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If you think pet aggression is limited only to dogs, maybe you’ve never had a cat! Although dogs often seem like a greater threat, cats with their inherent killing instinct can be more aggressive than dogs.
It is natural for kittens to be extremely playful, but they should not be so aggressive that they cause harm to other people or animals. The following outlines various types of cat aggression and what can be done to limit them. If you are ever concerned about your cat’s behaviour and unsure what to do about it, contact your veterinarian.
Play or Predatory Aggression
Although cats have been domesticated for thousands of years, it is only in recent decades that they have been bred for their beauty and the pleasure they bring to owners. Previously they were kept solely to kill rodents and small animals. Despite her evolving role in the household, a cat’s need to practice her hunting skills has remained unchanged.
Cats often practice their hunting by lying in wait, stalking and attacking a foot that walks by or a sleeping and unsuspecting human. This is often a harmless procedure that a kitten grows out of, but it can be a problem if it is an ongoing frequent activity or if the cat becomes overly aggressive. Rough play can develop into a habit of biting and scratching, the wounds of which can easily become infected. To deter your cat from these kinds of attacks, use an air horn, make a loud noise or spray him with a water gun to teach him that this is inappropriate. Do not pay attention to her when she is too rough. You may need to leave the room to teacher her that she must be gentle.
Redirected Aggression
A cat that has just lost a fight with another cat and still feels aggressive, or that sees something that causes him to be aggressive but which he cannot reach, will often redirect his aggression towards a person or other cat or animal that is within reach. For example, if your cat sees another cat outside that he wants to attack but cannot reach because he is inside, he may instead attack another cat inside. This behaviour should be interrupted to teach your cat that it is inappropriate. Do not get involved yourself but use an air horn or water gun.
Stimulation Aggression (“Don’t Pet Me Anymore” Aggression)
This form of aggression is a mystery to many cat lovers. While petting your cat, he purrs contentedly in your lap and then, for no apparent reason, suddenly swats at or bites you. What was pleasurable to him a moment ago is no longer pleasurable, and for no obvious reason.
What many people don’t realize is that a cat will give various subtle signs that he is tired of being petted, including moving his head towards your hand or flicking his tail. To discourage aggressive behaviour, watch for these signs and stop petting your cat at the first indication that she is tired of it. Too much petting can arouse or irritate your cat and she may respond aggressively.
Territorial Aggression
Both male and female cats are extremely territorial and will protect the area they consider their territory, which could be a small area in your house or the entire neighbourhood if he is allowed to roam loose outside. (The CFHS disagrees with this practice. See our Happy Indoor Cat Factsheet to find out why you shouldn’t let your cat roam the neighbourhood.) Cats are usually territorial only to other cats but sometimes protect their territory from other animals or human invaders.
Fear/Anger/ Aggression
If your cat was not properly socialized as a kitten, she may develop fear or anger aggression. Kittens should be handled every day for at least 15 minutes when they are young so they become used to human touch and develop behaviour habits that will help them mature into well-behaved adult cats. If a kitten is not properly socialized, she may develop fear aggression towards people, and may never learn to trust or interact gently with her owner. These cats do not like to be touched or picked up, and will often scratch or bite if someone attempts to.
This is a problem that is difficult to fix because it is natural for a person to put the cat down if it scratches or bites, but this only encourages the cat to display aggressive behaviour in order to stop the human handling it does not like. Begin by handling your cat only for brief periods of time so she becomes used to it.
If a cat crouches on the floor with its ears back and its tail tucked, it is a good indication that your cat is afraid. It is best not to pick up your cat at this time.
Pain Induced Aggression
Pain is one of the most obvious causes of aggression. If your cat feels pain – even just from being petted in a sore spot – he will likely respond aggressively.
Aggression Towards People
Aggression towards people can include all these forms where the aggression is directed towards a person rather than another animal. There is little you can do except to be careful not to hurt her when you’re handling her. Be aware of any tender spots that make her aggressive when touched.
Health
If your cat suddenly displays abnormal habits or develops an aggressive temperament without any obvious cause, make an appointment with your veterinarian to determine if there is a medical problem.
