While most people think of cats as calm, gentle, and even docile animals, aggressive cats are not as uncommon as you might think. In fact, aggression is the second most common behavioral problem in cats. Dogs are often considered the more aggressive pets because they can bark and bite. However, cats can yowl, hiss, spit, bite, and scratch. And once they’re done, they simply retreat to their corner of the house, ignore you, and go on with their lives as if nothing happened.
Every cat has its own unique personality and temperament. By nature, cats have a few behaviors that have earned them the label of “finicky” and perhaps a bit snobbish. Some of these behaviors may also be interpreted as aggression. Pouncing on your feet while they’re under a blanket or chasing toys and strings are normal reactions for cats.
Cats are naturally designed to hunt small animals like rodents and birds. To do this, they need to be quiet, patient, and yes, a bit aggressive. In fact, much of their behavior is entirely natural if you understand the reasons behind it.
Common Reasons for Aggression in Cats
There’s often more than one side to every story. Cats may display aggression for various reasons, including:
- Playing/Improper Socialization
- Defending their territory
- Fear or being startled
- Medical problems, especially if there have been recent changes in health conditions
- Recognition issues (aggression toward both familiar animals and/or family members)
- Lack of attention
- Over-stimulation
- Maternal instincts
- Hunting instincts
What Can Be Done to Help Aggressive Cats?
Knowing that aggression likely has a reason means that you have a choice. You can either excuse your cat’s behavior or work on helping them overcome their aggression and become the pet you hoped for when you adopted them.
Dealing with Playful Kitties
One common reason for aggression in cats is play. Socializing a cat at a very young age is crucial, and continuing socialization as the cat ages is just as important. Often, what a cat considers fun may be seen as aggression by you. Instead of getting upset with your cat for acting like, well, a cat, it’s better to focus on training them to play a little more gently. You can look into ways to train your cat not to bite or scratch. Behavior modification techniques can teach your kitty how to play more appropriately.
New Territorial Issues or a Simple Misunderstanding?
If your cat becomes aggressive when you bring another pet home from the groomer, or when you return from a visit to a friend’s house, it could be a misunderstanding related to territorial issues. The scent of other animals (both cats and dogs, as well as other pets) can cling to your clothing or your other pet’s fur, confusing your cat and making it seem as though you’ve introduced a stranger into their territory.
Spend a few minutes re-familiarizing your cat with everyone after a trip to the groomer, and give her some time to realize it’s you before attempting to touch her. This can help her recognize family members, even when they have unfamiliar scents on them.
Fraidy Cat or Bully?
You’ve probably heard a woman shriek after being startled or seen a frightened young man lash out. Cats aren’t so different. When you scare a cat, it can respond by yowling or striking in fear—or both. Most cornered animals will choose to fight rather than flee quietly.
Often, fear is misinterpreted as aggression, especially when you’re the one getting bitten or scratched. To help prevent aggressive behavior, make sure to let your cat know you’re around and allow her to approach you, rather than trying to approach her directly.
Not Feeling Well?
Have you ever met someone who gets nicer when they’re sick? I haven’t. Many people get cranky and irritable when they’re not feeling well. It’s as if being sick gives them a license to vent over the smallest issues. Cats can be the same way.
If your cat is in pain or experiencing health changes that make her feel unwell, she may become grumpy or lash out at other family members, including other pets and even you. It’s not uncommon for cats to strike when they’re not feeling their best. Watch your cat’s behavior closely—if you notice a sudden change in behavior without any obvious cause, it’s time to take her to the vet.
Recognition Issues: See Something New?
If your cat has vision problems, she may become confused and strike out at anything she sees move. Not recognizing familiar family members can be scary for your cat, causing her to react aggressively. Moving slowly and speaking softly around her can help reduce aggressive behaviors by minimizing her fear.
Attention or Not?
Cats love attention—lots of it! But if your cat isn’t getting enough attention, or if she feels overwhelmed by too much, she may react aggressively. Giving your cat quality time is important, but it’s just as important not to overstimulate her with too much affection. Balance is key.
Mommy to the Rescue!
A mother cat will go to great lengths to protect her kittens if she feels they are in danger. If you have a mama kitty, be mindful of how you interact with her and her babies. Anything that she perceives as a threat to her kittens could result in an attack. Proceed with caution to avoid turning her into an overly protective “attack cat.”
On the Hunt
Hunting is ingrained in every cat’s nature. Even though you feed your kitty daily, her natural instincts will drive her to continue practicing her hunting skills. Pouncing on your feet or attacking her favorite toys is how she sharpens those skills.
Aggressive cats usually have a reason for their behavior. It’s rare for a cat to be just plain mean—though it is possible, it’s not common. If you’ve explored all the potential causes of aggression and have taken your cat to the vet, yet the behavior persists, you may want to consult with your vet or a local rescue group. Not all animals were meant to be pets. Some cats, especially those with a rough upbringing or those that spent their early lives as feral cats, may be difficult to train. Sometimes, after trying everything, you have to admit defeat and move on to a loving cat that is more suited to being a pet.
