Do you have a furry little curmudgeon on your hands? Kitties definitely all have their own unique purrsonalities. Some cats are very loving and cuddly. Others? Not so much. Aggression in cats may not sound serious, but actually it is a very concerning behavioral issue. It’s also fairly common. A Marietta, GA vet shines a light on kitty aggression in this article.
Causes
There’s no one specific cause of kitty aggression. Many different things can set Fluffy off. If your cat is attacking another feline, it may be an issue of territorial jealousy. Cats get quite envious of one another! Fluffy may also be acting up as a fearful or defensive reaction. This is common when kitties feel trapped or cornered. Certain life changes, such as a new pet, moving, or reaching adulthood, can also come into play. Another possibility is redirected anger. For instance, your pet might actually be mad that her litterbox is dirty, and may lash out at you. There’s also a chance that your feline pal is acting out because she is hurting. Mama cats, of course, may be aggressive to protect their kittens. Pay attention to what seems to get your furry friend riled up.
Keeping Fluffy Calm
Finding out the source of your fuzzy little grouch’s aggression is important, as this will help determine the steps you should take. If your furry buddy is acting up, and you aren’t sure why, reach out to your vet. Aggression can be caused by pain or nausea. That’s completely understandable: many people get grouchy when they are sick. If your cat gets the all-clear, you can move on to other possibilities. Simply making sure that Fluffy is comfortable, safe, and properly entertained will make a big difference. Playtime can help a feisty feline burn off her zoomies, while hidey holes can give a nervous one somewhere to hide.
What Not To Do
If your feline buddy suddenly attacks you, do not respond by reprimanding her, striking her, yelling at her, or scruffing her. These things, in Fluffy’s mind, will make her see you as a threat, which will only make her feel she has to defend herself. You can try to redirect your furball’s aggression to a toy, but in many cases, the best bet is to leave her alone.
As your Marietta, GA animal clinic, we’re always here to help! Contact us anytime!
