How to Handle Aggressive Cat Behavior

TYPES OF AGGRESSION IN CATS

~TERRITORIAL AGGRESSION

Cats are territorial by nature, and may aggressively defend their territory—especially against other cats, but sometimes against people. If your cat shows other territorial behaviors, such as urine spraying or chin rubbing, or is aggressive only towards specific cats or humans, he or she may be territorial.

~FEARFUL OR DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION

Cats that feel cornered or threatened will often attack as a protective measure. A cat that adopts a defensive posture—hunched back, tail down, ears back—before an attack may be exhibiting this type of fearful of defensive aggression.

~PLAYFUL AGGRESSION

Cats, and especially kittens, use play as a way to practice and develop their hunting and fighting skills. Aggression during play is normal, but kittens must be taught early not to direct aggressive play against humans – especially children.

~REDIRECTED AGGRESSION

This is often the biggest culprit behind seemingly “unprovoked” attacks. It happens when a cat is agitated by something they can’t get to (like a stray cat outside the window) and redirects their pent-up aggression onto the nearest person or pet.

~PETTING INDUCED (OVERSTIMULATION) AGGRESSION

Many owners feel an attack is unprovoked when their cat suddenly bites them while being petted. Believe it or not, cats have a threshold for physical stimulation and if they’re ready to attack you may have reached it. A few helpful ways to know that an attack could be on the way include the following warning signs and body language: tail flicking/thrashing, skin twitching, dilated pupils, flattened ears, low growling, or stiffened legs.