Cat Care & Advice – How To Solve Aggressive Behaviour

How To Solve Aggressive Behaviour

Cats are rarely aggressive towards humans, but if your cat has become aggressive to people or other pets there may be reasons behind it, and steps you can take. If your cat is displaying aggression towards you or a family member then please read our advice below.

Firstly, ask your vet for advice. There may be a medical reason for their aggression. If not, ask your vet to recommend a qualified pet behaviourist. Your cat could become aggressive for a number of reasons. By understanding the causes of aggression you may be able to help your cat to feel calm, secure and less aggressive – taking the correct action today could reduce and eliminate aggressive behaviour, meaning that you and your cat can enjoy a happy life together.

Feline aggression can take the following forms:

Defensive/fear aggression: your cat will usually run from anything they think is a threat, but they may defend themselves if they feel trapped or can’t escape, or if they have previously learned that attempting to flee doesn’t work.

Play and petting aggression: cats generally prefer short but frequent interactions, which is normal in feline etiquette. See our advice on cat interactions below for more information on this. Some cats will have a limit to how much petting they can handle, and too much interaction can lead to aggression. Always try and follow the 3 second rule explained below.

Territorial aggression: cats are naturally territorial creatures so if two cats meet on disputed ground or if a strange cat passes through another’s territory then aggressive behaviour and posturing can occur. If your cats are aggressive to each other seek veterinary advice or email us at info@sheffieldcats.org.uk for advice and help.

Pain-related aggression: cats can’t tell us when they are in pain. Just like us humans, cats suffering from pain have lower tolerance levels and so are more likely to become aggressive.

Causes of aggression

Cats are more likely to show aggressive type behaviours out of frustration if they’re kept indoors without stimulation, access to essential resources or an outlet for their hunting instinct, and if they are unneutered.  By neutering cats, showing patience and doing as much as possible to reduce or remove causes of cat stress or anxiety you may be able to change your cat’s mood and behaviour, meaning that you can live happily together. For help with neutering, please take a look at Cats Protection’s website here: Cats Protection Neutering Help