Handling Cat Aggression
“Mommy! The cat just bit me! And all I was doing was petting her. I wasn’t hurting her, honestly. Mommy, she scratched me.” Cat aggression is not an uncommon problem, and can be displayed by both adults and kittens. This is why all caring pet owners should know how to handle any aggression their cat might display, especially if there are children in the home. This problem needs to be resolved quickly before the behavior becomes ingrained and someone gets hurt.
An alpha cat (the ‘number one’ cat in the group) demands to be given extra or special attention. These alpha cats like to use aggression to gain rewards for themselves instead of any other cats in the house or territory. They can turn hostile over food, space, toys, and definitely any attention another cat (or even person) in the family might be getting.
Even a trained house cat can become aggressive as a way to stop something they believe to be unpleasant. An alpha cat could ‘ask’ to be petted by rubbing your legs, sitting on your armchair or lap and then suddenly start to scratch or bite you because it wants you to stop what you were doing. This aggression or tendency is often called ‘petting-induced behavior’ and is widespread in cats that might not have received much petting or physical affection or who may have been mistreated by a previous owner. This is a method of showing who is in control of any situation.
It is imperative that any aggressive behavior that your domestic cat shows is dealt with immediately and in a firm way. If a cat bites or scratches you when it is sitting on your lap being stroked or petted, you should show your displeasure by immediately putting it on the ground and telling it ‘no’ in a disapproving voice and not allowing it back on your lap for a couple of hours. When you do allow it back up again, make sure that your cat realizes that you are in charge of what happens. You must be the one to start and finish any petting that occurs. If your cat starts biting, hissing or scratching again, take her and shut her in a room (with food and water) for an hour or so. Repeating this a few times will let her know that you are the alpha person, not her. This method will also work if an alpha cat tries to push other cats out of the feeding area or tries to eat all the food. Make sure the other cats (and your family) are able to eat in peace before allowing the alpha cat back in for her food.
Kittens can also show a high level of attack type behavior, although in kittens it is considered normal and is usually called ‘play-aggression’. It is a genetic disposition within kittens to play rough. Play-aggression usually occurs when your kitten becomes a juvenile and starts to practice natural survival instincts. Luckily, this is just a stage that most kittens, given some love and attention, will grow out of as they mature.
In the case of a playfully aggressive kitten, you will have to learn patience. By playing with and watching your kitten, you will soon learn to read and understand your cat’s ‘body language’ and you can then prevent the undesirable behavior before it becomes entrenched. Make a game of it and initiate some gentle play aggression yourself – it can be a wonderful bonding situation as well as a lot of fun.
The kitten in this video is being teased and is frightened. It is cornered and has nowhere to escape to. Notice how the ears are flat back indicating anger at what is happening. This cat is learning how to be aggressive and could well turn on her owners later.
Learning more about your cat and understanding why it does various things, and stepping in to prevent a problem such as cat aggression before it becomes a real problem doesn’t just benefit you, the owner, it also allows your cat to live a happier and less stressful life. And by taking steps to work on a problem immediately it manifests will make life easier for both of you.
