Aggressiveness

The tendency of a cat to scratch, bite or bully. Fights between cats are not limited to the mating season, but may come about over territorial rights or food. Often aggressive behavior is irreversible and due to psychological disturbances.

Feline aggression can be a very serious matter. With their sharp teeth and claws, cats are capable of doing some serious damage to people, dogs, and other cats.

Aggression problems can stem from physical ailments, so consult with your veterinarian to rule out medical conditions first, but most often aggression is a behavior problem classified as : territorial, play/predatory, redirected, fear or pain induced.

Territorial aggression among cats in the same household is the most common feline aggression problem. Introduction of a new adult cat will usually provoke aggression. However, aggression can also occur between cats that had lived peacefully together for years. Once you get more than two cats, the possibility of territorial aggression surfacing gets pretty high. By the time you have four or five cats, it is very high. It is hard to stop territorial aggression. Sometimes, it can help to separate the cats in different areas of the house for a few days. Switch the areas they are confined to so they get used to the other cat's smells, sounds, etc. Then reintroduce them.

Redirected aggression occurs when a cat sees another cat but cannot reach it and attacks a human or another cat in the household instead. To treat redirected aggression, remove the cat to a quiet dark room and isolate him until he is calm. Don't try to handle the cat—push it with a cardboard shield to maneuver it into a quiet room.

Feline aggression directed towards people is usually predatory or playful. Most cats will outgrow this behavior by the time they are a couple of years old. Stalking and pouncing on a person's feet or ankles is typical of predatory aggression. If the cat is young, the aggression is probably play oriented. In these cases, the bite is usually inhibited, but if you do not correct the cat for playing too roughly, it may never learn to inhibit its bite. A shelter cat I grew very fond of, Norton, was a perfect example of this. He would practically tear up our hands and arms when we pet him, but he was only trying to play. Playful aggression is best redirected towards swinging toys. Toys that work best are "Cat Dancers" (furry balls, feathers, etc. on a string, wand, or attached to a small fishing rod for efficient "casting" and interesting motion as it is reeled in). Some people just tie a toy on a string to their belt to provide a better target then their ankles. This also provides a lot of exercise which is a good release of the pent up energy in kittens and young cats.

Irritable aggression usually occurs when the cat is being stroked too roughly or excessively. Our cat Dizzy displays this behavior when anyone other than Jason touches her. Petting the cat more gently and for shorter times should resolve this problem. Obviously, if your cat is displaying signs of irritability ( twitching tail, tense muscles, growling) stop petting her.

Always exercise caution when handling an injured animal. Cats can not understand your good intention and will strike out to protect themselves if they are in a vulnerable position. Cats suffering medical conditions will bite or scratch a person who unknowingly touch a sensitive area. Children can provoke pain induced aggression in cats by simply playing too rough, Young children should never be allowed to handle cats unsupervised.

A fearful cat will hunch down, body close to the ground, ears flat and tail held low. Stray cats or cats never socialized by humans will often be afraid of them. It’s best not to approach a cat displaying fear induced aggression, but if you must - wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants and gloves. Pick up the cat in a thick blanket or towel making sure his head and feet are covered - and place him in the carrier.




Pretty Kitty