Feline Behavioral Problems: Aggression
A pet shrouded in love and care rarely shows aggression. The emerging outbursts of anger always have a cause, which means the owner can correct them. Uncontrolled and frequent attacks can result in severe injury and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Why does a domestic cat attack and bite its owner?
You bought a cat its favorite food and played with him all day long but it still acts naught, so are wondering why my cat attacked me? In most cases, the reason for the aggressiveness lies in psychology. A variety of emotions push the animal into such behavior. In the absence of pathology, a disgruntled cat always warns of a possible attack:
presses the ears, pulling them back
arching the tail and back
makes hissing or rumbling sounds
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| Cat aggression/ by @wirestock from Freepik |
If you notice this behavior, leave your pet alone and carefully analyze what provoked him. By eliminating the annoying factor, you will avoid further outbursts of anger.
Disease or pain
If a previously affectionate cat has become aggressive and attacks the hostess, then the reason for this behavior may lie in pain. The foot, injured as a result of an unsuccessful landing, reacts sharply even to the most affectionate touch. A pet can pounce on a person to prevent contact with an injured limb.
Pain syndrome is typical for injuries and some diseases: arthritis, infections, and pathologies of the oral cavity. Observe closely for accompanying symptoms. If apathy, sleep disturbance, and poor appetite appear, it is better to check in a veterinary clinic.
Another possible cause of an attack is a deterioration or complete loss of functionality of one of the senses. Hearing, sight, and smell issues interfere with the common perception of the accurate picture, distorting the protective function. Most often, this problem occurs in old age.
Bad education
Frequent play with human hands has become a habit. With age, the kitten's claws lengthen and sharpen. The damage from such a weapon is much more severe than in childhood. The cat, accustomed to the absence of punishment, will not only play with your hands but also express its anger on them.
If a cat does not like to sit in the arms of strangers, then in noisy gatherings, it will quickly release her claws at anyone who dares to touch it. This behavior is hazardous when a small child appears, exploring the world with the help of touch.
Self-defense
Claws and teeth are used not only for the attack but also for defense. The usual fear explains aggressive behavior. A sudden awakening, a sudden grip, or forcible holding on the arms is perceived as a threat. Most often, cats hiss and run away in the hope of hiding in a secluded place. If all escape routes are blocked, they will fight to victory.
Also worth noting is the protection of the offspring. During pregnancy and lactation, the pet becomes more suspicious. It can bite a stranger or an animal who decides to disturb her kittens.
Cat being aggressive / by @wirestock from Freepik
Exactingness
Another unpleasant consequence of poor parenting is demanding through solid bites. By biting the owner, the cat can ask for food or play. Most often, ill-mannered pets bite a person's legs, pushing them in the right direction. Ignoring this behavior will not solve the problem but will only increase the bite force.
Psychological trauma
The defense reflex is triggered not only with a real threat but also with an imaginary one. Pets who were taken from the street often suffer from psychological trauma during vagrancy. Experienced memories that provoke inappropriate behavior return to them when they see particular objects along with sounds or smells. In such cases, the resulting aggression is called redirect.
The more terrible the experience of violence, the more aggressive the possible attack. An animal regularly beaten with a slipper can leave severe injuries to the owner, who puts on indoor shoes in front of the pet.
Stress is caused not only by violent actions but also by excessive affection. With frequent violation of personal space, the cat will begin to defend its freedom.
If your pet always grew up in care and had the opportunity of solitude, analyze recent events. A baby or another pet may have stressed it. In this case, all actions are aimed at attracting the attention of the owner.
Competition with other animals
Сompetitive cats / by @jcsmilly from Freepik
It is recommended to avoid direct intervention in such situations, as the pet's aggression will be redirected to the owner. Before starting upbringing, wait until both darlings calm down and are ready to cooperate.
Cases of critical aggression
In addition to the analyzed situations, uncontrolled aggression is also possible. Medical intervention is required in such situations. Otherwise, an animal in an insane state can cause fatal injuries to people.
What should the owner do if the cat bites and attacks
To understand what to do if a cat attacks its owner, you can use the reason for its aggressiveness. The problem that has arisen is solved by proper upbringing or treatment.
Educate
Regardless of the reason for the pet's inappropriate behavior, reciprocal aggression from the owner is unacceptable. Animals are best affected by ignorance. If the attack occurs during a play, leave the room and not contact the cat until she realizes its mistake.
Education begins from the first days of the appearance of a pet in the house. If the moment is already missed, then more time will be required. It is more difficult for adult cats to overcome established habits than kittens.
Cure the diseases
If a disease is detected, the problem is eliminated after it is cured. Prolonged and frequent attacks require a veterinarian checkup.
A cat with an unsatisfied sexual instinct will have to be castrated. With a mental disorder, long-term drug treatment will be required, but rabies cannot be cured. The patient will have to be isolated in a special box to confirm or deny the disease. A favorable prognosis is possible only with a vaccine against the virus.
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