The cat has become aggressive: the main reasons for the “abnormal” behavior

How to understand aggression?

Self-defense, the ability to show one’s physical strength and take advantage of it, are nothing more than survival skills that help wild and domestic animals not only form, but also give birth to offspring. Cats have coexisted with people for a very long time, but unlike dogs, they have always remained more independent.

Aggression in various forms is always present in the life of four-legged animals, with the exception of just a few breeds that are not characterized by emotionality.

It is worth understanding that artificially bred breeds do not have the full set of instincts; more precisely, some of their skills are greatly blunted. The behavior of such individuals should be considered strictly individually, contacting a zoopsychologist or a very experienced owner of cats of the same breed.

If your cat suddenly becomes aggressive, you can calm her down, but this will not solve the problem and most likely, the attack of anger will recur soon. It is important to identify the causes of aggression and take measures to eliminate them. As long as the animal has a reason to be angry, no educational measures will help.

Who do cats attack (and how does it happen)

Before we analyze the motives for aggression in cats, let's look at whom it will most often be directed at. As a rule, cats show aggression against humans or other pets.

Why do cats attack people?

When a cat bites or scratches a person, it is important to share the aggression against the cat's owner, a family member, or a complete stranger.

If you are bitten by a cat, do not delay treating the wound with an antiseptic. If it was not a domestic purr, then you must see a doctor. We will explain what cat bites can mean in one of the following articles.

An attack on an owner or family member may be caused by pain or redirected aggression. If you were bitten by your own cat, who has never been non-aggressive, it is very possible that you touched the sore spot (for example, while playing with your pet). It could also be some kind of benign formation (albeit often painful!), such as a tangle of hair or an undiagnosed abscess.
An attack by a pet on a complete stranger should cause more concern. Even cats that are afraid of strangers tend to stay away from them rather than attack them. If the cat attacked, you need to understand what was the immediate cause. More often than not, the situation developed in such a way that the cat was somehow cornered and perhaps captured by a stranger against its will. This can cause panic and aggression in the cat.

You should also consider the age of the person who was attacked by the cat. Typically, cats bite or scratch small children who have been rough with their purrs (for example, during play). In other rare cases, cats attack people of a certain gender. If your cat only attacks men, it may be that she has a history of being abused or traumatized by men.

Why do cats attack other cats or pets?

Another possible victim of your pet's attack is often another family cat or pet, such as a dog.

However, attacks on small pets such as rabbits, hamsters, birds or reptiles are especially problematic for owners, as in most cases they are associated with the cat's hunting instincts . If your cat tries to attack such a pet, consider keeping them separate from each other, or even better, in separate rooms altogether.

When another cat or dog is in the position of being the victim of aggression, the first step is to understand how well both animals know each other. If they have just been “introduced” to each other, you are likely dealing with territorial aggression, which can be very serious. In this case, it is best to separate the animals, and then begin the gradual process of getting to know each other, which we will describe in detail in the next article.

If the attack was on an animal that lived peacefully with the cat for a long time, then the reason is not related to territorial aggression. Most likely this is aggression caused by stress , and possibly physical pain. Your cat may be sick or afraid of something else and take out its stress on other pets in the home.

Causes and types of aggression in cats

Dominant aggression - I'm in charge here! An absolutely natural motivation for demonstrating physical strength. This behavior is associated with the lack of hierarchy in the family, that is, the cat does not quite correctly determine its role in the pack. The problem is most often associated with education, or rather, the lack thereof. Many owners believe that a cat does not need to be educated; it is naturally independent and will understand how to behave. Leaving the situation until resolved, the owner gets unexpected results - the pet decides that he is the boss in the house and the whole family will live according to the cat’s rules.

Avoiding such a situation is quite simple. From early childhood, a cat must learn who is boss in the house. The lack of this understanding leads to a completely reasonable chain of events:

The cat experiences a lot of mental stress because it believes that it is responsible for the safety of the whole family.

The pet sleeps less, because in a state of deep sleep, animals do not hear quiet sounds and cannot react in time to danger.

The immune system is depleted and metabolism slows down, since these processes are restored cyclically and only during deep sleep.

The cat experiences mild discomfort, which leads to stress or obsessive anxiety.

Weakness leads to an increase in the level of nervous stress, and the sick animal is not confident that it will be able to protect the flock.

The cat becomes depressed.

Aggression becomes the first defense mechanism in response to any irritant or imaginary threat.

Intraspecific aggression - I am the best cat in the world! A look typical of young animals and adult cats that do not feel entirely confident. The purpose of this aggression is the intention to prove to everyone that they are better, stronger, smarter, more beautiful, etc. animals simply don't exist. The problem can be solved by affection and attention towards the pet; this is the only way he can make sure that he is loved by anyone, no matter what he is.

Territorial aggression - I live here, get out! A species characteristic of non-sterilized animals, which instinctively protect the territory in which their offspring will grow. Overcrowded housing or small living space can also be causes of territorial aggression; the animal may fight for personal space.

Redirected aggression - Oh, that nasty cat outside the window , how angry I am, I can’t control myself, I need to attack someone! Redirected aggression can be expressed not only by attacks. Most often, the owner discovers scratched slopes, window frames or damaged wallpaper near the front door. The problem can be solved, you just need to provide the cat with scratching posts that she can scratch on emotions; there are several useful functions at once:

The cat will calm down and will not damage your furniture.
The pet will not attack you or family members.
A secret will remain on the scratching post, secreted by the glands between the fingers, which will serve as a perimeter mark (very important for animals that mark their territory under stress).

This is interesting! Predatory aggression is one of the types of redirected aggression, when a cat hears prey, gets angry, but cannot catch it.

Food aggression - This is my food, take your hands off and don't even look here! This behavior is quite atypical for cats. The reasons lie in uncertainty or real competition for food. Try feeding your pet separately from other animals, in another room or on a higher ground (for example, on a windowsill).

Gambling aggression - I’m having so much fun, I can’t even calculate my strength... Very often, cats bite and scratch, carried away by the game. The solution is very simple - do not play with your pet with your hands and buy toys. Possessive aggression can be attributed to the same type, when, carried away by the game, the cat begins to guard toys or its shelter. When faced with this behavior, the owner needs to stop playing as quickly as possible and leave the animal alone. The pet will calm down on its own.

A cat can be aggressive when it comes to defense. It must be said that this is a very fair reason for the manifestation of physical force, especially if the threat comes from a person. Broadly speaking, defensive behavior can be divided into two types:

Active defensive aggression - the animal makes it clear that it is ready to attack, remains in the threat stage for a short time and attacks. The fury of the attack depends on the degree of threat.

Passive defensive aggression - the cat looks scared, avoids confrontation as much as possible, but when it has no options left, it attacks. The attack is always furious and merciless, the animal remains aggressive even when the threat is eliminated. The only way to calm a cat in this state is by isolating it in a separate room.

Reflex aggression - It hurts me, don’t touch me here! After surgery or injury, your cat may bite and scratch in response to the pain. This behavior is normal and all the owner can do is exercise utmost caution. If you know your cat may bite in response to pain, wrap her in a towel or protect her hands with gloves.

Instinct to protect offspring - No one will touch my children! A very fragile, multifaceted and difficult to understand condition that must be treated with great care. Unlike dogs, cats show parental aggression long before the offspring appear. During estrus, the cat is in a state of sexual heat, but shows aggression towards the cat. The logic of behavior is as follows:

The cat has the right to choose the strongest partner, which she lets the male know about.
The expectant mother knows that the cat can kill kittens in order to mate as quickly as possible, so she becomes much more aggressive after estrus and mating.

Note! If a cat and a tom live in the same house, you need to carefully monitor the mother's mental state after mating. It is worth understanding that childbirth and the docile behavior of the female alone do not guarantee that everything will go as smoothly the second time.

A cat can become aggressive after giving birth and at any stage of pregnancy and the owner must be prepared for this. The behavior should be regarded as normal, especially if the female is mating and pregnant for the first time. The cat feels vulnerable and is in a state of hormonal stress. By analogy with people, an animal can behave in an unusual way without compelling motivation. Aggression after childbirth can be associated with three reasons:

Postpartum depression is an expected condition triggered by stress and fear.
Protection of offspring is characteristic of distrustful cats and animals that do not feel safe.
Aggression associated with experienced pain or complications, for example, when a cat was unable to give birth to her last kitten or placenta - in this case, the animal needs to be provided with immediate and qualified assistance.

Interspecies aggression

Interspecies aggression in most cases is provoked by the cat's fear of another species: animal or human. Since cats are solitary animals by nature, no one will care if they are out of order. Evolution has endowed them with the ability to intimidate and instantly react to danger. If the cat sees that the danger signals it gives are not working, it goes on to attack. The main weapon is surprise.

Why do cats show aggression towards animals with whom they live in the same house? You can often see how your own dogs, who do not pose any danger, get it. The reason may be a factor of competition, for example, for food or the attention of the owner. A dog can get it for his annoying behavior or for causing pain to the cat during games.

To prevent a hostile reaction, feed the animals in different places; it is better if the cat's bowl is located on a hill. Don't eat from someone else's bowl. Do not deprive animals of attention, do not single out your favorites. If your cat is sick, limit contact with other pets so as not to create stressful situations for the sick person.

Cats consider themselves the rightful owners of the house and do not understand why they should get along with someone else

If a person unfamiliar to the cat appears in the house, and he will live there permanently, he can also cause a negative reaction to the pet. The animal exhibits a different range of feelings, from fear to jealousy. Usually cats choose the position of intimidating the “victim”, thus trying to show that the person is not welcome here and should leave.

Under no circumstances should you punish or beat an animal. It will hold a grudge and will not be able to trust.

If an aggressive cat attacks on the sly, it usually does so from secluded places, for example, from under the bed. It is worth blocking her access to such places, but not depriving the cat of shelter.

Block access to places from which the pet attacks

As an alternative, offer her a cat house, either store-bought or home-made. To make your cat understand that the house is truly safe, place her favorite blanket in it. Never take your cat out of the house. While inside, she must know that no one will disturb her.

Create a secluded place for your cat where no one will disturb her.

Accustom the animal to the smell of a new person. For several days or weeks, place clothes belonging to the target of her attacks near the cat's house.

Once your pet gets used to the smell, it will be easier for you to make contact. The next step is communication and games. Find what your cat likes to play with the most. Balls, feathers, bows, whatever interests you.

Let your pet feel the joy of communication

The fluffy will show maximum trust in a person after he finds out that his new friend not only plays with him, but also feeds him.

If a cat approves of the presence of a new person, she will show this with her attitude

Causes of cat aggression

Felines are not the type of animal for which aggressive attacks are normal. Large predators of the family prefer to retreat rather than engage in a fight with the enemy. There are several reasons that cause rage in furry pets.

Cat disease

Inappropriate behavior can be caused by various pathologies. Attacks of pain and poor health affect the pet’s mood, and attempts to communicate are perceived as an external irritant. An aggressive cat is a reason to visit a veterinary clinic and get advice from a veterinarian about the prerequisites for changing habits.

Sources of the problem include:

hormonal imbalance during sexual estrus;
pain due to injuries and damage;
parasites, infections, arthritis;
rabies, blockage of anal glands;
tumors, poisoning, ischemic encephalopathy of cats;
unpleasant symptoms of urolithiasis.

Important! Deviations in a cat's normal activities indicate serious physical health problems. Timely detection of the disease will allow you to avoid complications and help you quickly get rid of the symptoms that give rise to aggression and anger in the animal.

Early weaning

If a kitten is taken away from a cat too early, it often has problems with socialization as an adult. Pet games are associated with imitation of hunting, and deprived of the company of his brothers, the baby begins to involve people in the process.

What to do if the kitten is aggressive: try to distract it from the feet and hands of the owners with wind-up mice and balls. The owner must understand that the cub does not want to cause pain with his sharp claws, he is trying to play with him.

Fear of man

Why does a cat become uncontrollable and aggressive: if socialization did not occur in infancy, then later the animals become fearful. Any rustle or the arrival of strangers causes fear and attempts to protect yourself at any cost. After buying a baby, you need to periodically walk him and introduce him to his fellow tribesmen and neighbors. This is the only way to avoid sudden outbursts of rage and anger.

Important! A frightened animal, even one that is properly raised and not afraid of people, can express its dissatisfaction with a threatening hiss and growl. This condition is observed in pets that have been abused.

Limited space

The family lives according to its own laws, the community is represented by a hierarchy, with one leader and subordinates, weaker animals. Leadership is not lifelong - periodically there are fights between cats with attempts to overthrow. Friendly relations between pets of the same sex are very rare, and when a second individual arrives in the family, they begin to sort out the right of residence among themselves. The hostess may also fall under the “hot paw”.

Predatory behavior

Despite living with people for centuries, cats remain predators. If they are prevented from hunting for small animals, they forget about feeding time or the need for fresh water in the drinking bowl, then the violation is immediately strictly punished. Through bites and scratches, the pet reminds that he is a relative of a lion, and not a shy gazelle.

Sexual instincts

Sexual heat causes a hormonal surge and aggressive attacks in animals. The absence of representatives of the opposite sex leads to manifestations of dissatisfaction:

bites;
scratches;
loud calls;
odor marks throughout the home;
going to the toilet in inappropriate places.

Important! There are several ways to fight nature and instincts: use specially designed products or sterilize.

Cat scratches

Nursing mother

It can be unsafe to interact with a cat that has recently given birth. She protects blind kittens, so there is no need to be offended by hissing, scratches and attempts to bite - it is enough to provide the formidable nurse with everything she needs and not to approach the kittens again.

Types of aggression in cats

Bouts of rage do not occur suddenly: cats give several warning signals before an attack. What to do if cats are aggressive towards humans? To solve the problem, you need to find the source of inappropriate behavior.

Defensive-aggressive reactions to threat

Aggression can be of an active offensive nature. In this case, the pet takes the initiative to attack a fellow tribesman or person who is not a threat to it. The sources of such attacks include:

attack during gameplay - an attempt to achieve a goal at any cost;
intolerance towards a fellow cat - appears when meeting another cat or when trying to expel it from the territory.

What else do veterinarians advise?

Sterilization is often the only way to avoid cat temperament. A safe operation changes the animal’s hormonal background, making it more balanced, sometimes even more affectionate.

If you are faced with the problem of unexplained outbursts of aggression in your pet, you should remember that everything happens for a reason. We need to figure out what is bothering the cat, why it needs to protect itself and from whom. The first symptoms of anger will help relieve your calmness, love and care in all forms. At the slightest suspicion of a health threat, ensure that your pet visits a specialist.

Ways to get rid of cat aggression

To calm your furry pet, you need to use the right measures. In any of the options, you should not approach an angry pet. What to do if the cat is angry? The basics of first aid include the following algorithm:

separating animals into different rooms with complete isolation;
removal of any provoking factors;
eliminating conflicts with the cat.

If these measures do not give the expected results, then you can visit a veterinarian. The doctor will recommend suitable sedatives that will suppress aggression after a while.

Drastic measures to get rid of antisocial actions include swaddling the cat in a thick blanket. A tightly wrapped pet will calm down after 30 minutes and stop trying to attack. Watering an animal with a water pistol or spray bottle is only a last resort - if it poses a real threat to a small child, and it is impossible to get close and pick it up due to its sharp claws and bites.

What to do with an aggressive cat that reacts inappropriately to a new resident of the house? Reconciliation between old residents and new residents occurs gradually. Initially, they are taken to different rooms and given time to come to terms with the new order. After a few days the rage will subside, you can try introducing them.

Important! Owners should not forget that a bowl, tray and bed are personal items; if you take them for a second individual, conflict cannot be avoided. Accessories for each animal are purchased separately.

Aggression in response to affection

Such strange behavior occurs when a cat is stroked and caressed, and many owners do not understand this reaction of the pet, because it seems to them that this happens for no reason. But before attacking a person, a cat gives many warning signs. And the task of people is to pay attention to these signals and react to them correctly before it is too late.

It happens that a cat hunts its owner, bites him, or scratches him when he strokes it. The reasons may vary. For example, an animal categorically does not like where or how the owner stroked her; she felt that her personal space was being violated, or she was simply too overexcited. Do not forget that there are areas on a cat’s body that, from its point of view, are considered unacceptable.

Signs by which it can be determined that a pet really doesn’t like something, to the point that it is ready to attack, are expressed in a change in body position, waving and even beating its tail, the cat stops purring and starts meowing, its ears and skin can twitch. You shouldn’t test your cat’s patience; it’s better to listen to the signals it sends at an early stage, so as not to lead to an attack.

This type of aggression can manifest itself, for example, when, while petting a pet, the owner touches a place that currently hurts the animal, or steps on the tail or paw, causing pain, then the cat rushes into his arms. By the way, this reason is one of the explanations why you should not use physical punishment as a method of training.

Defensive aggression can occur when a kitten is handled roughly or when a child pulls a cat by the tail. And also when the animal is handled carelessly, especially if it is elderly and suffers from any diseases, for example, arthritis.

The beginning of all aggressions comes from fear. After all, when a cat is driven into a corner and does not feel anyone’s support, then it has no other choice, and it attacks. Of course, it is better not to interact with a cat that becomes aggressive out of fear for some time; it should be given the opportunity to hide in a shelter and calm down. But if there is total fearfulness of the animal, then you will need to figure out how you can help him for socialization, since otherwise communication with such a cat will be simply impossible.

Danger from bites

The saliva of an apartment cat contains a large number of pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate into the deep layers of the skin during a bite. Ignoring the problem can become a source of inflammatory processes and suppuration. Such damage leaves scars after healing.

The primary symptoms of infection with staphylococcal or streptococcal infection are:

redness of the injury site;
increase in temperature level;
swelling.

Infection after a bite

Serious consequences of pet bites include:

inflammation in the respiratory system;
infectious processes in tendons and bone tissues;
sepsis - penetration of pathogens into the systemic bloodstream;
renal failure.

Important! What to do if there is an aggressive cat in the house that caused an injury? Immediately after injury, it is necessary to wash the wound under running water, treat it with an antiseptic, and apply a sterile bandage.

It is forbidden to smear the bite site with iodine or brilliant green - you can get a burn to the soft tissues; they disinfect the skin around it.

Breeds of the most aggressive cats

Animals go into a rage under three conditions: pain, fear, or in the heat of competition. The most aggressive cat breeds are Siamese, Angora, British, Persian.

Siamese cats

The breed is distinguished by vindictiveness and a desire for revenge. Owners of Siamese cats are often attacked and left with bitten or scratched. If a representative is unintentionally or deliberately offended, then he can harbor anger for the rest of his life and rush at every opportunity.

Siamese do not tolerate neglect and familiarity, or excessive attention to their own person. Such pets are not recommended for families with small children out of fear for the children’s health. Animals do not tolerate competition - if there are other cats in the house, then it will quickly begin to resemble a war zone.

The main option for a Siamese cat is a single person who can cope with the pet's outbursts. In this case, an ideal tandem is obtained - peaceful coexistence without constant conflicts.

White cats

Mental instability may be associated with a defective cat - most snow-white cats with blue eyes suffer from deafness. Vulnerability, fear and the instinct of self-preservation lead to constant hostility without reason or external stimuli. Cats defend themselves just like that, without serious reasons.

White aggressive cat

Blue cats

Pets, painted in gray-blue colors, are naturally distrustful and timid. Attempts to show persistence on the part of a person end in “licking” wounds from claws and teeth. Remembering the aggressive breeds of domestic cats, we can say that anger is inherent in the Persian and British breeds - their freedom-loving nature does not allow them to obey and do something against their wishes.

The British have a rich imagination and changeable moods. Before attempting to invade the personal space of a breed representative, you need to make sure that he is in a good mood - otherwise you may receive a warning hiss and a sharp blow with a paw with extended claws.

Veterinarians believe that most attacks on people are provoked by competition for the right to be called the alpha male in the pack. In males, testosterone is released along with sweat, in females - estrogens. They cause bursts of rage that arise under the influence of sexual instincts. It has been noticed that females attack women more often, while males attack men. Lonely people are better off having pets of the opposite sex: the smell of sweat from a person causes sexual arousal and the production of endorphins.

Aggression in cats does not arise due to the bad character of the furry pet or gloomy mood. If you correctly determine the source of the problem and remove the irritants, you don’t have to worry about the integrity of your skin—the pet won’t attack its owner.

Symptoms and causes of aggression

Very aggressive behavior of a cat does not always indicate pathology. The fact is that all wild cat habits cannot be eradicated. If a cat recently became a mother and now attacks owners who are just passing by her offspring, then this is not surprising. In this way, she shows maternal instinct and protects the kittens from possible danger.

Cats can suddenly change their behavior to aggressive during the period of hormonal surges. They often show hostility towards people in the spring, since at this time they have a cycle of readiness to reproduce. Even neutered cats can react in this way, since the expression of dominance and aggression is embedded in the brain.

What to do?

Ignoring aggression and waiting for it to magically go away on its own will only make the situation worse. The cat experiences severe stress at this time, which directly affects its health. Fluffy pets begin to sleep and eat poorly, and problems with immunity appear. As a result, the cat may completely go crazy, and its only reaction to all stimuli will be uncontrollable aggression.

That is why there is no need to put off solving this problem . It is necessary to take active steps to save yourself and your beloved animal. It’s very easy to pacify an angry kitten: spray it with water . This measure helps to distract the animal and give it the opportunity to understand that it is behaving incorrectly. With an adult cat the situation is more complicated.

Let's look at the basic measures to prevent aggression among furry friends.

Visit to the veterinarian. It is better to immediately exclude illnesses and injuries of the animal than to miss the moment and regret it. You may not notice the outward signs of your cat's illness. And the veterinarian will suspect something is wrong, help relieve the pain that causes aggression, and prescribe the correct treatment.

Castration or sterilization. If the animal’s deviant behavior is associated solely with the season of the year and the breeding season of felines, and the male cat is staying at home, then the best solution here would be castration or sterilization. There is no need to be afraid of this procedure. If it is carried out by an experienced specialist, the animal will quickly recover and live a completely calm life without unnecessary hormonal problems.

Solitude . If your furry animal makes friends with another cat or other pets, it will be difficult. To reduce his level of aggression and give him time to get used to his new neighbors, it is better to allocate him a separate area: a room or corner. It is advisable that this place is inaccessible to other pets. This will make your cat feel safe and gradually calm down.

Upbringing. You need to start raising kittens from a very early age. It is much more difficult to retrain adults. But even the most advanced cases can be corrected. To do this, you need to find an approach to your pet, not allow it to scratch and bite, but not hit it. The water method or locking the cat in another room most often helps. Do not allow children to abuse animals, as this can harm both the cat and the child.

Selection of nutritious food. In order for an animal to be playful and good-natured, it needs to be fed to its fullest, and correctly. You should not buy mass-market food if you have not found any other reasons for aggression other than poor nutrition. Opt for premium food, which contains the necessary combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as vitamin supplements. Include some vegetables (carrots, zucchini) in your cat’s diet, and grow grass for him, such as oats. Fiber is also important for furry pets as a source of microelements.

Euthanasia. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to resort to this extreme measure. If an animal is mentally ill, and no anti-aggression remedies help, it is better to euthanize it. Otherwise, you or your family members will continue to be injured, and the nervous situation in the family will escalate to the limit.

As you can see, any problem with aggressive behavior of a domestic cat can be solved if you approach this issue wisely. Don’t delay, watch your pet, look for the cause of anger and eliminate it at least partially. We are responsible for those we have tamed.

Motives for the attacks

Let's take a closer look at why cats attack. We mentioned this briefly earlier, but now it's time to take a closer look at the possible reasons why a cat might attack someone else, feline or human.

Attacks caused by fears

This is perhaps the most common cause of the most “vicious” cat attacks.

There is one pattern in the behavior of cats - when they feel threatened, they respond with aggression. How strong this aggression will be directly depends on the severity of the perceived threat. Notice the word "perceived". It doesn't matter whether the threat is real or not. What matters is that the cat considers it a real threat to itself!

Veterinarians are often victims of attacks caused by cat fears. The cat doesn't understand that the man in the white coat should help her. From her point of view, she is in an alien and potentially hostile environment. And this man, whom he remembers from previous equally terrible visits, is trying to grab him. No wonder the cat will do everything in her power to save herself!

Redirected aggression

Redirected aggression is also fear-induced aggression, with one significant difference: in this case, the fearful cat lashes out at someone other than the source of the perceived threat.

You can think of it this way: Let's go back to the situation at the veterinarian's office. The cat is afraid of the veterinarian and the procedures at the clinic, but eventually attacks his loving owner when he tries to pet him.

This does not mean that the cat is afraid and does not trust its owner. Simply, in a state of extreme anxiety and panic, the cat attacks any hand that reaches out to him at that moment - regardless of whether he is afraid of this particular person or not. We will describe examples of redirected aggression and ways to combat it in one of the following articles.

Territorial aggression

Cats are territorial animals. If they see someone else's cat or other pet on their property, they feel threatened. Again, it doesn't matter whether the threat is real. It could even be a tiny, harmless kitten or puppy.

As soon as fear or panic “covers” the purr, it will either run away or fight for its territory. And if she chooses the latter, then you will witness territorial aggression.

As mentioned above, the solution to this problem is to properly introduce the cat to the new pet. Never bring home a new cat and just place him in the middle of the room. This is bad for both cats and their future relationship. Follow the instructions described in our article on introducing animals to each other.

Attacks caused by pain or anxiety

The cause of aggression can be real pain, which forces the kitty to attack in order to stop the pain. A common scenario might be: a cat has a sore spot on her body. For example, this could be a localized infection, suppuration, etc. During grooming or simply caressing, the owner unconsciously touches this place, after which the pussy instinctively snaps, sinking its teeth deep into the hand that touched the painful point.

It is also worth mentioning that pain and discomfort in any place can spoil the kitty’s mood and make it more gloomy, which will also contribute to the fact that it decides to bite its beloved owner. Remember, pain does not occur on its own, it is usually caused by a disease, which in turn does not go away on its own, so when you notice that something is bothering your cat, be sure to visit a veterinarian.

Attack after caress

Experienced cat owners may be familiar with this phenomenon. There are situations when a cat asks to pet itself, pokes its head at the owner and rolls over on its back to attract your attention. While stroking, she purrs and closes her eyes. And then after a few minutes this same cat turns into an irritated hissing creature that viciously bites you and runs away.

What happened in this situation?

Some cats simply don't like prolonged petting . At the same time, they enjoy communication with the owner and often ask for it, but if it lasts too long, they experience discomfort. Although no actual pain was the cause of the purr's aggression, an irritated cat can lash out just as aggressively after a petting session as a cat in physical pain.

Foul play

Finally, the last one is “game attacks”, or in other words, rudeness during games. This is usually the reason why kittens bite and scratch their owners - or other pets around them. And these play attacks can be painful at times.

It is important to understand for yourself and to let the cat know that this is just a game. You don't want to encourage your kitten to attack you, and there are ways to help him channel that simmering energy elsewhere.

The key to solving this problem is to provide your kitten with plenty of stimulation to play and get out his energy, such as fun toys and interactive games. This will force him to release his teeth and claws into the toy, and not into your hands.

Useful tips

Usually, solving problems with aggression in cats takes quite a long time. It is impossible to change behavior overnight and turn a fluffy from a hellish monster into an affectionate purr. But if the cat attacks right now, you can avoid negative consequences for yourself. Pay attention to useful recommendations from experts.

Keep a large blanket or blanket handy. If the cat is preparing to jump and attacks you right now, then it is better to neutralize the threat in a way that is safe for both of you: throw a blanket over the animal, grab it and take it to another room, locking the cat there for a while.
Buy a water gun. The spray of water will cause the animal to become confused and stop showing aggression. Most likely, the cat will simply run away. Therefore, a water pistol is an excellent assistant in neutralizing an attack of rage in cats.
Be calm. If an aggressive animal cannot yet be calmed, then it should not at least be irritated or provoked. Behave quietly in the presence of a cat, do not make sudden movements. Talk kindly to your pet - he should feel love and security.

Now you will have to be patient and wise to save the situation. Don't lose heart - and you will definitely cope with your cat's aggression.

Sources:

https://vashipitomcy.ru/publ/soderzhanie_i_ukhod/koshka_stala_agressivnoj_glavnye_prichiny_nenormalnogo_povedenija/20-1-0-1975 https://gafki.ru/koshki/agressivniy-kot.html https://vplate.ru/koshki/agressiya/