The reasons why cats are aggressive vary. They can be conditionally divided into several groups. And the sooner you figure out the problem, the easier it is to correct your pet’s behavior.
1. Gaming aggression
A kitten or young cat can behave very rudely while playing: scratching, biting, hunting for a person and ambushing.
Do not encourage aggressive pet behavior/bandofcats.com
The reason is that the animal simply does not know how to control itself. Cats usually learn to communicate when they grow up with their peers. This is how they learn that aggression can be answered in a mirror manner or the fun will end. But those kittens that were taken from their mother before the age of three months did not have time to acquire a social skill. Therefore, they can play very hard and simply don’t understand that such behavior is unacceptable.
According to researchers, the only pets who never go out for walks and those whose owners prefer rather rude games can also be aggressive. Such predatory habits are also characteristic of some breeds in general, for example, for Bengal cats.
What to do about it
First, determine if there is a pattern when aggression occurs. For example, an animal hides under the bed when it’s getting ready to jump. To prevent an attack, distract the furry with a game or simply block access to the ambush areas. An ordinary bell on the collar can tell you where the pet is.
Also, try to shift your cat’s attention to different toys. But do not put your hands under scratches and bites: the animal can perceive this as a common game, which will provoke new aggression.
Do not punish the cat: sometimes it causes fear of people. If you see that the animal is playfully aggressive, just ignore it and walk away. This way the pet will understand that its actions do not lead to a common game.
2. Aggression as a sign of fear
In certain situations, your pet feels cornered and protected if there is no way to escape. This is often the case when a cat encounters an unfamiliar animal, a person, and even noise. Although sometimes the owners can also be frightening.
Another possible situation is events associated with not very pleasant experiences, such as a visit to a veterinarian.
During aggression caused by fear, the cat tries to protect itself/webmd.com
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 your pet alone for a while and give it the opportunity to recover. It’s important not to show fright. This behavior will only increase if the cat realizes that you have backed down.
Do not reassure your pet, this can be perceived as an encouragement. Lack of attention is the best way to deal with fear aggression.
3. Aggression in response to affection
Some cats snap when they’re petting and petting or just trying to do so. Moreover, this happens both when you try to touch it, and after a while.
A similar reaction is also sometimes observed when combing, trimming nails and other grooming procedures. There is no exact explanation for this behavior, but it is probably caused by overstimulation and the pet’s attempt to control the situation.
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According to studies, these situations account for approximately 40% of cases of aggression towards people, with higher rates only in gaming situations.
What to do about it
Try to be careful when petting or grooming your pet. In the event of an outbreak of aggression, do not try to restrain and reassure, and do not punish such behavior.
To prevent outbursts of rage, treat your cat to treats after a short stroking session. Over time, increase the contact time and don’t forget about goodies. But at the first signs 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 pet their pet and are not ready for negativity in return.
4. Redirected aggression
It appears when the cat sees or feels an irritant, but does not come into contact with it. For example, your pet watches a stray animal or neighbor’s pet through the window and even smells another animal. And if there is no way to attack, aggression can be redirected to a person.
Sometimes cats redirect aggression to humans/ petful.com
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 stimulus. For example, close the windows with curtains or isolate the pet from the neighbor. Various toys will also help to distract the animal.
5. Aggression as a response to pain
This is how cats protect themselves from touch and other actions that can increase pain. For example, touching animals with osteoarthritis or other conditions can make them hiss, scratch, and bite.
Try not to disturb animals during trauma rehabilitation/bandofcats.com
Rarely, such manifestations of aggression can be observed even after full recovery as a reaction to touching long-sore or wounded places.
What to do about it
Try to avoid touching that causes discomfort to the animal. Pet and brush your pet only when it is relaxed, does not hiss or show aggression.
Be sure to see a veterinarian to relieve pain.
6. Territorial aggression
In this case, cats are aggressive towards other animals. Sometimes this even affects old friends whom the furries have already accepted, but have not seen for a while. The cat attacks and even pursues a stranger.
bandofcats.com
What to do about it
Gradually accustom the animal to the neighborhood. To get started, leave 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 him be there alone for half an hour. Then swap the animals again. Repeat for several days in a row.
The next step is to put your pets in carriers and place them in different corners of the room. Alternatively, leashes with harnesses can be used if cats are accustomed to them. The main thing is that they can see and smell each other, but not physically contact each other. At the same time, give your pets a treat so that positive emotions are associated with each other’s company. If cats refuse to eat, increase the distance between them.
Repeat for several days in a row and gradually reduce the distance. When the aggression is gone, let go of the fluffies and offer them a treat. If anger reappears, start over.
This can take weeks or even months, depending on the characteristics of your pets.
If there is no progress for a long time, consult your veterinarian.
Research has shown that 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, toys and even playgrounds for outdoor activities. And if the tailed animal is brought to a house where there is already a pet, you need to gradually teach them to interact without aggression.
7. Maternal aggression
Cats in late pregnancy and nursing little kittens are often belligerent towards people, even those they know well. In such a situation, any attempt to get close could end in an attack.
Cats protect their kittens from all attacks/bandofcats.com
What to do about it
First of all, try to provide the cat family with a quiet environment in a secluded place. Don’t disturb them again and don’t let strangers approach them. The situation will be resolved when the kittens grow up and become more independent.
8. Aggression against other animals
Cats, and sometimes cats, are aggressive towards other males. This problem is especially relevant between the ages of two and four.
Cat aggression is often caused by hormones/petside.com
What to do about it
The way out of this situation may be to sterilize and temporarily keep the aggressor separately from other pets, especially cats, which are being fought for the purpose of procreation. After that, you should act in the same way as when suppressing territorial aggression.
What to do if your cat is aggressive
Try to understand why the pet is hostile.
Eliminate factors that cause aggression, including communication with other animals.
Do not punish your pet – this can provoke new aggressive manifestations.
Be gradual and patient when bringing a new pet into a home with a cat.
Try not to disturb tailed cats during and after illness, as well as nursing cats and kittens.
Be careful when aggressive, do not put your hands and other parts of the body into the cat so as not to get injured.
Consult veterinary clinics for advice.
Source: https://lifehacker.ru/agressivnaya-koshka/
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