How to handle an aggressive cat

Aggression doesn’t just cause rifts in your relationship with your cat, but can also lead to serious scratches, injuries and infection.

Aggression is one of the most common problems cat owners face. Whether he is lashing out at you or other pets, your cat’s hostile behavior can cause serious injuries and even infection. Fortunately for owners of unfriendly felines, aggression can often be addressed by understanding the subtle signals your cat gives when he’s feeling threatened or anxious.

Aggression comes in many forms but is generally defined as any harmful or threatening behavior directed toward another animal or person. In the wild, nearly all animals display aggression when protecting their territory, family, or themselves from an attack. In the case of your cat, this behavior can range from hissing and hiding to outright attacks on a perceived antagonist. Understanding your cat’s body language is key to communicating well with your pet and avoiding such attacks.

When your cat is on the offense and prepared to attack, he will display several clear signs of aggression. These include a stiffened stance, pricked ears, narrowed pupils, fur standing on the edge, and a direct stare. Cats at risk of acting aggressively may also growl or move directly toward their opponent. When felines are feeling timid or defensive, however, they may tuck their heads, wraps their tails around their bodies, turn sideways to avoid directly facing their opponent, flatten their ears, or hiss. It’s important to recognize these signals, as they’re your pet’s way of saying: “Back off!” Rather than provoking him further by trying to touch, comfort, or punish your pet, simply give Kitty some space to recuperate as soon as you notice any signs of aggression. Once you recognize the signs of an agitated cat, you can begin evaluating what’s causing your pet’s hostile behavior. Take note of who he directs his aggression toward and the circumstances under which this happens. It’s also important to understand what occurred in the time leading up to your pet’s aggressive outburst and what was about to happen to your pet when he acted out. By understanding the cause of aggressive behavior, you can begin to address the problem with the help of a qualified animal behaviorist. It’s important to seek the help of a professional, as aggressive behavior in cats can be a dangerous and complex problem to address.

In some cases, aggression in cats can also be caused by medical conditions such as epilepsy, arthritis, and dental disease. If your pet is displaying seemingly unwarranted aggression, take him to the veterinarian for an exam to rule out any physical causes behind this behavior.