Interesting Articles

Nothing spoils your expectations of a happy relationship with a cuddly kitty than the problem of aggressive cat behavior. A cat scratch or bite can be more than just painful at the time. Cats have a considerable amount of bacteria on their claws and especially in their mouths and these injuries can easily become infected.

Instead of worrying about the consequences of aggressive cat behavior, it is much better to understand what causes it and to head it off before it starts whenever possible. This can begin with the play of tiny kittens, and requires understanding a cat's normal instincts and their psychology.

Kittens will naturally exhibit some degree of aggressive behavior since it is instinct for them to stalk and capture prey. However, it's important for the new pet owner to teach the kitty appropriate behavior. The kitten needs strict limits for his behavior and substitutes he can use to vent his aggression. Your first thought may be "How cute!" when your kitten viciously attacks you with little bites and claws. At this point you have to think of the future and tell your kitty a forceful "No!" What is cute now won't be so cute when kitty has grown to adulthood.

To create a good relationship with your feline, cat or kitten, create an inviting environment. Toys and furniture meant for cats, like scratching posts allow for aggressive play and sharpening and filing of claws. In this aggressive play, it is important to be clear biting and clawing are not acceptable. This good play can be reinforced with treats and words much better than punishment, especially hitting which can destroy the relationship and increase aggression.

Unusual feline aggression may often be contributed to the cats health. Without the ability to communicate many cats will use aggression as a signal that they are ill or have been injured. Stress can be caused by changes in the cats diet, outside noise or new pets or children in the home. To minimize this stress, it is important to introduce any changes in the cats environment slowly, and be sure to take a newly aggressive cat to a vet as soon as possible for an examination.

There are theories that aggressive cat behavior can be partially blamed on diet. You might want to discuss this possibility with your veterinarian. Excessive weight can lead to joint pain for older cats, so helping your pet lose weight can help him feel a lot better. However, if you find your cat is losing weight too rapidly, a condition which can be dangerous to the point of being fatal to your cat, talk to your vet.

Make sure that you pay attention to the body language of your cat. An over-stimulated feline can quickly turn and show aggressive behavior, just like when a cat goes from purring to biting in the flash of an eye. Danger signs include a flicking tail, an arched back, and pulling back of the ears, which should warn you to back away from the cat. Starting behavioral training early in a cat's life and reinforcing good behavior will pay dividends for years and years by teaching the cat good habits at an early age.