him and know how to handle him, although he is super sweet. I have a pet sitter, but I'm afraid that Raiden will run out the door as she is coming in or leaving and I do not want her to have to bear the responsibility as there is no way with her schedule, she could go looking for him. I see on Lost/Found pages on Facebook daily where a pet got out from a petsitter! Some are found -- some are not. It's not worth the aggravation or worry for me. I know he is safe at the vet's office and they can deal with any issues that might come up.

have your sitters arm themselves with umbrella's

leo's terrified of them and i twirl an umbrella to keep him away while i'm preparing food

it's worth a shot