Cats aggressive towards people
Written by AniMed.org
Felines are born to hunt. Their quick reflexes and sharp claws and teeth are made for catching and tearing prey, not for biting and scratching their human caretakers. There are several reasons that a cat may show aggression toward people. Although most pets generally do not cause serious damage, it will help to understand what's behind the inappropriate behavior.
Cat got your ankle? It's not unusual to receive a few scratches and nips as your pet pounces, stalks and jumps her way through kittenhood. Your animal companion is simply honing her hunting skills. While most cats grow out of this predatory aggression as they mature, it is often seen in adult pets who do not receive enough exercise.
How to stop feline aggression toward people
The solution to this problem is simple. By creating artificial prey that is, appropriate playthings-you can help channel your pet's aggression. Purchase or make some interactive toys and schedule daily play sessions with your super-frisky feline. Cats love anything that can be wiggled, dangled, or otherwise made to look alive. If your cat does nip you, do not attempt to pull away. This can actually make the injury worse and may also be interpreted as your willingness to play the game!
Though not as common as predatory aggression, some cats may use their claws and teeth (and have even been known to climb up the nearest person's body) if they feel intense fear. This kind of aggressive behavior might be prompted by a loud noise, and is more likely to occur in cats who are already on edge, stressed by a move, for example, or a new person or animal in the house. If your cat suddenly goes into attack mode, it's best to simply close the door and leave her alone. Do not enter the room for 4 to 6 hours.
Undersocialized cats can mean trouble for guests
Although most cats who are uncomfortable with strangers usually hide or leave the room, some felines may bite and scratch guests. These animals are most likely undersocialized. Consider getting your cat used to other people when she is young, at about 7 to 12 weeks. Have 3 or 4 different people regularly handle her for no more than 5 minutes at a time. She should be set for life! If your adult cat is undersocialized, you may need to work with a professional trainer or animal behaviorist to correct the problem.
Many bites and scratches can be avoided simply by understanding, and respecting, your pet. Some companion cats do not like to be held or touched in certain places, and a show of claws may be their way of telling you not to go there. Learn to read feline body language-if you see your cat's ears go back, or if she leans on her hips with her claws exposed and mouth open, it's best to back off.
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Comments
Our cat is also 1 1/2. He was found by my husband at 10 days old and bottle fed. He's been socialized and loves us like crazy. Our best friends and family who come over frequently are fine but strangers or occasional visitors he "hates". We have to put him in our bedroom because I just don't trust him. Sometimes he doesn't give a warning and just goes into physical attack mode. Odd but he likes children... to be honest he's like our dog.
We've tried all sorts of things but they don't work. My suggestion is to put him in your bedroom (make sure you have a litter box in there for him/her).
My cat is 1 1/2 yrs old. He was very social as a kitten and liked people. He is very loving towards the family in the house. he doesn't like strangers to come in although not everybody. He doesn't run and hide he stays and fights. He attacks my Mom everytime she comes over and will run after her to attack. He doesn't like kids. This behavior began about months ago. I have read the things to do to change this behavior and they are things I already do.
He was really good with the vet and then on his last visit he didn't want to come out of his carrier and groweld, hissed and tried to scratch even me. He had to be completely wrapped up to be examined and fought the entire time. He is due for shots and I am so upset that I can't take him in. I also feel as if I can't have guests in my home, including my grown daughters.
Can anyone help? rainee30@hotmail.com
Does your cat go outside at all? If not then I would not recommend updating the shots. Vaccinations have been the cause of many deaths in cats and dogs as well as behavioral changes. Also, your kitty may be showing signs of territorial aggression. Your current household is safe, but not outside individuals. Cats are affected by smells and if your Mom has pets, he may be reacting to the smell in defending territory.
If your kitty starts to be aggressive towards your current household, then consider having him checked for an illness that cannot be readily identified.
I am a wildlife biologist and have had to deal with interesting behaviors after handling wildlife. I also work in a no kill animal shelter and was recently attacked when interrupting a potentially fatal attack between two cats that are normally separated due to territorial aggression.
I know water, and loud noises have been suggested to disrupt the behavior, but I have found this can cause other unwanted behavior, so I favor using non aggressive action whenever possible. I throw a small baby blanket over the aggressive kitty or towel which breaks the eye contact and does not hurt the animal in any way. It also allows the animal a moment to calm down if possible, this is not always the case, but then they are attacking a non-aggressive piece of material, which usuall takes the fight out of them.
Good luck, I hope you will not give up on your kitty. There is always a reason, finding it is the hard part.
My 3 year old cat is very unfriendly. He will not let you pet or play with him. What can I do to make him more playful?