Aggressive Cat Behavior: What To Do
Any plans for happily ever after with your new feline friend are quickly ruined by aggressive cat behavior. If you are victim to a cat scratch, clawing, or biting, it can be more than a temporary ailment. If you do not clean and dress the wound, it might easily become invaded by bacteria and infection.
Instead of worrying about the consequences of aggressive cat behavior, it is much better to understand what causes it and to head it off before it starts whenever possible. This can begin with the play of tiny kittens, and requires understanding a cat's normal instincts and their psychology.
Kittens will naturally exhibit some degree of aggressive behavior since it is instinct for them to stalk and capture prey. However, it's important for the new pet owner to teach the kitty appropriate behavior. The kitten needs strict limits for his behavior and substitutes he can use to vent his aggression. Your first thought may be "How cute!" when your kitten viciously attacks you with little bites and claws. At this point you have to think of the future and tell your kitty a forceful "No!" What is cute now won't be so cute when kitty has grown to adulthood.
Cats, including kittens, should have a supply of toys and scratching posts that are designed to be scratched and otherwise played with aggressively. Make sure that they know not to scratch or bite you or other humans. When cats behave well, reward them with treats and kind words. Don't hit a cat to punish it, as this will make the cat more aggressive and ruin its relationship with you.
A cat that is ill or stressed out is unable to tell you in words, so he may display aggressive behavior to get your attention. If you pet begins showing aggression you haven't seen before, be sure to take him to the vet immediately to have it checked out. A pet can become stressed by such things as changes in your household or his diet, loud noises, or having a new pet invading his territory. If you can, introduce your kitty to changes gradually in order to reduce his stress. Lower stress levels should result in less aggressive behavior.
Aggressive cat behavior may also be caused by the feline's diet. An obese older cat may have joint pain. Significant weight loss could improve both its mood and its health. Consultation with a veterinarian is critical, however, for the weight reduction must be gradual. If it occurs too rapidly the cat's health may be compromised. Your pet could even die.
A cat's posture show you a lot about its mood. When they have a little too much attention, it is common for a cat to quickly become aggressive. This often happens when a cat is purring during a session of petting, then quickly nips the person they were just purring to. Lashing tails, rigid and tense bodies, and ears flattened back are universal signs in the cat's world. They say "I've had enough for now, give me some space!" By watching for these cues while you are praising good behavior, and modifying behavior early in life, it is easy to have a happy and peaceful cat.
About the Author: Aggressive cat behavior can make for an uncomfortable home. Both owner and cat need to know their boundaries. Owners need to set the limit for a cat or kitten's behavior as soon as it enters the home to avoid bad habits. On the other end of the spectrum, the owner also has to pay special attention to the feline for signs of distress or annoyance. A cats health can cause aggressive behavior, so a vet appointment might be in order. Letting a cat scratch at their own scratching post or the like will give them a set place to do what comes natural without getting upset.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 29 views | Jul 01 2008
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