Aggression in cats usually occurs because fear, pain, Stress or as an indirect consequence of cellThey don't exist. dangerous cats as such, but rather furry ones that have not been raised with respect, that have had bad previous experiences, or that have had no contact with humans (stray cats or cats with poor socialization).
When we encounter a cat that appears visibly tense, with a rigid body, tail whipping the ground, hissing and growling, we need to know how to stop an aggressive cat in a way that neither the feline nor we end up badly hurt, avoiding punishments and learning to read its body language.
Find out the cause of their aggressiveness
If we want to help him, the first thing we need to know is Why is he acting aggressive?Feline aggression almost always has a specific cause, whether medical, environmental, or related to learning. The most common causes are:
- FearCats are not fully domesticated animals and retain a strong survival instinct. They can be frightened of loud noises (loud music, firecrackers, vacuum cleaner), from other cats and/or dogs, Unknown people or sudden movements that we may have done without realizing it. When they feel intense fear, their way of defending themselves is to become aggressive.
- pain or illness: if you have suffered any fractureIf your dog has dental problems, arthritis, internal discomfort, or any other condition, they may experience intense pain in a specific area of ​​their body. If you pet them in that sensitive area, they may react aggressively to avoid being touched. A sudden change in temperament, accompanied by lethargy or decreased mobility, should always raise suspicion of a physical problem.
- Heat and hormonesMale cats in heat tend to show themselves aggressive towards other cats And sometimes with people, especially if they are competing for territory or females. Females may also be more irritable at certain stages of their cycle. In addition, there is the so-called maternal aggression, in which a cat with a litter may hiss, chase or bite other cats to protect her kittens.
- Stress and changes in the environmentIf you live in a tense environment, with constant changes (Moving, renovations, the arrival of new pets or babies, lack of resources, constant noise) can cause your cat to become aggressive sooner or later. Cats hate sudden changes, and any disruption to their routine can lead to tension and defensive behavior.
- poor socialization: the cats that haven't had early positive experiences With people and other animals, they often become wary and reactive. If they were separated from their mother early or grew up without human contact, they frequently respond aggressively when they feel insecure.
- Too much touching or unwanted contactSome cats have a very clear limit to their tolerance for physical contact. If we insist on petting them when they are already uncomfortable, they may respond with bites or swipes. Signs such as tail moving from side to side, bristling backEars slightly back or ceasing to purr indicate that the cat has had enough.
- Territory protectionMany cats are very territorial with their home, their resources (litter, food, bed, scratching post) or their humans. They can become aggressive when another animal invades their space, especially if they haven't been introduced properly or are competing for scarce resources.
- redirected aggressivenessThis happens when the cat becomes agitated by something it cannot reach or control (for example, seeing a stray cat through the window or hearing a very loud noise) and releases that tension on the first living being nearby, which is usually another cat in the house or a person.
Before assuming it's just a behavioral problem, it's highly recommended to conduct a complete veterinary check-up to rule out pain, neurological disease, or other physical problems that may be increasing their irritability.
Help him, but don't overwhelm him
An aggressive cat can attack us, so the best we can do is leave your space So that he can go wherever he wants and calm down. In a fit of aggression:
- No to him we will shout, nor the we will stickWe won't spray him with water, much less force him to be somewhere he doesn't want to be. Punishments only increase his fear and worsen the problem.
- We will not attempt Don't touch it or grab it While it is tense, snorting, or lashing its tail, it is best to back away slowly, without sudden movements, and close a door if necessary.
- If we're worried that he's hurt himself, we can protect ourselves with a thick towelCover him carefully to avoid scratches and put him in the carrier to take him to the vet as soon as possible.
In the event that you are stressed, we can help you with Feliway or others synthetic pheromone diffusers These will relax him and help him overcome stress naturally, creating a sense of security in his territory. It's also important to review his routines: daily games, scratching posts, high places, hiding spots, and other resources scattered around the house greatly reduce tension.
If she is in heat, the most recommended option is castrate himThat is, removing the reproductive glands. Castration reduces the hormone-related aggressionThe tendency to fight with other cats, urine marking, and many territorial conflicts, in addition to providing health benefits.
When the main problem is the poor socialization or aggression towards other cats, it is advisable:
- Introduce the cats very little by little, starting with separate rooms, exchange of smells and brief supervised encounters.
- Offer duplicate resources (sandboxes, feeders, waterers, beds and scratching posts) in different areas so they don't have to compete.
- Prevent them from being forced to share favorite spots by placing more shelves, elevated shelters, and hiding places.
Furthermore, it is key direct their energy towards the appropriate gameFeather wands, balls, rope toys, or tunnels allow the cat to unleash its hunting instincts without using our hands or feet as prey. We should always reward calm behavior with treats, petting, or gentle words, and avoid overly rough play.
If, despite these changes, severe bites, unexpected attacks, or fights between cats continue to occur, it may be time to consult a veterinarian. feline ethologist or a specialized trainer. A behavior professional can analyze the triggers, the cat's body language, and the household dynamics to design a personalized and safe plan for everyone.
With patience, respect for their limits, a well-adapted environment, and appropriate veterinary and professional help when needed, it is possible significantly reduce aggressiveness and enjoy a much more peaceful coexistence with our cat, understanding that its behavior is a way of communicating that something is bothering or hurting it.