If you must touch the cat, try to hold it by the scruff so that it can’t get you with its claws or teeth. You can also try to wrap it in a towel or blanket, as this can disable the animal. Shield your most vulnerable body parts with your arms if a cat is trying to latch on to you. Your most sensitive areas should be prioritized, including your eyes and face.
Moving closer to reassure the cat or to try to calm it down will likely only increase its defensiveness. This may result in an even more aggressive attack. Avoid looking directly into the cat’s eyes, as this is a sign of an aggressive challenge. If the cat is in your lap when it becomes aggressive, stand up so that the cat falls away from you. Then quickly move away from the cat.
You can also drop something that will make noise on the floor, such as a container full of pennies. A noise maker like this is good to have on hand if you have a cat that becomes aggressive often. If the cat is fixated on a specific thing, try to break eye contact. Put something between the cat and what it becoming aggressive towards.
You can also try surprising the aggressive cat to disorient it by throwing a towel or a bucket of water onto it. This should give you the chance to get the other animal out of the situation. It is important to protect all your animals from fighting. You should not let them simply fight it out. This can lead to serious injuries and hard feelings between the animals in the long term. [2] X Research source It is especially important to separate animals that you are trying to acclimate to each other, such as when you add a new pet to your home. A fight early on in their relationship can make it strained well into the future. Try putting something between the fighting cats that will stop them from making contact with each other. For example, a pillow can be placed between the animals before they make physical contact.
Never hit a cat. An aggressive cat needs your help, not more aggression added to the situation.
You may even want to keep it sequestered in a room by itself with food, water, and a litter box. However, some cats will not like this and it will increase their aggression. Some cats just simply need to be left alone a lot of the time. If you have a moody cat that simply wants to be left alone, give that to them. Give them their own space where they can be away from people and other animals in your home, such as a spare bedroom. Make sure each room in your home has a hiding place, such as a cardboard box, where the cat can retreat. Hiding helps cats deal with stress.
Signs of infection to a cat scratch or bite include pain, redness, swelling, and puss coming from the injured area. [6] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Cat bites and scratches are prone to infection, so it’s important to thoroughly clean and disinfect them even if they seem minor.
Some medical conditions that can cause aggression include arthritis, dental problems, and hyperthyroidism. Some common symptoms associated with these illnesses include a lack of appetite, trouble moving, vomiting, and diarrhea. [8] X Research source If your cat is acting aggressively, your veterinarian may need to restrain it while examining it. Be aware that this kind of restraint is for the protection of the veterinarian and the cat itself.
Ask your vet about the over-the-counter products that might be helpful as well. Your veterinarian is likely to know the best calming sprays and diffusers on the market.
You can typically find a pet behavior specialist in your area through your veterinarian, your local animal shelter, or online.
Even if a cat is older it is still worth your time to try and reduce its aggression. The cat will simply take more time to change its behavior than a young cat would.
Fear Defensiveness Conflict with other animals Redirected anger Territorial feelings Predatory aggression Overstimulation Rough play excitement Maternal protection General irritability Pain Thyroid issues Lack of attention Change in location Past trauma
Crouching or squatting Tucking the head down Wide eyes with dilated pupils Retracted whiskers Hissing or spitting Putting its hackles up Ears flattened back
If your cat has a hard time with other animals, it might be best to keep it as an only pet.
For example, if your cat gets aggressive when it is petted for too long, reward it when it doesn’t exhibit this behavior. Pet it lightly for a few moments in your lap and before the interaction goes awry set it on the floor. Then give it a treat for its good behavior. If you repeat this process, the cat will eventually learn that it gets something it likes if it does not strike out in anger.
