Aggressive Cat Behavior No More
In order to minimize or curtail aggressive cat behavior, you need to have an excellent understanding of your cat. Your pet is more than likely a happy and sociable cat. Although this may seem perfect, more than likely there will be times when your cat does not behave in its usual manner.
A few things need remembering before trying to correct the behavior of your cat. First, there is the perspective problem. Your cat isn't really worried about its actions, which seem normal to it. The other is that physical punishment for bad behavior does nothing to correct the situation.
Aggressive cat behavior can cause problems such as destroying furniture, not using the litter box, fighting with other animals, or even attacking their owner. It is necessary to change the cat's behavior by using non aggressive methods when solving these issues. Remonstration must be associated with the cat, not you.
Do not be angry when your cat scratches your furniture, because it is not willfully trying to destroy your furniture or make you angry. The solution is to buy a cat scratching post and provide positive reinforcement. Cats like praise, and so it will learn to use the post. If this technique does not work and the cat still goes for the furniture, just move the furniture next to the post. The cat will catch on.
Another aggressive cat behavior is fighting with other cats. If you have more than one cat, then you will soon learn that these creatures are often territorial. Cat's also have an inbred instinct to hunt and stalk and having another cat in the house (or your shoelaces) will make for good prey. To curb this behavior, one can separate things like litter boxes and food bowls so that each cat can have their own area.
Aggressive cats sometimes are ill. This aggressive behavior is a way that a cat will guard himself when he is feeling exposed and vulnerable. Remember to give him the space he requires, cats tend to want to stay by themselves when they are ill. Keeping a close watch on your cat will help you to learn his mood swings, temperament and any temporary cat problems that may arise.
About the Author: Just like people, cats can have mood swings. Changes in mood can cause docile cats becoming aggressive cats. Illness can also cause temporary cat problems that manifest as aggression. In order to curb or avoid aggressive cat behavior in your cat, you must have a firm understanding of your feline friend. Cats that are ill often feel vulnerable, and therefore find the need to defend it. Having another cat in the home can cause your cat to become territorial. When you know your cat well, you can recognize the signs of imbalance early before the cat becomes aggressive.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 4 views | Jul 12 2008
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