Cats are often considered to be independent, aloof, and low-maintenance pets. However, not all cats are the same, and some can be aggressive. Aggressive behavior in cats is not always easy to spot, and it can be challenging to handle if you don’t know how to deal with it.
While a kitty alone knows the reasons for its scheming behavior, sometimes a cat can resort to aggression to signal its pain. So, cat owners must try to understand their fur ball’s concerns before judging its behavior. Likewise, health issues can torment a furry baby physically, mentally, and emotionally in inconceivable ways. Responsible human parents quickly identify troubling issues and take their munchkin for testing and treatment.
They might already be financially prepared for unexpected vet visits with a cat insurance policy. Pet insurance for cats helps cat owners provide their feline fur baby top-notch medical care during accidents, allergies, injuries, particular illnesses, dental issues, health emergencies, and more, depending on the level of cover chosen.
Also, cat owners can regularly review their cat policy so they can quickly switch to another if they encounter policies that provide better coverage at economical costs. In this article, we will explore how to spot an aggressive pet cat and what you can do to address it.
Signs of Aggression in Cats
- Hissing and growling: These are vocal warning signs that your cat may be feeling threatened or uncomfortable. They can also be accompanied by other aggressive behaviors, such as hissing or swatting.
- Swatting or scratching: Cats use their paws and claws to defend themselves when they feel threatened. If your cat is swatting or scratching at you or other animals, it could be a sign of aggression.
- Biting: Aggressive cats may bite without warning, which can be painful and dangerous. If your cat is biting you or others, it is essential to address the behavior as soon as possible.
- Dilated pupils: A cat’s pupils dilate when they are feeling aroused or excited, but they can also dilate when they are feeling aggressive or threatened.
- Arched back and raised fur: When a cat feels threatened or aggressive, they may arch their back and raise their fur. This is a defensive posture meant to make them appear larger and more intimidating.
- Tail twitching: A twitching tail can be a sign of aggression or irritation in cats. If your cat’s tail is twitching, they may be feeling agitated or annoyed.
Causes of Aggression in Cats
- Fear: Fear is one of the most common causes of aggression in cats. If a cat feels threatened or scared, they may lash out with aggressive behavior to defend themselves.
- Territorial behavior: Cats are territorial animals, and they may become aggressive if they feel like their territory is being invaded.
- Pain or illness: Cats who are in pain or are sick may become irritable and aggressive. If you suspect that your cat is not feeling well, take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
- Lack of socialization: Cats who were not socialized properly as kittens may not know how to interact appropriately with people or other animals, leading to aggressive behavior.
- Previous trauma or abuse: Cats who have experienced trauma or abuse may become aggressive as a result of their past experiences.
What to Do if Your Cat is Aggressive
- Consult with your veterinarian: The first step in addressing aggressive behavior in cats is to rule out any underlying medical issues. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and run any necessary tests to make sure your cat is healthy.
- Identify the trigger: Once you have ruled out any medical issues, try to identify what is causing your cat’s aggressive behavior. Is it a particular person or animal in the home? Is it a specific time of day? Knowing what triggers your cat’s aggression can help you avoid or address the situation.
- Provide a safe space: If your cat is feeling threatened or scared, provide them with a safe space where they can retreat and feel secure. This could be a separate room or a cozy bed in a quiet corner of the house.
- Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement techniques can help to modify your cat’s behavior by rewarding good behavior and ignoring bad behavior. For example, if your cat is aggressive towards other cats, reward them when they are calm and non-aggressive around other cats.
- Seek professional help: If your cat’s aggressive behavior is severe or you are unable to address it on your own, seek help from a professional cat behaviorist. They can provide you with additional
Even with much supervision, risks of accidents, injuries, and more can quickly multiply in a multi-pet household, which is why cat owners must reflect on purchasing pet insurance for cats. Several insurers allow covering many pets under one policy. Therefore, cat owners can easily search and buy cat insurance that best fits their pet household with the online services most insurers provide.
