Feisty ​Felines

Cats can show signs of aggression for several reasons.  Being aware of the reason behind the aggression can help us to treat and to try and prevent further displays.  There are various types of aggression which are explained in more detail below.   Most of the time a consult is required to find out the reason behind your cats aggression and in order to treat.

Warning Signs of Aggression  

  • Twitching of the tail  
  • Flattening of the ears 
  • Body stiffening 
  • Pupil dilation – eyes become big and black 
  • Vocalisation/growling 
  • Pacing 
  • Hair standing on end

If you see your cat displaying any of these signs it is wise to steer clear.  Move away from them slowly, leave them be and wait until they have calmed down.  

If your cat shows the signs above occasionally it may be normal.  But if your cat shows these signs frequently or their response seems out of proportion, they would benefit from a behavioural consultation and possibly medication.  It is important to note that punishing cats for being aggressive will almost always make the situation worse. ​

Types of aggression 

Medical:  A number of diseases can cause changes in behaviour.  Pain is also a common reason for a cat to become aggressive.  A full veterinary check-up is advised with all cases of aggression, sometimes along with a full blood panel and urine test.  If a medical reason behind the aggression is found, the aggression may still occur after the cause has been treated.  This is due to learned aggression and training is required.

Play aggression:  More commonly seen in kittens and young cats, and is especially worse in cats raised without littermates.  In this type of aggression cats will often stalk and pounce, then scratch and bite.  Often these cats have no other outlet for play.  It is important to provide a play aggressive cat with environmental enrichment – using food puzzles and giving them places to climb, scratch and hide.  Also to play interactive games with your cat that does not involve the hands – such as a fishing pole toy.  

Redirected aggression:  When cats are aroused by something or someone (another cat, person or smell) that the cat cannot access – such as outside.  The cat then redirects their aggression on to the nearest target – such as yourself or your other cat.  Prevention of redirected aggression involves reducing exposure to the cause – a window covering is sometimes enough.  You may also need to stop the access of feral cats to your yard. 
Patting aggression:  There are several reasons why a cat may bite while being touched.   A full physical examination and history will help to determine the cause; fear and anxiety are common.  Cats often come asking for attention and then attack when they get it.  Some cats have a certain threshold for pats and you need to learn how long that is and stop before.   These cats often show subtle warning signs before attacking, such as tail twitching, pupil dilation and flattening of the ears.  If your cat starts to show any of these signs, you need to stop all contact and leave them be.  Teaching your cat that interactions with you are pleasant is important, use treats and keep interactions short, increasing over time.  Your cat will always have a limit on how much affection they can handle.  Learn this and do not exceed. 
Status aggression:  Often used to obtain or maintain a resource – such as removal from a desired sleeping area, blocking access to a room, or blocking another cat from food or litter trays. 
Fear Aggression:  Aggression that is seen in response to a threat.  This becomes a clinical problem when the response to the threat is exaggerated compared to the threat itself.  For example, showing signs of aggression when someone sneezes nearby.  A cat that is showing aggression due to fear will often be crouching low, hiss and bare teeth.  They will attack if cornered.  Treatment varies depending on what your cat is fearful of, but often medication is required. 

Maternal Aggression:  Aggression in response to people or other animals coming close to their young is common and time limited.  Treatment is more about management as this will resolve once the kittens are weaned.

Territorial aggression: Most often occurs when a new cat is introduced into the household and is also seen in response to a feral cat entering their yard or territory.  Introduction of a new cat to the household needs to be done calmly and gradually.

Medications

Solving aggression in cats involves changes to your cat’s environment and the way you handle your cat.  If there is underlying anxiety (which is common), medications may be needed to help your cat to feel more relaxed in their surroundings.  There are also natural alternatives we can use to reduce stress and anxiety in cats.