Aggressive Behavior in Cats
There is a wide range of situations that can lead to sudden aggression or change in the behavior of a cat. Medical conditions, non-recognition, territorial problems and many factors listed in this article could be the reason for these sudden mood swings.
The aggressive behavior their cats exhibit is a problem common to cat owners. This aggressive nature can be caused by one or more of many reasons. This behavior is a natural instinct and can be observed throughout the feline family, in tigers, leopards, lions, etc. Pin-pointing the cause of a cat’s aggression is difficult but proper training can minimize these aggressive tendencies. There are specific reasons behind it, some of which are explained below.
Aggressive Play Acting
Other than when they are asleep, cats so enjoy playing. Cats can make a toy out of anything and everything and are born with an attacking instinct. Owners need to be very attentive to this habit to prevent being taken unawares or attacked. Dilation of pupils, tail swishing, flattening of the ears and crouching is indications of aggression. Kittens adopted at an early age have moderate behaviors. When your pet is aggressive, clapping loudly can save you from getting bitten or scratched.
Territory
Like tigers, cats spray urine to mark their territory. Generally, due to their territory-possessive nature, the most common reason for cat aggression results from territory-based problems. Whether it’s just the backyard, an entire house or a single room, cats readily get into fights with any animal encroaching into their zone. This fight sometimes extends even to his owner. Keeping many cats in one house takes territory-based aggression to a whole other level. When introducing a new cat to the house, ensure you supervise the first meetings of the cats for a few days till they get a chance to get used to each other’s presence in the house.
Medical Problems
Medical problems, when ignored, cause your cat to suffer and this may cause him to become aggressive. Some of such medical problems include neurological problems leading to sudden and intense pain and arthritis of the spine. “Ghost pain” is the sudden twinge of pain in cats. Cats with a medical condition should be handled with maximum care. It is advisable to take them to the vet in a carrier. A cat experiencing “ghost pain” has rippled skin. It is necessary to go to the vet regularly to keep check on any medical problems.
Non-Recognition Aggression
This cause of aggression is more popular in houses which home many cats. Non-recognition aggression comes up when, for example, one of the cats in the house is always alone, away from the others. The smell of sprays and medicines used by vets can also cause this type of aggression, since the original smell of the cat is covered by that of the medicines used. The other cats may thus not recognize the cat from the vet’s, resulting in non-recognition aggression. Walks in fresh air with the cats can help reduce this tendency.
Predicting the behavior of cats is a very tedious job. Excessive pride in them is normal for cats, unlike dogs. If you are rash toward your cat, its stinging reply will be sure to match yours so you have to be really patient with them at all times.