That Hurts! How To Stop Your Cat From Being Aggressive Towards You And Others

If your cat has taken aggression to a whole new level, it's time to teach it new trick. Aggression can come in the form of growling, hissing, scratching, or biting. The best way to curtail an aggressive behavior is to stop it before it gets out of control. Unfortunately, that's not always possible. If your cat has taken to lashing out when you try to pet it, or move it, you need to stop the behavior before it really hurts you, or someone else. Here are four strategies that will help you stop your cat's aggressive behavior.

Learn Your Cat's Warning Signs

When it comes to cats, they'll usually warn you before they lash out. If you don't know what those warning signs are, you're going to be on the losing end of your cats teeth and claws every time. To stop getting bitten and scratched by your cat, take the time to learn your cat's warning signs. Those warning signs will let you know when your cat has had enough. Some signs include twitching of the tail, flattening of the ears, low guttural growls, and ruffling of the hair on the back. If your cat exhibits any of those warning signs, lift your arms up, and move away the area.

Know When Your Cat's Had Enough

If your cat has a habit of lashing out when you try to pet it, the motion of your hands over its fur may be aggravating or irritating to it. That doesn't mean you need to stop trying to pet your cat. However, it does mean you need to know when it's had enough, and where it's touchy spots are. When you cat approaches you for attention, begin by petting it slowly. Start with the head and neck, and then move slowly to the rest of the body. As soon as your cat starts exhibiting the warning signs, stop and make note of the area you were trying to pet. The next time you pet your cat, count the number of times you're able to pet it before it becomes aggressive. Once you've done this, you'll know where your cat will allow you to pet, and how many times it will let you do it. The trick to avoiding aggressive behavior after that is to never pet the touchy areas, and stop before you reach the limit.

Visit the Vet

If your cat continues to behave aggressively, or its aggression becomes more severe, you'll need to consult a veterinarian. Your cat may need to be treated with medication, or it may need to be declawed, especially if it's been causing you,or others, serious injuries.