Does your cat show aggression out of nowhere and you are confused about your pet's behaviour? Think of it in a way that the friend you were playing with yesterday is trying to hurt you whenever you try to touch him. Confusing isn’t it? Feline aggression, while concerning, is not rare, and connects to various underlying reasons. Understanding the root cause of this behaviour is crucial for both the cat’s and the owner’s well-being.

It is tough to stay away from that friend with whom you used to spend whole days, but aggression in cats can be fatal for you and your family. A pet parent needs to find out the root cause of it before it is too late. We understand it can be confusing or frustrating but before you deal with these kinds of problems, it is better to know about the cause of problems. In this blog, we will be focusing on these issues and their causes.

The reasons for their aggressions can be innumerable. They are animals who can be unpredictable, no one can figure out when they change their mood. You being a pet parent hold the major responsibility for their behaviour, so it is very important to learn and understand the major reasons that can make your pet aggressive. Below is the list of reasons for your cat's aggressions.

Fear is common in every creature. We all show aggression when we are scared. Even cats show aggression when they are free. Activities like loud noises, unfamiliar people, sudden movements, or even being touched in certain parts of their body or ways can provoke them. Cats act unusually when they are aggressive. A pet parent should know the obvious signs when their pet is angry. Behaviour like hissing, growling, flattening ears, dilated pupils, and crouching low to the ground are some of the signs that show your cat is angry.

Cats are very active animals, abilities like running, climbing, hopping, and pouncing are common behaviour for them. While playing or exercising, engaging in minimal aggression is normal for cats but sometimes it can be problematic. So much biting, scratching, or excessive chasing can be hectic or can cause distress to other animals or family members.

This type of aggression is normally seen in mother cats. They can show aggression when they are pregnant or it can be their protective nature to save their kitten. Every mother wants to protect their child, and in the course of protecting they show some aggression and it is normal. But things go rogue when they start attacking or biting. 

Just like dogs, cats are also so much concerned about their territory. Whosoever seems to be a threat to their territory, they can show aggression towards them. It can be other animals, other breed cats, or even unfamiliar humans. This can be manifested by their activities such as hissing, spraying urine, spitting, or even blocking the entrance or certain areas of their home.

Cats can also be aggressive when they are aroused by something that they can not directly respond to. The way of telling can be their aggression or anger. If noticed well, we can be able to notice that their frustration can be redirected toward a target like birds, humans, or other cats.

Changes in the environment can significantly impact a cat’s behaviour. Sudden change in environment, change of home, or even the arrival of a new family member, can lead to aggressive behaviour in cats. Cats take time to adjust or adapt to new environments, a sudden change in environment can lead to stress and anxiety which can lead to anger or aggression.

Also, the lack of environmental enrichments such as insufficient scratching spots, open spaces, or even hiding places can make them either bored or irritated which can lead to aggression.

Your pet feels a lot of discomfort if he is undergoing some medication procedures or even is in pain due to dental issues, injuries, or illnesses. Poking them, or forcing them to do something during those times can lead to aggressive behaviours. Often cats want to be alone when they are in these conditions.

Cat being a wild animal, does not persist in the condition of living in captivity. When you first bring your cat home, aggression can be normal behaviour for them as they are cut off from their surroundings.

Lack of socialization, or inappropriate interactions can make the cat furious and aggressive. 

If your cat shows a lot of aggression, things can go out of the way. Either they can harm somebody or themselves. It is very important to know the ways to keep your aggression in control. You can use these ways to either calm the cat or prevent any further aggression. Listed below are the ways to prevent aggression in the cats.

If you are shifting to a new place or a new environment, keep in mind to make that place enriching. Always ensure to set up a playing area for your pets. Consider providing more scratching posts or putting food bowls in different corners of the house to make the space more engaging and playful. Cats often like private places when they are stressed or angry, so make some hiding spots or cat trees for your cat.

Also, be sure to have some toys or make vertical spaces so that your cat can play and have fun.

As a pet parent, always learn to appreciate your pet. Whether it is a small achievement or some good behaviour, always appreciate your dog. Appreciation can be done by giving them a treat, a hug, or chocolates. This positive reinforcement will motivate your cat to do well and will also keep them happy.

Cats are very delicate animals, their stress-handling capacity is very low. If your cat is stressed or feeling some pain, they will react to that fiercely. As a pet parent, you should always try to make a stress-free environment for your cat. Provide them with a private space or create a vertical space where they can climb, stay, or spend some time when they need to. Avoid making harsh noises, or do not make any sudden movements around your cat.

Just like we feel safe with our loved ones, cats also tend to feel safe when they are with their loved ones. If you have multiple cats in your home, try to make them mingle, By providing them feel at the same time as making their bed in a single place, this will help the cat to easily mingle with others. This will increase interaction and also reduce the stress.

Although aggression is common in cats, often they show it while playing, chasing, or running. But sometimes things get worse when your cat starts showing frequent aggression or starts hurting humans out of aggression. Aggression can be controlled but when a pet parent is not able to control a pet’s aggression, then it is time to consult a vet. These are the reasons for which you can consult your vet:

• Severe or persistent aggression

• Aggression towards children

• Difficulty in managing situations independently

• If a pet parent starts feeling unsafe.

These can be the reasons for which you can consult a vet.

Facing aggression from your pet for the first time? Worry not, facing aggression needs patience, understanding, and a multi-faceted approach. By carefully accessing your pet’s behaviour you can identify behaviours and the reason for their aggression. It is common to be angry but we know you can’t see your pet angry, always look out for the reasons.

Also, remember if you are struggling to keep your feline friend's behaviour in place, it can be a sign of some problems like pain or fear. Do consult a vet as soon as you can. With patience, understanding, and the right approach, you can help your cat overcome their aggressive tendencies and enjoy a happy and fulfilling life.

Playful aggression typically involves gentle biting and swatting, often with open mouths and relaxed body postures. The cat may vocalize with playful meows or chirps. True aggression, on the other hand, is usually accompanied by growling, hissing, flattened ears, and a more rigid body posture. The bites and scratches may be harder and more forceful. If you are unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviourist.

Punishing your cat for aggressive behaviour is generally not recommended. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, worsening the problem. It can also damage the bond of trust between you and your cat. Instead of punishment, focus on positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding desired behaviours and redirecting aggressive behaviour to appropriate outlets like scratching posts or toys.

If you are experiencing any of the following, it's crucial to seek professional help from a veterinarian or certified animal behaviourist:

• Severe or persistent aggression: If the aggression is frequent, intense, or causing significant distress to you or other members of your household.

• Aggression directed towards children: Any aggression towards children should be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

• Difficulty managing the situation independently: If you are struggling to manage your cat's aggression despite your best efforts.

• If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed: If the aggression is causing you significant anxiety or fear.

• Gradual introductions: If introducing new cats, do so gradually and allow them to get used to each other's scents before direct contact.

• Provide ample resources: Ensure each cat has access to multiple food and water bowls, litter boxes (at least one per cat plus one extra), scratching posts, and hiding places.

• Create separate feeding and litter box areas: Initially, feed cats in separate rooms and provide litter boxes in different locations.

• Use Feliway diffusers: These can help reduce stress and anxiety, making cats feel more comfortable and secure in their environment.

• Positive reinforcement: Reward positive interactions between cats, such as gentle play or grooming.

Feliway diffusers can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, which can contribute to a decrease in fear-based aggression and territorial aggression. However, they may not be effective for all types of aggression. If your cat's aggression is severe or persistent, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviourist for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.