Cat aggression can be a serious problem. You first must determine the cause of the aggression. Is the cat aggression in a kitten or adult cat? Is the aggression directed toward an owner, another family member or another pet? Has the kitten or cat been examined by a veterinarian to rule out a physical or psychological problems? Physical problems that can induce cat aggression are hyperthyroidism, thiamine deficiency, brain tumor or head trauma to name a few.
It is very common for kittens to exhibit play aggression. In play aggression, kittens are acting on their natural instincts (hunting, pouncing, and surprise attacks) and this play aggression is directed towards littermates and mother. If the play gets too rough, the littermates or mother will react either by avoidance or a quick slap of the paw or bite to let the offender know that the behavior is not appropriate.
Territorial cat aggression can be exhibited with addition on a new cat to the family, some change in the environment or an already established pecking order. If a new cat is to be added to the family, the introduction process should be gradual and may take 2-3 weeks. Cats can also be aggressive to other cats that were family members if one cat has been out of the house for a period of time such as at the vet’s and now smells or acts differently. Gradual reintroduction may also be needed in these circumstances.
Cat aggression can be curbed by neutering or spaying. Neutering and spaying will help to alleviate cat fights. Keeping the cat's claws trimmed will help prevent injuries if a fight breaks out. Providing adequate play stimuli will help to release energy and reduce any anxiety.
Cat aggression can be offensive or defensive. You can read aggressive behavior in a cat. A cat that is on the offensive will have its ears forward or sideways, pupils slit-like or rounded, eyes focused on the target of aggression, and tail out with tip flickering side to side. A defensively aggressive cat will have ears back and flat on the head, eyes dilated, tail curved or to the side and hair raised.
The best way to stop cat aggression is to distract the behavior prior to the kitten or cat making contact. Reliable distractions include noise (clap of hands, shaker can, and whistle), squirt gun or spray bottle. After averting the attack, ignore the kitten or cat. This will make the kitten or cat think of a more appropriate way to interact that will result in a pleasurable rub and scratching. Interacting with a kitten or cat using a toy tied to a wand or string will exercise the cat and show it appropriates ways to practice their predatory needs to hunt and pounce.
If a cat fight does start, avoid your first instinct to try and beak up the fight. Chances are you will become injured while trying to separate them. Use a broom or blanket to try and separate the cats. Separate the cats and isolate them from each other until they have a chance to calm down. Separation may need to be overnight with an observed reintroduction.
Cat aggression follows inappropriate elimination as the top two behavior problems in cats. Many kittens and cats that have yet to outgrow or have yet to be trained to curb play aggression are surrendered to shelters each year. With time, patience on your part and proper training, most types of cat aggression can be overcome.
