What to do if your cat is behaving aggressively

1. Play aggression

A kitten or young cat can behave very rudely during games: scratch, bite, hunt for a person and ambush.

The reason is that the animal simply does not know how to control itself. Usually cats learn to communicate when they grow up with their peers. This is how they learn that they can get a mirror response to aggression, or the fun will end. But those kittens who were taken away from their mother at the age of three months did not have time to acquire social skills. Therefore, they can play very hard and simply do not understand that such behavior is unacceptable.

According to the researchers of Common feline problem behaviors: Owner-directed aggression, the only pets that never go for walks and those whose owners prefer rather rough games can also show aggression. Such predatory habits are also characteristic for some breeds in general, for example, for Bengal cats.

What to do about it

First, determine if there is a pattern when aggression is manifested. For example, an animal hides under a bed when preparing to jump. To prevent an attack, distract the furry with a game or simply block access to the ambush spots. An ordinary bell on a collar can tell where the pet is.

Also try to switch the cat's attention to different toys. But do not expose your hands to scratches and bites: the animal may perceive this as a general game, which will provoke new aggression.

Do not punish the cat: sometimes it causes fear in front of people. If you see that the animal is showing game aggression, just ignore and leave. So the pet will understand that his actions do not lead to a general game.

2. Aggression as a manifestation of fear

In certain situations, your pet feels cornered and defends itself if there is no way to escape. This often happens when a cat encounters an unfamiliar animal, person, and even noise. Although sometimes the owners can frighten too.

Another possible situation is events related to not the most pleasant impressions, for example, a visit to the veterinarian.

During aggression caused by fear, the cat tries to protect itself

This problem also occurs in animals that are not used to humans since childhood or are regularly subjected to physical punishment.

What to do about it

In such a situation, it is better to leave the pet alone for a while and give the opportunity to recover. It's important not to show fear. This behavior will only intensify if the cat realizes that you have retreated.

Do not calm your pet, it can be perceived as encouragement. Lack of attention is the best way to deal with fear-driven aggression.

3. Aggression in response to affection

Some cats snarl when petted and petted, or just try to do so. Moreover, this happens both when trying to touch, and after a while.

A similar reaction is also sometimes observed during brushing, clipping and other grooming procedures. There is no exact explanation for this behavior, but it is likely caused by overstimulation and the pet's attempts to control the situation.

According to the studies of Potential risk factors associated with feline behavior problems, it is these situations that account for about 40% of cases of aggressive manifestations in relation to people, the higher rates are only in game situations.

What to do about it

Try to be gentle when petting or grooming your pet. In case of an outbreak of aggression, do not try to restrain and calm down, do not punish for such behavior.

To prevent outbursts of rage, feed your cat treats after a short stroke. Increase the contact time over time and don't forget about the goodies. But at the first manifestations of aggression, stop trying and do not touch the animal.

It is especially important to change this behavior if there are children in the family who often want to stroke their pet and are not ready for negativity in return.

4. Redirected aggression

It manifests itself when the cat sees or feels a stimulus, but does not come into contact with it. For example, your pet is watching a stray animal or neighbor's pet through the window and even smells another animal. And if there is no opportunity to attack, aggression can be redirected to the person.

Sometimes cats redirect aggression towards humans

Sometimes the same behavior occurs due to loud noises and even the presence of strangers in the house.

What to do about it

The easiest option is to eliminate the irritant. For example, covering windows with curtains or isolating your pet from a neighbor. Various toys will help to distract the animal.

5. Aggression as a reaction to pain

This is how cats protect themselves from touch and other actions that can increase pain. For example, if you touch animals that have osteoarthritis or other medical conditions, they may hiss, scratch, and bite.

Rarely, such manifestations of aggression can be observed even after complete recovery as a reaction to touching long-sore or wounded areas.

What to do about it

Try to avoid touching the animal that unpleasantly. Only iron and brush your pet when it is relaxed, does not hiss or show aggression.

Be sure to see your veterinarian for pain relief.

6. Territorial aggression

In this case, cats are aggressive towards other animals. Sometimes this even manifests itself in the address of old acquaintances whom the pussies have already accepted, but have not seen for a while. The cat attacks and even pursues the stranger.

What to do about it

Accustom the animal to the neighborhood gradually. Start by leaving your new or returning pet in a separate room with its own bed, tray, and bowls. After a few days, place the aggressor in this room and let one stay there for half an hour. Then swap the animals again. Repeat for several days in a row.

The next step is to place the pets in carriers and place them in different corners of the room. Alternatively, harness leashes can be used if the cats are accustomed to using them. The main thing is that they can see and smell each other, but not physically contact. At the same time, give your pets a treat to associate positive emotions with each other's company. If cats refuse to eat, increase the distance between them.

Repeat for several days in a row and gradually decrease the distance. When the aggression disappears, release the pussies and offer them a treat. If the anger reappears, start over.

It can take weeks or even months, it all depends on the characteristics of your pets.

If there is no progress for a long time, consult your veterinarian.

As studies in Common feline problem behaviors: Aggression in multi-cat households have shown, there are key principles for the peaceful residence of several cats in the same territory. First of all, animals should not be cramped. They need enough space, as well as toys and even play complexes for active leisure. And if the tailed beast is brought to a house where there is already a pet, you need to gradually teach them to interact without aggression.

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7. Maternal aggression

Cats in late pregnancy and nursing small kittens are often belligerent towards people, even those they know well. In such a situation, any attempt to get closer can end in an attack.

Cats protect their kittens from any encroachment

What to do about it

First of all, try to provide the feline family with a calm environment in a secluded place. Do not bother them again and do not let strangers near them. The situation will be resolved when the kittens mature and become more independent.

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8. Aggression towards other animals

Cats, and sometimes cats, are aggressive towards other males. This problem is especially relevant at the age of two to four years.

Often, cat aggression is caused by hormones

What to do about it

A way out of this situation can be sterilization and temporary keeping of the aggressor separately from other pets, especially cats, for which there is a struggle with the aim of procreation. After that, you should act in the same way as when suppressing territorial aggression.

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What to do if your cat is behaving aggressively

Try to understand why your pet is being hostile.
Eliminate factors that trigger aggression, including interaction with other animals.
Do not punish your pet - this can provoke new aggressive manifestations.
Proceed slowly and patiently when bringing a new pet into a house with a cat.
Try not to disturb the tailed beasts during and after illness, as well as lactating cats with kittens.
Be careful when showing aggression, do not expose your hands or other body parts to the cat, so as not to get injured.
Seek advice from veterinary clinics.