What to do if a cat behaves aggressively

The reasons that cats are aggressive, are different. They can be divided into several groups. And the quicker you will understand the problem, the easier it is to adjust the pet's behavior.

1. Games aggression

Kitten or young cat can be very rude to behave during the game: scratching, biting, and the hunt for a man to ambush.

The reason is that the animal simply does not know how to control themselves. Usually cats learn to communicate when growing up together with their peers. That's how they learn that aggression can get a mirror response or fun runs. but those kittens, Which was taken from his mother at the age of three months, we did not have time to acquire social skills. Therefore, can play very hard and just do not understand that such behavior is unacceptable.

According to researchersCommon feline problem behaviours: Owner-directed aggression, Also show aggression can only pets, never go for a walk, and those whose owners prefer to rather rough game. Characterized by such destructive habits and for some species in general, such as Bengal cats.

What to do

To start, determine whether there is a pattern, if there is aggression. For example, animal hides under the bed when getting ready to jump. To prevent an attack, distract Fluffy game or simply close access to places for an ambush. Suggest where the pet can be a normal bell on the collar.

Also, try to switch attention to the different cats toys. But do not substitute their own hands by scratching and biting: the animal can perceive it as a common game that will provoke a new aggression.

Do not punish your cat: sometimes it is the fear of the people. If you see that game animal shows aggression, just ignore and walk away. So the pet will understand that his actions do not lead to the overall game.

2. Aggression as a manifestation of fear

In certain situations, your pet feels cornered and is protected if there is no possibility of escape. Often it happens when a cat is faced with unfamiliar animals, humans and even noise. Although sometimes may scare owners.

Another possible situation - events connected with not the most pleasant experiences such as a visit to the vet.

This problem occurs and animalsWho are not accustomed to the people in childhood and are regularly subjected to physical punishment.

What to do

In such a situation it is better for a while to leave the pet alone and give time to recover. It is important not to show fear. Such behavior will only increase if the cat will understand that you retreated.

It is not necessary to reassure pet, it can be seen as encouraging. Lack of attention - the best way to deal with aggression caused by fear.

3. Aggression in response to caress

Some cats snarls when they are stroked and petted, or just trying to make it. And this happens as you try to touch it, and some time later.

Such a reaction is also sometimes observed when combing, trimming claws and other grummingovyh procedures. Precise explanation of such behavior is not present, but probably it is due to over-stimulation and attempt pet to control the situation.

according to researchPotential risk factors associated with feline behaviour problems, Namely to such situations account for approximately 40% of cases of aggressive displays toward humans, higher rates only in game situations.

What to do

Try to be careful when petting their pet or caring for its fur. At the outbreak of aggression do not try to hold and soothe, not punished for such behavior.

To prevent outbursts of rage, treats cat treats after short stroking. Over time, increase the time of contact, and do not forget about goodies. But at the first attempt to stop aggression and do not touch the animal.

It is particularly important to change this behavior, if the family has children, who often want to pet the pet and are not ready for the negative response.

4. redirected aggression

It manifested when the cat sees or feels the stimulus, but not in contact with him. For example, your pet is watching through the window of a homeless animal or a neighbor's pet and even the smell of another animal. And if there is no possibility of attack, aggression can be redirected to a man.

Sometimes, the same behavior occurs due to loud sounds, and even the presence of strangers in the house.

What to do

The easiest option - to remove stimulus. For example, close the curtains or window to isolate the pet from a neighbor. Help to distract the animal and the different toys.

5. Aggression as a reaction to pain

So seals protect themselves against contact and other actions that may intensify the pain. For example, if touch the animals in which osteoarthritis or other diseases, they may hiss, scratch and bite.

Rarely such aggression can be observed after a full recovery in response to a touch to the long bolevshim or wounding sites.

What to do

Try to avoid touching that cause the animal discomfort. Caress and brush your pet, only when he is relaxed, not hisses and shows no aggression.

Be sure to consult your veterinarian to relieve pain.

6. territorial aggression

In this case, cats are aggressive to other animals. Sometimes it manifests itself even against old acquaintances who have already taken pussies, but not seen in a while. Cat attacks and even pursues a stranger.

What to do

Accustom the animal to the next stages. To start, leave or returning new pet in a separate room with its own stove bench, tray and bowls. A few days later put the aggressor in this room and let stay there for one half hour. Once again change the animals in places. Repeat for several days.

The next step - plant pets in carry and place in different corners of the room. Alternatively, you can use a harness with a leash, if cats are accustomed to them. The main thing that they could see and smell each other but not in contact physically. At the same time, let's treat pets to the positive emotions associated with each other's company. If the cat refuses to eat, increase the distance between them.

Repeat for several days and gradually decrease the distance. When aggression disappears, release the Fuzzies and offer them a treat. If anger will manifest itself again, start over again.

It may take weeks or even months, it all depends on the characteristics of your pets.

If there is no progress for a long time, consult your veterinarian.

Studies have shownCommon feline problem behaviors: Aggression in multi-cat householdsThere are key principles of peaceful coexistence of several cats on the same territory. First of all animals should not be crowded. They need plenty of space, and more toys and even playgrounds for active leisure. And if you bring in the caudate, need to gradually accustom the house, where they already have a pet to interact without aggression.

7. maternal aggression

Cats in late pregnancy and nursing little kittens often aggressively disposed towards people, even well-known to them. In this situation, any attempt to approach can result in an attack.

What to do

First of all, try to ensure a calm environment of the cat family in a secluded place. Do not bother once again and do not allow them to strangers. The situation was resolved when the kittens grow up and become more self-reliant.

8. Aggression toward other animals

catsAnd sometimes cats can be aggressive towards other males. Especially urgent this problem is between the ages of two to four years.

What to do

The way out of this situation may be temporary sterilization and maintenance of the aggressor separately from other pets, especially cats, which has been fighting for the purpose of procreation. After standing to act as well as the suppression of territorial aggression.

What to do if a cat behaves aggressively

1. Try to understand why the pet behaves hostilely.
2. Eliminate factors that cause aggression, including communication with the other animals.
3. Do not punish your pet - it can provoke new aggressive manifestations.
4. Proceed slowly and patiently, if bring a new pet in the house, where there is a cat.
5. Try not to disturb the caudate during and after illness, and nursing cats with kittens.
6. Be careful when the manifestation of aggression, do not substitute a cat hands and other body parts to avoid injury.
7. Seek advice in veterinary clinics.