Aggressive Cat Behavior: The Reasons And The Solutions
Nothing spoils your expectations of a happy relationship with a cuddly kitty than the problem of aggressive cat behavior. A cat scratch or bite can be more than just painful at the time. Cats have a considerable amount of bacteria on their claws and especially in their mouths and these injuries can easily become infected.
Instead of worrying about the consequences of aggressive cat behavior, it is much better to understand what causes it and to head it off before it starts whenever possible. This can begin with the play of tiny kittens, and requires understanding a cat's normal instincts and their psychology.
In nature, cats are predators, and kitten play derives from their natural hunting instincts. Therefore, some aggression is to be expected, but you still should set limits for kittens and give them appropriate substitute activities to absorb some of their aggressive impulses. If a kitten bites or claws you, even if it seems cute at the time, you must rebuff it and stop petting it or you else you will reinforce the conduct. Those little nips and scratches that are cute when they come from a kitten aren't so cute when they are delivered by an adult.
Provide kittens and all cats with toys and furniture like scratching posts that are fine for aggressive play and claw scratching. Always be clear that biting or clawing you is not permitted. Reinforce good behaviors with words and with some treats, but never punish a cat by hitting them. This destroys your relationship and will usually increase aggression.
Unusual feline aggression may often be contributed to the cats health. Without the ability to communicate many cats will use aggression as a signal that they are ill or have been injured. Stress can be caused by changes in the cats diet, outside noise or new pets or children in the home. To minimize this stress, it is important to introduce any changes in the cats environment slowly, and be sure to take a newly aggressive cat to a vet as soon as possible for an examination.
There are theories that aggressive cat behavior can be partially blamed on diet. You might want to discuss this possibility with your veterinarian. Excessive weight can lead to joint pain for older cats, so helping your pet lose weight can help him feel a lot better. However, if you find your cat is losing weight too rapidly, a condition which can be dangerous to the point of being fatal to your cat, talk to your vet.
Make sure you pay attention to what your cat is trying to tell you. Even though they are basically gentle animals who love to purr while being petted, if they are over stimulated you may find yourself stroking a cat who tries to bite you. Beware of a swishing tail, an arched back and flattened ears. Your kitty is signaling to you to back off and give him space. Start behavior training with consistent reinforcement for good behavior as soon as you get a new cat. You must also immediately start learning your cat's body language. These simple steps will ensure a calm, pleasant pet for your family.
Aggressive cat behavior can make for an uncomfortable home. Both owner and cat need to know their boundaries. Owners need to set the limit for a cat or kitten's behavior as soon as it enters the home to avoid bad habits. On the other end of the spectrum, the owner also has to pay special attention to the feline for signs of distress or annoyance. A cats health can cause aggressive behavior, so a vet appointment might be in order. Letting a cat scratch at their own scratching post or the like will give them a set place to do what comes natural without getting upset.
Published November 1st, 2007
Filed in Family
