Aggression and fighting among cats and between cats and dogs are unpleasant for everyone in the household. Watching cats fight and trying to separate them is distressing. Their actions can lead to damaged furniture, drapes, and other objects like kitchenware as the felines engage in this negative behavior. We often stereotype cats as being independent in nature and often times grumpy. However, this does not necessarily translate into violent behavior patterns. Instead, most felines express this by showing disdain or ignoring the object of their annoyance.
It is rare for cats to resort to full-on attacking behavior. Owners should address its roots and implement preventive measures to prevent it from becoming a recurring event. Here is information about what might cause cats to fight or become aggressive and preventing aggression in cats
Sudden onset aggression
If your cat has an easy going temperament and suddenly displays aggressive behavior, it could be a symptom of illness. Many cats express that they feel unwell through behavioral cues, such as changes to their appetite, litter box habits, sleep patterns, and overall temperament. If your cat does a 180 degree turn in their normal behavior, a precautionary visit to the vet might be necessary. This actually has happened to us with our cat. He displayed a change in behaviors and was diagnosed with a medical issue. Once placed on a prescription diet, he became much calmer again. Any number of ailments could cause sudden aggression, and only a vet will know how to diagnose them. During this time your feline’s immune system could be under enormous strain, potentially weakened by cat FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus).
A sick kitty is an unhappy kitty. Getting to the root of what ails your feline and undertaking treatment could see their behavior returning to normal almost immediately. Among the conditions that could cause a sudden tendency toward aggression are heart disease, cat hyperthyroidism, dental issues, central nervous system problems, or severe pain, such as that caused by arthritis. Many of these health issues can also be taken care of with the help of optimum nutrition and cat-specific food from Hill’s Pet, Scruffy Paws Nutrition, Iams, Tiki Cat, Blue Buffalo or Purin.
Fearful aggression
Cats that are skittish or prone to anxiety will also become aggressive at the drop of a hat. It is an instinctive measure, aimed at protecting themselves. We often hear about the ‘fight, flight, or freeze’ response that humans experience in response to a threat. With adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones flowing through their bodies, the heart rate increases, senses are heightened, and the body prepares to react. Felines experience the same sensations when they perceive a threat.
Aggressive behavior might emerge when the cat feels it must defend itself. If you feel anxiety is driving your cat’s tendency to fight, speak to your vet about medications and treatments that will make them feel less stressed. There are a surprising number of treatments that can help at home! Causes of anxiety in felines include changes in their routine, moving, being in the car, going to the vet, being separated from their owner, and the loss of a loved one.
Territorial aggression
The need to defend its territory is one of the primary reasons a cat will lash out at others. Cats are territorial creatures and do not take kindly to having property they feel is rightfully theirs invaded. Therefore, if you bring a new pet home, the other one is likely to respond with some aggression as it does not want to share its territory. Time and patience are vital when this happens, and your kitty will soon adjust to its new counterpart.
During the first few days, keep the animals apart, only allowing them to spend brief moments together under your supervision. By the time a week has elapsed, the animals will have sized each other up and grown accustomed to sharing their territory. After that, you will hopefully not experience any more aggressive episodes.
Play-centered aggression
Cats are predators and love playing games where they stalk and pounce on something or someone. When the object of their play is another cat, a fight might ensue. As a human, you might respond with anger when someone gives you a fright. Your kitty is no different.
Cats play rough and tumble games that could end in aggressive behavior. They bite and scratch each other during play, leading to a physical, mental, and emotional stimulation overload. The situation could devolve into a scuffle if one cat takes exception to the roughhousing. Human children respond in a similar way, where everything is fun and games until someone gets hurt. Such catfights do not last long, as the feline calms down once it has made its displeasure clear. Should it persist, use the time-out technique to give each feline a chance to cool down.
Photo by Cristyan Bohn from Pexels
Maternal aggression
Mothers are protective of their young, and felines are no exception. When another cat approaches a nursing mom or her kittens, she is likely to respond with aggression to protect the babies. It is a perfectly natural instinct. Owners should respect that the mommy kitty is acting in defense of her young. However, they do not need to condone it by not showing their unhappiness about the behavior.
Cats are perceptive creatures and respond well to the cues of their human leader. When you show the mommy cat that another feline means them no harm, she is likely to back down and behave less aggressively.
If you have a testy kitty, I hope these tips help you to understand the reason behind it and preventing aggression in cats in the future!
