Aggression in Cats

Aggression in cats is the second most common feline behavior problem been reported by pet pet owners. Although cat aggression is sometimes taken less seriously than dog aggression. Here in Nigeria, it could be mistaken for a whole lot of unnatural reasons.

Cat aggression is a threatening or harmful behavior directed toward a person, another cat or other animals. The consequences of aggressive behavior in cats can be significant, ranging from injuries to other cats and people to its maiming by threatened individuals.

Cats are both predators and prey; in multi-cat homes they have a social hierarchy; and they are very territorial. Understanding these instincts will help you see the world through your cat’s eyes, and understand why certain situations elicit certain aggressive reactions.

The first step in managing an aggressive cat is to ensure that there is no medical reason for aggressive behavior. There are underlying diseases that may cause aggression. Consult a veterinarian before attempting to manage aggressive cats through behavioral and/or environmental modification.

Causes of Aggression in Cats

Aggression in cats is usually motivated by, or related to:

• Social pressures
• Fear or anxiety
• Frustration
• Inappropriate play
• Illness or pain

As with all behaviour problems, the cat’s health should be checked to ensure it is not motivated by pain or illness. 

Signs of Aggression in Cats

A cats body posture may be a clue in pinpointing the trigger for the aggressive behavior, as well as a much-needed warning before future attacks.

Defensive postures are intended to make a cat look smaller and position herself in a protective manner. These postures may include:

• Crouching
• Flattened ears
• Turning away from the person
• Hissing
• Swatting at you
• Raised hackles, or a tucked head.

Offensive postures make a cat look big and intimidating. These postures include: stiffened legs

• Hackles raised
• Moving toward you
• Staring at you
• Upright ears
• Growling
• Stiff tail

Types of Aggression in Cats

Play aggression.

All feline play consists of mock aggression, so rough play is nothing out of the ordinary. Cats may stalk, chase, swipe, sneak, pounce, kick, ambush, and even scratch or bite each other during play. However, play can lead to overstimulation, which can escalate to aggression.

Fear aggression

Cats usually display fear aggression when they feel threatened, especially when cornered. Initially the cat tends to show defensive body language and will attempt to avoid the person they are afraid of, but when cornered they may become quite aggressive. Ears will generally be turned back, and the tail and body lowered, but the teeth will be displayed and hissing or growling may occur.

Redirected Aggression

Redirected aggression occurs when the cat becomes frightened or upset. Rather than run or go after the real cause, the cat instead turns on the handiest target. Often this innocent victim is another cat or pet in the home, or the guardian. Thereafter, the mere sight of the victim brings up all that upset all over again, and the cat continues to attack unprovoked.

Sexual aggression

Only male cats exhibit sexual aggression. The cat will mount a person’s arm or ankle, grab the skin with its teeth, and initiate pelvic thrusting. Attempts to dislodge the cat at this point will result in increased aggression. This may lead to injury

Petting induced Aggression

Some cats show a high sensitivity to being petted in certain places, and their annoyance can flair up in an instant. For example, some cats behave aggressively when touched on the rear end or when being petted while sitting on someone’s lap. The reasons behind this behavior are not well understood, but these cats sometimes learn to accept petting for short amounts of time.

Managing Aggression in Cats

The first stop any time a cat shows these aggressive signs without obvious provocation is your veterinarian. She can examine your cat and make sure he does not have a medical condition causing the unwanted behavior.

Aggression can be a dangerous behavior problem. It is complex to diagnose and can be tricky to treat. Many behavior modification techniques are available. A qualified professional can take a complete behavior history, develop a treatment plan customized for your cat and coach you through its implementation.

Do not punish your cat. Punishment may not only cause your cat to be more aggressive. It may well damage your relationship