Aggression in cats, characterized by hostile or violent actions aimed at dominating or intimidating others, is a prevalent behavioral issue. The triggers and targets for feline aggression can be multifaceted, posing a significant challenge in finding effective strategies for elimination. The repercussions of such behavior are considerable, potentially leading to injuries in both animals and humans, and in severe cases, resulting in cats being surrendered to shelters. One study indicated that 27% of cats relinquished to shelters for behavioral reasons were due to aggression. Therefore, it is crucial for cat owners to understand the underlying causes of their pet’s aggressive behavior to implement a successful intervention plan.
Recognizing the early signs of fear or aggression in cats can help prevent injuries to both pets and people. These warning signs can be categorized into facial and head cues, and body posture indicators. Signs of aggression include dilated pupils, ears flattened backward, an erect tail with raised fur, and an arched back. Fear can be indicated by dilated pupils, ears flattened and outward, whiskers flattened or pressed downwards, a tail closely wrapped or tucked underneath the body, and the head held high while in a prone position.
There are various types of aggression that cats may exhibit, and some cats may display more than one type concurrently. The following general principles are recommended for managing all forms of feline aggression: early intervention is key; physical punishment can escalate fear and anxiety, worsening aggression; medications may be beneficial but should complement behavioral and environmental modifications; recognizing aggression and startling an aggressive cat without physical contact is often effective; avoiding known triggers is paramount; cats exhibiting aggression towards each other should be separated and slowly reintroduced with positive reinforcement; and food treats serve as excellent positive reinforcers for non-aggressive behavior. If aggression cannot be managed with these techniques, consulting a veterinary behaviorist is advised, always in collaboration with your veterinarian.
The initial step in managing an aggressive cat is to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Diseases such as hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, dental issues, and central nervous system problems can manifest as aggression. Therefore, a veterinarian consultation is essential before behavioral or environmental modifications are attempted.
Once medical issues are excluded, identifying the specific type of aggression is critical for understanding its cause and devising an appropriate intervention strategy.
Types of Feline Aggression and Management Strategies
Cats can display aggression for a multitude of reasons, and understanding the specific cause is vital for effective management. Different types of aggression often require tailored approaches.
Play Aggression
This is most commonly observed in young cats and kittens that either lacked opportunities to play with littermates or were not raised with them. Proper play socialization typically occurs during kittenhood when they learn to moderate their biting and scratching through mutual play and retaliation from their siblings. Cats raised in isolation may not acquire this crucial social lesson.
Cats exhibiting signs of impending play aggression often thrash their tails, pin their ears to the top of their head, and have dilated pupils. They may stalk their target—be it another animal or a human—and pounce from a hiding spot. To manage this, identify patterns in the behavior’s timing and location. Distract the cat with play or restrict access to areas that encourage such behavior, like under the bed if the cat habitually hides there before pouncing. A breakaway collar with a bell can help signal the cat’s presence.
Noise deterrents, such as a blast of compressed air or a hissing sound, can startle and redirect the cat’s attention. The objective is not to frighten the cat but to distract and refocus them. Never resort to physical punishment, as it can induce fear or be misinterpreted as play, potentially rewarding the aggressive action. Walking away and ignoring a cat engaged in play aggression teaches them that such behavior results in a lack of interaction. Ensure any toys used for distraction are kept at a distance from your hands to prevent accidental bites or scratches.
Fear Aggression
Fear aggression can arise when a cat encounters unfamiliar stimuli, such as new people, animals, or noises, or experiences events associated with negative outcomes, like a veterinary visit. Signs include flattened ears, hissing, bared teeth, a low crouch with a tucked tail, and fur standing on end.
The most effective approach is to identify and avoid situations that trigger fear. If avoidance is impossible, gradual desensitization can be attempted by briefly exposing the cat to the fear-inducing stimulus from a distance, rewarding any non-aggressive behavior with food and praise. It is crucial not to console an aggressive cat, as this may be perceived as approval. Similarly, avoid retreating or showing fear, as this can reinforce the behavior if the cat desires your departure. Withholding attention is a more effective strategy for managing fear aggression.
Petting-Induced Aggression
For reasons not fully understood, some cats may suddenly become aggressive during petting. Overstimulation or an attempt by the cat to control the duration of the interaction are potential explanations. Handling, bathing, grooming, and nail trimming can also trigger this aggression. Often, signs precede the aggression, such as dilated pupils, tail lashing, and backward-pushed ears.
To manage this, owners should avoid unsolicited handling, any form of physical punishment or restraint, and attempts to interact with a cat while it is eating. Rewarding brief, gentle stroking with food treats, provided there are no signs of aggression, can be beneficial. Gradually increase the duration of stroking over time, but cease immediately at any sign of aggression and allow a cooling-off period with no physical contact. Special care should be taken with young children, who may miss the 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 highly stimulated by something it cannot directly confront, it may redirect its aggression towards a nearby person or another animal. Common triggers include loud noises, spotting an outdoor cat through a window, or an altercation with another cat indoors. Aggression can also be redirected toward humans following an interaction between resident cats.
Prevention involves removing or avoiding the stimuli, such as closing window blinds, using deterrents to keep stray cats away, or preventing aggressive encounters between housemates.
Pain-Induced Aggression
Cats experiencing 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 with hissing, biting, or scratching. In rare instances, aggression may persist even after the painful area has healed, possibly as a learned avoidance behavior.
Management involves refraining from touching painful areas and collaborating with a veterinarian on an effective pain management plan.
Status-Induced Aggression
Occasionally, cats may display aggression toward people or other pets as they seek to establish social dominance. Behaviors like blocking doorways or swatting at other cats can indicate this type of aggression.
The most effective strategy is to completely ignore the offending cat. Attention, including play and food rewards, should only be given when the cat is relaxed, exhibiting normal pupil size, upright ears, and a relaxed tail posture.
Territorial Aggression
Cats are inherently territorial and will defend their space. This can manifest as aggression towards newly introduced cats, other animals, or even people encroaching on their domain. Aggression may even be directed at resident cats that were previously accepted but were temporarily away, such as after a hospital stay. Common forms include swatting, chasing, and attacking.
Crucially, introductions or reintroductions should not be rushed. New or returning cats should initially be confined to a separate room with their own resources. Gradually, swap the cats’ locations for short periods, allowing them to acclimate to each other’s scent. The next step involves placing them in the same room, separated by a carrier or leash, enabling visual and olfactory exposure while preventing interaction. Feeding them during these sessions helps create positive associations. If aggression occurs, increase the distance. This process can take weeks to months. Medication may be prescribed by a veterinarian but must be used alongside gradual desensitization. Never place your hands between fighting cats. Barriers like baby gates can be effective for separation.
Maternal Aggression
Female cats nursing kittens may display aggression towards individuals who approach them. Providing a quiet, low-stress environment, minimizing visitors, and avoiding contact with the queen and kittens if aggression is observed are recommended. This aggression typically subsides as the kittens mature.
Inter-Cat Aggression
Male cats, and less commonly females, may become aggressive towards other male cats as they reach social maturity (between two and four years of age). Neutering or spaying all cats involved is the primary step, as hormonal influences play a significant role. Territorial aggression may also contribute. If neutering/spaying doesn’t resolve the issue, separation and reintroduction using the methods described for territorial aggression are advised.
Updated December 2016
