Aggressive Cat Behavior Can Be Fixed
Anyone who loves cats will tell you that they are great pets. Many make this statement because of how much love cats show when they cuddle up with you and purr. Others may say that it is because of the way a cat carries itself. Unfortunately, there are cats that are aggressive and for many this gives cats a bad name, and if your cat has suddenly become aggressive this is something to get taken care of quickly.
All aggressive cat behavior is not the same. Sometimes aggression can be a sign that a cat is in great pain. Beware of sudden unusual biting and scratching from a previously sweet and non-aggressive cat. It could be that this sudden aggressive cat behavior is you cat's way of telling you he is in severe pain.
By far, the most commonly seen aggressive cat behavior is play aggression. It usually is caused by the owner! Everybody loves to play with their pet, and the kitten owner is no exception. As the cat ages, it may not understand that aggressive playing can hurt you, or why you no longer wish to play with him. This behavior can frighten others and damage the cat's reputation. Declawing the cat doesn't address the root problem. The better way to handle play aggression is to provide toys to substitute for playing, and to startle a cat with a loud clap.
A cat on the defensive often acts aggressive -- as if backed into a corner. Over-stimulated cats may suddenly and unexpectedly lash out violently. A frightened or worried cat is more likely to misbehave, their aggression often misdirected towards those trying to help it. Discomforting events on the other side of the window sometimes cause a cat to growl, hiss and attack its owner. Carefully removing the cat from the source of agitation is sometimes necessary, and is the owner's responsibility. If the cat is not a threat to itself or others, it is often safest for both the owner and the cat to simply leave the cat alone to cool-down with a "kitty time out".
There are other types of aggressive cat behavior, such as Maternal, Dominance, and Territorial. If a cat has kittens, it may be overly protective of them, it is the owner's job to trust the maternal instincts of the cat and leave the kittens alone. Dominance aggression is more complicated and the only way to treat it is to remove attention until the cat is gentler. Territory fights need to be broken up and the cats separated to their own quiet spaces immediately. Making life boring will be the best way to get them to behave.
Punishing a cat will never correct aggressive behavior. Getting help from a cat whisperer, or "feline therapist", if you can't handle the problem yourself, would prove more effective, especially when the problem appears to be a deep-seated one. Whisperers understand feline psychology and how to relate to those naughty kitties. Yes, you can find some advice online, but when the case is very difficult, a whisperer will usually make a "house call".
About the Author: Any cat lover can tell you that cats make great pets. There is no better feeling then when your cat purrs and lovingly cuddles up against you. Others love the dignified way a cat carries itself. But if your cat becomes aggressive, it needs to be addressed immediately. There are various reasons for aggressive cat behavior, namely pain aggression, play aggression, over stimulated aggression, maternal aggression, territorial aggression, and dominance aggression. Punishing a cat will never correct aggressive behavior.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 71 views | Oct 07 2007
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