Aggression in cats, characterized by hostile or violent behavior aimed at dominating or intimidating others, is a common issue for feline owners. The causes and targets of this behavior can be complex, making it challenging to find effective solutions. Aggressive behavior can lead to injuries for both pets and people, and in some cases, may result in cats being surrendered to shelters. A study indicated that 27% of cats relinquished for behavioral reasons were due to aggression. Therefore, understanding the root cause of a cat’s aggression is crucial for developing an effective intervention plan. Recognizing the signs of fear or aggression can help prevent injuries. These signs can be observed in the cat’s facial expressions and body posture.
Signs of aggression in cats include dilated pupils, flattened ears, an erect tail with raised fur, and an arched back. Fearful cats may exhibit dilated pupils, ears flattened and held outward, whiskers pressed down, a tightly wrapped or tucked tail, and their head held high while lying down.
Cats can display various types of aggression, sometimes simultaneously. Here are general principles for managing all forms of feline aggression:
- Early intervention is key.
- Avoid physical punishment, as it can increase fear and anxiety, potentially worsening aggression.
- Medications may be beneficial but should be used in conjunction with behavioral and/or environmental modifications.
- Recognizing aggression and startling an aggressive cat without physical contact is usually effective.
- Avoid known triggers that make a cat aggressive.
- Separate cats exhibiting aggression towards each other and reintroduce them slowly with positive reinforcement.
- Food treats are excellent positive reinforcers for non-aggressive behavior.
- If aggression cannot be managed with the outlined techniques, consult a veterinary behaviorist. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian.
The initial step in managing an aggressive cat is to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Diseases like hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, dental issues, and central nervous system problems can cause aggression. Therefore, consult a veterinarian before attempting behavioral or environmental modifications.
Once medical issues are ruled out, identifying the type of aggression is essential for understanding its cause and developing an intervention plan.
Types of Feline Aggression
Cats display aggression for various reasons, and the management approach often depends on the specific type.
Play Aggression
This is commonly seen in young cats or kittens that did not interact with littermates or lack sufficient play opportunities. Socialization with littermates teaches cats bite inhibition; they learn to moderate their play when their companions retaliate or cease playing. Cats raised in isolation may not learn this crucial lesson.
Cats exhibiting play aggression often thrash their tails, pin their ears to the top of their head, and have dilated pupils. They might stalk their target (human or animal) and pounce from a hiding spot.
To address play aggression, identify patterns in its occurrence. Proactively distract the cat with play or restrict access to places that encourage pouncing, such as under furniture. A breakaway collar with a bell can help signal the cat’s presence.
Using noise deterrents like a blast of compressed air or a hiss within seconds of aggressive behavior can startle the cat and redirect its attention. The goal is distraction, not to scare the cat. Never physically punish or touch a cat during these instances, as it can induce fear or be misinterpreted as play, inadvertently rewarding the behavior. Walking away and ignoring the cat can teach it that inappropriate play leads to no interaction at all. Keep distracting toys at a distance from your hands to prevent bites or scratches.
Fear Aggression
This occurs when a cat encounters unfamiliar stimuli (new people, animals, noises) or experiences events associated with unpleasant occurrences, like veterinary visits.
Cats displaying fear aggression may flatten their ears, hiss, bare their teeth, crouch low with their tail tucked, and have raised fur.
The most effective approach is to identify and avoid fear-inducing situations. If avoidance is impossible, gradual desensitization can be attempted by briefly exposing the cat to the stimulus from a distance and rewarding non-aggressive behavior with food and praise.
It is crucial not to console an aggressive cat, as this can be seen as approval. Similarly, avoid retreating or showing fear, as this might reinforce the behavior if retreat is the desired outcome. Lack of attention is a better strategy for handling fear aggression.
Petting-Induced Aggression
For unknown reasons, some cats may suddenly become aggressive during petting. Possible explanations include overstimulation or an attempt by the cat to control when the interaction ends. Handling, bathing, grooming, and nail trimming can also trigger this aggression. Signs often include dilated pupils, tail lashing, and backward-tilted ears before the aggressive act.
To manage this, avoid uninvited handling, physical punishment, restraint, or attempting to interact with a cat while it’s eating. Rewarding brief, light stroking with food treats for non-aggressive behavior can be helpful. Gradually increase the duration of petting, but stop immediately at any sign of aggression and allow a cool-down period with no physical contact.
Supervise cats with this tendency, especially around young children who may miss subtle cues of impending aggression. Ideally, prevent physical contact between small children and cats with a history of petting-induced aggression.
Redirected Aggression
When a cat is aroused by a stimulus but cannot act on it directly, it may redirect its aggression toward a person or another cat. Common triggers include loud noises, seeing an outdoor cat through a window, or an altercation with another indoor cat. Aggression can also be redirected toward a human after an inter-cat conflict.
Preventing this involves removing or avoiding the stimuli, such as closing blinds, using deterrents for stray cats, or preventing aggressive interactions among indoor cats.
Pain-Induced Aggression
Cats in pain may act aggressively to avoid touch, movement, or activities that could exacerbate their discomfort. For instance, cats with osteoarthritis might resent joint manipulation and react aggressively. In rare cases, aggression may persist even after healing, as a learned response to avoid past pain.
Management involves refraining from touching painful areas and working with a veterinarian on an effective pain management plan.
Status-Induced Aggression
Occasionally, cats may display aggression toward people or other pets to establish social dominance. This can manifest as blocking doorways or swatting at other cats.
The best approach is to completely ignore the offending cat. Attention, including play and food rewards, should be given only when the cat is relaxed, exhibiting normal pupil size, upright ears, and a relaxed tail posture.
Territorial Aggression
Cats naturally establish and defend their territories. They may exhibit aggression towards newly introduced cats, or sometimes other animals or people, that enter their domain. This can even extend to resident cats that were previously accepted but had been away (e.g., hospitalized). This aggression often involves swatting, chasing, and attacking the encroaching individual.
When dealing with territorial aggression, do not rush introductions or reintroductions. New or returning cats should be confined to a separate room with their own resources. After a few days, swap the cats to allow them to become accustomed to each other’s scent. Repeat this daily.
Next, place the cats on opposite ends of the same room in carriers or on leashes, allowing them to see and smell each other without direct interaction. Feed them during these sessions to create positive associations. If they are too stressed to eat, increase the distance. Gradually decrease the distance over several days. Finally, allow them to interact in the same room at a distance, continuing to feed them. If aggression occurs, resume restraint and feeding at a distance until they calm down.
This process can take weeks to months. Medication may be prescribed by a veterinarian to prevent adverse interactions, but it must be used alongside gradual desensitization.
Never place your hand or any body part between fighting cats, as you risk serious injury. Use barriers like baby gates or panels to separate aggressive cats effectively.
Maternal Aggression
Queens nursing kittens may display aggression towards individuals approaching them. Owners should provide a quiet environment, minimize visitors, and avoid contact if aggression is observed. This typically subsides as kittens become more independent.
Inter-Cat Aggression
Male cats, and occasionally females, may become aggressive towards other males as they reach social maturity (two to four years old). Neutering or spaying all involved cats is the first step, as hormones play a significant role. Territorial aggression can also be a factor. If sterilization does not resolve the issue, separation and reintroduction using the territorial aggression method may be necessary.
Updated December 2016
