The Top Five Ways to Handle Feline Aggression

Cats have a reputation for being a little irritable. While they can make extremely loving and loyal pets, they do tend to have a mind of their own and in some aspects they can often act a little 'wild'.

This often comes to light in the form of aggression and many cat owners often find themselves the victim of their cat's temper. So what causes this aggression and how can you successfully deal with it? Read on to find out the top five ways to handle feline aggression.

1. Know Your Cat

Knowing your cat is the first step in understanding their behaviors. Cats have an instinct in them that makes them natural hunters. No matter how much they act like innocent loving house cats, they all still have this instinct inside of them.

Your cat will take any opportunity to hunt. That's why laser pens, and strings tied to feathers make such good cat toys. You as the cat owner need to understand that when your cat is in hunt mode, they're going to be more aggressive, and temperamental.

Now, that you know about the instinct to hunt, you will need to start noticing when they are in hunt mode and avoid them. Cats have schedules so notice what time of day they tend to be in this state most often.

This will help you from being the prey in their hunting games. Then, you can just wait until your cat has settled down and turned back into the loving, affectionate, house cat you love to play with.

However, if your cat seems to be getting more aggressive or is aggressive all the time then could be steming from something more serious and needs to be attended to promply. Your cat may be suffering from serious stress from recent changes in their lives or even illness. Have them checked by a vet as soon as you can to rule out any health issues.

2. Be Patient

If there has been a change in circumstance and your cat is feeling threatened then it is important to be patient. You should never force your cat into a situation no matter how much you think it might help.

That will only make the problem worse. Instead you need to be extremely patient and allow your cat to take things at their own speed. If you do not force your cat into anything then they should not turn on you.

3. No Biting Ever

When your cat is a kitten it can be fun and even cute to let them nibble on your hand. However, when your kitten becomes a cat this behavior won't be cute or fun anymore. If you would like to avoid your cat aggressively biting you then don't let them bite you ever.

Even the slightest nip is still biting in your cats mind. If they bite you, even when you are playing, then yell 'OUCH'. If you do it loud enough it will shock your cat to where they are no longer biting you and they will think before doing it again.

Remember, this can't be done just once and have your cat understand. It must be done everytime they bite. In a short time they will get the idea.

4. Persistence

As well as being patient, you also need to be persistent in your training. This means repeating yourself and ensuring that your cat knows exactly what you expect from them.

For example, you cannot tell your cat off one day for behaving a certain way and then let them get away with it the day after. That will only confuse your cat and you will never stop the aggression problem.

5. Socialize Your Cat

Socializing your cat works best the younger the cat is. So as soon as you bring your cat home, start socializing them. Introduce them to as many different types of people, dogs, and other cats as you as able too. Introduce them to any other animals you think they will encounter in life.

The more your cat familiarize themselves with those people, dogs, cats, or other animals the less likely it will be for them to be scared when they are all grown up.