Aggressive Behavior in Cats
By HollywoodPet.net |
Sat, 30 Dec 2006
Aggressive behavior in cats is not uncommon. Understanding your cats behavior can be helpful in not overreacting. Here are a few basics about cats.
Cats are peaceful animals that can occasionally exhibit aggressive behavior. Not taking it personally is the key to getting past your cats behavior.
If your cats ever hisses, growls or takes an aggressive stance with their paw out, don't be alarmed. Cats are territorial by nature. If another cat is present, it could be a reaction to feeling intruded upon by the other cat.
Cats need time to adjust to each other. Unless your cat was raised from birth with another cat, territorial disputes will happen once in awhile. Even kittens raised from birth can have spats over food or attention from you. Take it in stride, and don't worry too much about trying to stop this behavior entirely. It's natural, and it will happen occasionally.
If you cat show aggression towards you or another person, it is usually fear based. When a cat feels threatened they can respond with aggression. Loud noises, confusion, strangers, different smells, change of routine, and many other small changes that would go unnoticed by you can put your cat on the defensive. Try to pinpoint the cause. Your cat may feel crowded or threatened by unwanted attention.
Your cats hair may stand on end, ears flat, hissing, spitting are all signs your cat may lash out. Don't crowd at this point. Moments like this usually pass quickly and are forgotten. Watch your cat for normal behavior for an indication your cats personal storm has passed.
A big mistake with new cat owners is taking moments like this too seriously. Cats are not dogs. While this behavior would be considered unaccepatable in a dog. Cats are more simplistic in their responses to some things. If your cat hides under furniture, leave it alone until it decides to rejoin the household. Moments of aggression usually pass quickly and are forgotten.
Understanding the simple response cats have towards threat will help in not overreacting to an aggressive moment. Letting your cat have its space and rejoining normal routine when it is ready is the mark of a cat owner who understands cat independence. If aggression becomes an ongoing problem, see your veterinarian. Other problems may be present. Aggressive moments with cats are usually fleeting. Cats are usually responding to fear in these moments. Respect your cat, and enjoy your cat.
