What to do if your cat is acting aggressively

Play aggression

A kitten or young cat can behave very rudely during play: scratching, biting, hunting for a person and attacking from an ambush.

Do not encourage your pet's aggressive behavior / bandofcats.com

The reason is that the animal simply does not know how to control itself. Cats typically learn to communicate when they grow up with their peers. This is how they learn that aggression can be met with a mirror response or the fun will end. But those kittens that were taken from their mother before the age of three months did not have time to acquire social skills. Therefore, they can play very harshly and simply do not understand that such behavior is unacceptable.

According to researchers of Common feline problem behaviors: Owner-directed aggression, the only pets that never go for walks and those whose owners prefer rather rough games can also show aggression. Such predatory habits are also typical for some breeds in general, for example, Bengal cats.

What to do about it

First, determine if there is a pattern when aggression occurs. For example, an animal hides under a bed when preparing to jump. To prevent an attack, distract your furry with a game or simply block access to ambush areas. An ordinary bell on the collar can tell you where the pet is.

Also try to switch your cat's attention to different toys. But do not expose your hands to scratching and biting: the animal may perceive this as a general game, which will provoke new aggression.

Don't punish your cat: sometimes this causes fear of people. If you see an animal showing play aggression, simply ignore it and walk away. This way the pet will understand that his actions do not lead to a common game.

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As a way of protection

In this case, the pet clearly wants to be left alone. He is scared or upset. The best way to calm an aggressive cat is to let him sit quietly in his favorite corner. Attempts by the owner to pet, play or give a treat will be regarded by the pet as another encroachment on its safety. If your pet likes to rest in the closet, where the bottom shelf is covered with a soft blanket, then now is the time to let her do so.

The easiest way to recognize a scared cat is:

She huddles to the floor or huddles in a corner.
At the same time, the pupils are dilated.
The cat hisses or growls, but makes no attempt to attack you.
Ears flattened.
The pet intimidates you, but looks around and tries to find shelter for itself.

We can conclude that the fluffy beauty is desperately afraid of something, so the cat behaves aggressively. What should the owner do? As mentioned above, let him be alone, in a closed and dark corner, on a soft and warm bedding. In some cases, the cat may roll over onto its back and fold its paws. It is very important to recognize this condition so as not to suffer yourself or harm your pet.

This applies mostly to uncastrated cats that are entering puberty. What to do if the cat becomes aggressive and bites? The recommendation is the same: pay close attention to your pet and try to understand what is happening to it. In young individuals, hormones are most often raging, and the aggression associated with dividing territory is very pronounced.

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If a cat returns from a walk and shows fighting spirit, most likely he just got into a fight with a neighbor and is not yet cooled down from the fight. Your pet may just need these walks, where he can communicate with his own kind and try his hand at it. Often a cat changes behavior if a new relative appears in the yard.

There can be competition at home, too, if you get yourself a new pet. It doesn't matter if it's a puppy or a kitten. Animals react in a similar way to the appearance of a child, and aggression can be both direct and hidden. In one case, the pet arches its back, hisses and bites. In another, it may mark the territory occupied by the “occupier.”

Aggression as a manifestation of fear

In certain situations, your pet feels cornered and defends itself if there is no way to escape. This often happens when a cat encounters an unfamiliar animal, person, or even noise. Although sometimes the owners can be frightening.

Another possible situation is events associated with less than pleasant experiences, such as a visit to the veterinarian.

During aggression, which is caused by fear, the cat tries to protect itself / webmd.com

This problem also occurs in animals that are not accustomed to people since childhood or are regularly subjected to physical punishment.

What to do about it

In such a situation, it is better to leave the pet alone for a while and give it the opportunity to come to its senses. It is important not to show fear. This behavior will only intensify if the cat realizes that you have retreated.

You should not reassure your pet; this may be perceived as encouragement. Lack of attention is the best way to deal with aggression caused by fear.

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