Aggressive Cats

According to animal behaviorists, the second most common behavioral problem with cats is aggression. Cat bites and cat scratches can be painful and can become easily infected, as well as potentially lead to cat scratch fever, an infectious disease that causes flu-like symptoms. Furthermore, fights between cats can cause infections and result in substantial vet bills. Living with aggressive cats can be risky, and they can serve as a threat to family, other household pets, and visitors.

Interpreting Body Language 
It is important to understand what cats are communicating through their body language. Cats’ body stances, facial expressions, and the position of body parts like ears, tails, and whiskers can tell you a lot about what a cat is feeling. There are two main types of aggression: offensive and defensive. Cats that are offensively aggressive try to make themselves look bigger and more threatening. A defensively aggressive cat assumes a self-protective stance and tries to make himself appear smaller. If your cat is displaying any of these postures, you should not touch, attempt to comfort, or punish them.  
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Offensive Posture Examples:

• A rigid, straight-legged erect stance
• Stiff back legs, with the rear end raised and the back slanted down towards their head
• A stiff tail which is lowered or positioned straight down to the ground
• A direct stare
• Upright ears with the backs tilted slightly forward
• Hair standing upright
• Constricted pupils
• Facing their opponent and potentially moving towards him
• Growling, howling, or yowling

Defensive Posture Examples:

• Crouching
• Tucked in head
• Tail curled around the body and tucked in
• Wide open eyes and partially or completely dilated pupils
• Ears flat and sideways or facing backwards
• Hair standing upright
• Positioning the body sideways to the opponent
• Hissing or spitting
• Possibly striking quickly with front paws and claws out

Generalized Aggression, Defensive or Offensive:

• Striking or swatting with paws
• Biting
• Fighting
• Growing or screeching
• Scratching
• Preparing to attack by rolling onto his side or back and exposing teeth and claws

Causes of Aggression 
If you cat is acting aggressively or you believe he may become aggressive in the future, it is important to try to understand the circumstances that got him to this point. Ask yourself questions like who did he act out towards? When and where did it occur? What was happening leading up to the incident? Figuring out the answers to these questions can help shed light on what triggers your cat’s aggression and the conditions that lead him to act this way. Understanding the root of your cat’s aggression is important so that you can be able to help him.

Also, remember that a variety of medical conditions can cause or exacerbate your cat’s aggression, such as hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, abscesses, arthritis, dental diseases, rabies, as well as sensory decline and cognitive degeneration in elderly cats. So, the key first step in addressing your cat’s aggression issues is to take him to a vet for an examination.

Different Types of Aggression 
​There are a number of types of aggression that can be displayed by cats. Thinking about the function or purpose of your cat’s aggression is a good way of understanding the cause.
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• Play/Predatory Aggression

This type of aggression is related to your cat’s natural hunting and killing instincts. Oftentimes, many cats’ play is too aggressive due to the fact that their owners encouraged that behavior when they were kittens. Playing rough with your bare hands is very tempting when your kitten is little. However, this can also teach the kitten that bare hands are threatening as well as OK to play with. Additionally, cats who are particularly territorial can also be more inclined to play aggression. The solution to this problem is to never play rough with your cat.

However, the primary cause of adult cats who play rough or direct their predatory drive on humans or other animals in the home is often boredom and an excess of energy. You can fix this by having interactive play sessions with your cat using a wand toy and by rotating their toys and introducing new toys often. 

• Petting-Related (Overstimulation) Aggression

Cats are very sensitive animals, and it’s possible that your cat can only tolerate so much stimulation. Also, there may be “off limit” areas that they don’t enjoy having touched or pet. To avoid provoking aggression, be aware of your cat’s body language. Dilated pupils, ears turned or flattened, a twitching tail, and flattened whiskers are all signs to look out for that your cat is upset. To avoid an attack, stop immediately, move away, and don’t try to restrain your cat. 

• Redirected Aggression

Redirected aggression is when a cat becomes scared or upset by something, but instead of directing his aggression at the real cause, the cat turns his attention on the nearest target. This is often another cat or pet in the home, or the cat owner. If the problem is between two cats, the best solution is to separate them and gradually reintroduce them.

• Fear-Induced Aggression

Fear-induced aggression operates on the idea that the best defense is a good offense. When a cat feels both threatened and trapped, fear aggression kicks in. This is based on the “fight or flight” response, and if there is no way to escape, the only choice is to fight. Be very careful with fear-aggressive cats, as they have the ability to inflict a lot of pain.

• Intact Cat Aggression

This type of aggression effects both male and female cats that have not been spayed or neutered. Maternal aggression occurs with mother cats who are defending their kittens, and territorial aggression occurs in intact male cats. In general, both male and female intact cats are more likely to be aggressive as well as extremely territorial. The solution to this type of aggression is to spay and neuter your cats.

• Idiopathic

Not all causes of aggression can be determined, even with medical exams or a review of your cat’s behavioral history. Cats with idiopathic aggression can be extremely violent towards their owners and other pets. They may bite repeatedly and stay in an aroused state for extended periods of time. These cats can be very dangerous, and owners of these cats need to carefully consider the safety of their family members and pets in the household.

Working with a Professional
If your cat is exhibiting signs of aggression, it is important to work with a trained professional. Aggression is a serious behavioral problem that can be dangerous. It is often difficult to diagnose and can be complicated to treat. A qualified animal behaviorist will take a comprehensive behavior history of your cat, as well as create a customized treatment plan and help guide you through its application. The behaviorist can also monitor your cat’s progress and make adjustments to the plan if necessary.
 
References
“Aggression in Cats.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats.
Galaxy, Jackson. “Aggression In Cats.” Jackson Galaxy Store, www.jacksongalaxy.com/blog/aggression-in-cats.