Aggression is a common behavioral issue in cats, manifesting as hostile or violent actions intended to dominate or intimidate. This can stem from complex triggers and targets, making it a challenge for owners to manage. The consequences of feline aggression can be severe, leading to injuries for other pets and people, and in some cases, the unfortunate surrender of cats to shelters. Approximately 27 percent of cats relinquished to shelters for behavioral problems are due to aggression. Therefore, understanding the root causes of a cat’s aggressive behavior is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies.
Recognizing the signs of fear or aggression in cats can help prevent injuries. These cues can be observed in the cat’s facial expressions and body posture. Signs of aggression include dilated pupils, flattened ears, a tail held erect with raised fur, and an arched back. Fearful signs include dilated pupils, flattened and outward-facing ears, whiskers pressed downward, a tail tucked closely or under the body, and the head held upward while lying down.
There are various types of feline aggression, and a cat may exhibit more than one type simultaneously. General principles for managing all forms of feline aggression include early intervention, avoiding any form of physical punishment which can increase fear and worsen aggression, and understanding that medication is most effective when combined with behavioral and environmental modifications. Startling an aggressive cat without physical contact is usually effective, and avoiding known triggers is paramount. Separating aggressive cats and reintroducing them slowly with positive reinforcement is also recommended. 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, in close 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 disease, and central nervous system problems can cause aggression. Once a veterinarian has excluded medical causes, identifying the specific type of aggression is key to understanding its origin and developing a targeted intervention plan.
Types of Feline Aggression and Management Strategies
Play Aggression
Play aggression is most commonly observed in young cats and kittens that did not learn appropriate play behaviors from littermates or lacked sufficient play opportunities. During socialization with littermates, cats learn to moderate their biting and scratching when their playmates retaliate or stop playing. Cats raised in isolation may not develop this crucial understanding.
Cats exhibiting play aggression often thrash their tails, pin their ears back, and have dilated pupils. They may stalk their target, whether human or animal, and pounce from a hiding spot. To manage this, identify patterns in when and where the aggression occurs. Preempt the behavior by distracting the cat with play or blocking access to areas that encourage it, such as hiding places under the bed. A bell on a breakaway collar can alert to the cat’s presence. Noise deterrents, like a hiss or a blast of compressed air, can startle and redirect the cat’s attention without physical punishment. The goal is distraction, not fear. Ignoring the cat’s aggressive play can teach them that such behavior leads to no play at all. Ensure toys used for distraction are kept at a distance from your hands.
Fear Aggression
This occurs when a cat encounters unfamiliar stimuli or experiences associated with negative events, such as a veterinary visit. Signs include flattened ears, hissing, bared teeth, a low crouch with a tucked tail, and bristling fur. The best approach is to identify and avoid fear-inducing situations. If unavoidable, gradual desensitization by brief, distanced exposure to the stimulus, followed by rewarding non-aggressive behavior with treats and praise, can be helpful. Do not console an aggressive cat, as this can be perceived as approval, nor should you show fear, which might reinforce the behavior. Lack of attention is a more effective strategy.
Petting-Induced Aggression
Some cats may suddenly become aggressive during petting for unknown reasons, possibly due to overstimulation or a desire to control the interaction. Handling, bathing, grooming, and nail trims can also trigger this. Signs include dilated pupils, tail lashing, and backward-facing ears. To manage this, avoid unsolicited petting, physical punishment, restraint, or interacting with the cat while it’s eating. Rewarding brief, light stroking with treats for non-aggressive behavior can help gradually increase tolerance. Immediately stop petting at any sign of aggression and allow a cooling-down period. Supervise these cats around young children, who may miss the subtle cues of impending aggression.
Redirected Aggression
When a cat is aroused by a stimulus but cannot react directly (e.g., seeing another cat outside), it may redirect its aggression towards a nearby human or another pet. To prevent this, remove or block the stimuli, such as by closing window shades or preventing interactions between indoor cats.
Pain-Induced Aggression
Cats in pain may act aggressively to avoid touch, movement, or activities that exacerbate their discomfort. For instance, cats with osteoarthritis might resent manipulation of their joints. Some cats may continue to show aggression even after healing, to avoid remembered pain. Management involves refraining from touching painful areas and working with a veterinarian on pain management.
Status-Induced Aggression
This type of aggression, driven by a desire for social dominance, may involve cats blocking doorways or swatting at others. The best approach is to ignore the aggressive cat completely. Attention, including play and food, should only be given when the cat is relaxed. A relaxed cat displays normal pupil size, upright ears, and a relaxed tail posture.
Territorial Aggression
Cats defend their territories and may display aggression towards new cats, or sometimes other animals or people, that enter their domain. This can involve swatting, chasing, and attacking. Slow reintroduction is key. New or returning cats should be confined with their own resources. Gradually increase exposure through scent swapping and visual introductions through barriers, associating the other cat’s presence with positive experiences like feeding. This process can take weeks to months, and medication may be necessary in some cases, always in conjunction with behavioral modification. Never place body parts between fighting cats; use barriers like baby gates instead.
Maternal Aggression
Mother cats nursing kittens may become aggressive towards those who approach. Providing a quiet, low-stress environment and minimizing visitors can help. This aggression usually subsides as kittens mature.
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 cats involved is the first step, as hormones play a role. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, separation and reintroduction as described for territorial aggression are recommended.
Updated December 2016
