Cat Behavior Problems : Five Common Causes
Cat aggression: it can be frightening. Your sweet, beloved pet is suddenly transformed into a hissing, scratching, biting demon. In this article we explore the issue of feline aggression, focusing on the five most common causes. We also explore some simple ways you can minimize and eliminate cat behavior problems such as aggression.
Cats' most frequent kind of aggression is playful aggression. This can be seen when your cats plays roughly with her teeth and claws. This should not be interpreted as an attack, however; your cat has merely mistaken you for a particularly interesting toy. Thus, making sure your cat has actual toys to play with will make it less likely that your cat will decide to sharpen its claws on you.
A related problem is over-stimulation, in which your cat lashes out at you because she has had a bit too much excitement. To deal with over-stimulation, simply withdraw from playtime and leave the room. You might also need to isolate kitty in a room of her own if she is severely aggressive. Once she calms down, her cat behavior problems should cease and she will return to normal.
As a new cat begins feeling comfortable in your home, she naturally comes to see everything and everybody in the home as belonging to her. Territorial aggression towards new people or other animals entering the home is normal, but can become a problem. To lessen your cat's unease and aggressive tendencies, introduce new people and animals slowly through a "getting to know you" phase. Offering kitty treats during this time can also help.
Sometimes your cat might turn his frustrated anger towards you even though you aren't really the target of his anger. This is a case of redirected aggression, and is just another one of the strange cat behavior problems owners encounter. If your cat sees another cat through the window and isn't able to take out the aggression he feels on that cat, he'll direct it back on you. This problem can be easily alleviated by putting shades on your windows which don't allow your cat to look outside.
It is important to note that sometimes, aggression in cats is due to an underlying medical condition. Health problems causing pain, such as stomach problems or infections, often lead to aggression because the cat can not tell what is wrong, and lashes out in response. Paying a visit to the vet is wise before attempting behavior modification. For aggressive cats and their owners, the answer for cat control may be medication, not behavior modification.
About the Author: Dealing with cat behavior problems is easier if you understand some common reasons for aggression. Aggression in play is normal and appropriate toys may help. Overexcitement may also result in aggression, and may respond to temporary isolation. Cats may exhibit territorial aggression when a stranger or new pet enters the home they consider theirs. Gradual introductions can help to achieve cat control by respecting the cat's sense of possessing a territory. Some aggression is anger or frustration redirected to the owner who isn't actually at fault, handled by removing the cause.
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