Tips For Dealing With Aggressive Cat Behavior

In nature, cats need to pounce, scratch, claw, and bite in order to survive. Accordingly, domesticated cats will retain these habits, even if unnecessary to their survival in a human household. For, cats are naturally programmed to hunt and defend themselves; without such instinctual behavior, they wouldn't be the fascinating felines we love so much.

But, why do some cats exhibit more aggressive behavior towards humans and other cats than others? And what can you do to stop it?

There are many causes of aggressive behavior in cats:

1. Personality/Temperament

Every cat, like every human, possesses different personality traits. Therefore, just as some humans are more prone to aggressive behavior, so are some cats.

2. Territorial Problems

Cats are very territorial creatures. If they feel that their territory is being impeded upon by other animals or humans, they may exhibit hostile, protective behavior.

3. Fear

Linked to personality/temperament, fear is often the driving force behind aggressive behavior in cats (and in humans, for that matter). If a threat is perceived, a cat will instinctually do what it takes the escape the situation alive.

4. Medical Issues

Underlying medical issues like arthritis, dental pain, abscesses, and simply pain or deprivation in general, can cause aggression. Be sure to have your cat checked by a veterinarian if you suspected underlying medical issues.

5. Petting-induced

While most cats love to be pet, most cats also will sometimes suddenly turn aggressive and bite or swat at you while you're petting them. There is speculation that this is a result of over-stimulation from the repetition of the being pet in the same spot over and over again.

Aggressive cat behavior, especially against babies and children, can be both dangerous and frustrating. With a little time and patience, however, it can be stopped using some or all of the following methods:

1. Accustom your cat to being handled.

If you're lucky enough to welcome a cat into your family when he/she is a kitten, this method will prove easier, but it can be undertaken with a little extra care with an older cat. Start by petting the cat's head when he/she is relaxed. Continue to pet him/her along his/her back and tail, avoiding sudden movements. Talk to the cat while petting him/her and follow the session with a treat.

2. Don't encourage rough play.

Again, this method is easier to enforce with kittens, but don't be afraid to try it with older cats. Deter rough play that includes biting and scratching by using loud noises, like the clapping of hands or shaking of pennies in a can, to redirect the cat's attention. Be sure to provide your cat with lots of scratching posts and stuffed animals to play with. Also always keep your cat's nails clipped.

3. Withdraw your affection.

Punishing a cat for aggressive behavior will only make said behavior worse. Instead, when your cat exhibits hostility, try withdrawing affectionate treatment. Cats are quick to pick up on changes in your actions towards them and will realize that bad behavior is pretty boring.

4. Build trust and confidence.

Build trust and confidence with your aggressive cat by letting him/her get hungry and then having the person the aggression is usually directed toward hold a treat without approaching the cat . Let the cat come to the person with the treat. If the cat refuses to approach the person, start with an already-trusted family member administering the treat while the offending person is in the same room, or at least the house, then build on whatever progress is made.

5. Use stages in major life changes.

Territorial- and fear-related issues that lead to aggressive behavior among cats can be diminished by easing into any major changes in a feline's life. When welcoming a new cat to your family, introduce the new cat to your other pets in stages. Don't be surprised by aggressive behavior from either the new cat or your existing cat(s). Likewise, when moving a cat to a new home, start by placing the carrier on the floor, opening the door, and allowing him/her to explore on his/her own terms. For especially timid cats, you may want to keep them in a single room for a period of time, introducing them to new rooms of the new home in stages.

These are merely a few of the many tips out there to help stop aggressive cat behavior. Ultimately, the problem can only be be solved with time, patience, and the understanding that in order to overcome behavioral issues, a cat, much like a human, needs to overcome fear and anxiety.