Dealing with Your Cat's Aggression

Looking for ways of dealing with your cat's aggression?Cats can make great pets, but many cat owners aren't willing to put up with aggression. If your cat acts aggressively it doesn't mean that your cat doesn't like you and don't worry if they are aggressive toward other cats. There are many causes for aggression in cats. This article will cover the different causes and how you can help deal with your cat behavior.

Cats often have territorial aggression. Like dogs, cats can be very territorial. This sometimes results in cats marking their territory by urinating, and it also sometimes leads to fights between cats. This will typically happen when cats are outdoors and strange cats come around.

Many cat owners don't realize that cats can experience sexual aggression. This is seen between two cats of the opposite sex. Even cats that are spayed or neutered can sometimes have sexual aggression. Don't freak out if your cat appears to be doing this to other cats. It's actually normal.

Sometimes cat owners take playing to be aggression. Pets sometimes play differently than humans do. Sometimes cats and kittens get carried away with their playing and might scratch or bite you. Kittens actually learn how to fight by playing. Therefore, don't worry if your kittens appear to be aggressive towards one another as long as none of them get injured.

Also, your cat may act aggressively towards you, hissing, swatting, scratching, biting, etc. This may mean that your cat is simply moody that day or it could be a sign that your cat has a health problem. Illness and pain can change a cat's mood and cause them to act out. Take your cat to a veterinarian to get medical issues ruled out or treated.

If your cat is being aggressive you can scold them by saying a strong "no!" Do not hit your cat or pat their behind. Any type of aggression you show towards them just reinforces that aggression is okay. You want your cat to understand that aggression is inappropriate. Confine your cat if they show aggression. This shows them that you are not happy about the aggressive behavior and it allows the cat some time to cool off. If your cat has serious aggression problems, your veterinarian may actually prescribe some medications that can help.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.