Mother Cat Attacking Her Older Kittens? All Answers

Her cat mom has been working around the clock taking care of all her little ones, feeding them, potty training them, cleaning them and teaching them how to use the litter box. Furious! She’s beaten!

In that amazing moment, opening her mouth and letting out that unmistakable hiss, she tells her kids, “Hey, I need a few moments to myself. Take a nap or go play. Now!” It’s normal behavior and not something that prompts you to remove the babies from her. If you do, you’ll get some painful scratches for your efforts.

This is a natural behavior of cats. The kittens are now old enough to live alone and the mother drives them away for several reasons:

This is the mother’s territory. If she doesn’t chase the kittens away, she’ll have to find a new territory. Female cats sometimes live together, but male cats are not social and if she doesn’t chase her kittens away, one of her sons would soon take over the territory and chase her away.

Their daughters will soon be sexually mature if they are not already. If she allowed her daughters to stay, they would probably mate with the same male and have litters at the same time. This reduces genetic variance, increasing the risk of genetic disorders and general weaknesses, and forcing multiple new mothers into a foraging competition. Cats don’t stray too far from their litters, so multiple mother cats must hunt in the same small area, where food may not be enough for everyone.

Their sons will also be sexually mature and want to mate. If a son mates with her or her daughters, it is inbreeding and carries an even greater risk of genetic diseases and mutations.

Therefore, mother cats tend to their kittens first when they need her support and then evict them when they are fully grown to avoid inbreeding and food competition.

Hi! I think I can help you all! You see, my cat, who has always been VERY overprotective and affectionate (she even nursed them to the point of bleeding over it!), has always been very similar to the big mother cat and has recently started attacking her!. She has 5 kittens that are 4 months old and she has just started attacking them. [hiss, growl, claw, pounce, etc.] If they are anywhere NEAR her, she will strike. My family was angry with her and kept throwing her out the door because they think she has an “attitude.” But I knew SOMETHING had to be wrong because I could see the excitement in her eyes and the fear she felt when everyone was aggressive towards her, but then again I was worried about the kittens and their relationship.

I had suspected she was responsive to outside stimuli because when she first moved in she was a bit traumatized by her old surroundings, anything from a closing fridge door to a dropped pencil would make her fly! It was weeks before she finally trusted us after my brother had spent some time with her. You see, that’s how she acted when she moved in. Well, my cat mated with her, she had kittens. and etc. You get the gist.

So I decided I had to do something before things got out of hand here, so I did some research and found that it’s COMPLETELY normal for a mother cat when her kittens are around 3-5 months old to start making themselves to be hostile towards them to teach them that they are on their own and that she will no longer mother them (though I did see her nursing her little boy a little as he passed the other day

)

I’ve also read that luckily she SHOULD stop after a while. Just hang in there and give the mother cat a second chance to indulge her instincts. So, I hope this helped, tata!

Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Advisor for Service Animal Programs. National Reach

Part one of this series on cat-to-human biting and scratching covers play aggression, pain aggression, and sensory overload. Part two covered anxiety/defensive aggression and redirected aggression. In this final part of the series, we’ll look at the less common categories of cat aggression: learned, maternal, territorial, and pathophysiological.

Bad behavior = Good reward

The first time Sheila’s cat, Childe Harold, attacked her toes while she slept, it was simply a case of late-night gaming aggression. But instead of ignoring Harold’s behavior, Sheila made a fatal mistake – she bought his attention by slipping him a predawn breakfast. Sheila became the victim, albeit unknowingly, of learned aggression. Harold learned that he would get a reward if he attacked the janitor. Whether the reward is food, play, or stopping an unwanted activity like grooming or nail clipping, cats quickly learn that being aggressive pays off.

Withdrawing the reward may eventually put an end to the aggression, but the attacks may get worse before they stop. When your cat is no longer getting results from its inhibited attacks, it can try harder to get the reward it wants. This is called an absorbance burst. Ignore the behavior without giving in and it will eventually stop. However, if your cat’s attacks are particularly vicious, it may be wiser to avoid them entirely, or arm yourself with a squirt gun or compressed air can to scare the cat off before the biting intensifies.

maternal love

Maternal aggression occurs when a new mother becomes overly protective of her litter. She drives all intruders out of the children’s room. This hormonally influenced behavior is most often, and rightly, focused on other cats—intact males in particular have been known to cannibalize newborn kittens—but it can also be directed toward humans.

Maternal aggression is most problematic in the first three to four weeks after birth, when kittens are at their most vulnerable. If the mother cat attacks you, control her aggression by leaving her and her kittens alone for the first few weeks, when they are all healthy. As the kittens grow, lure the mother out of the nursery to eat or play while another member of the family socializes the kittens. After the kittens are weaned, spay the mother to prevent this ordeal from ever happening again.

who goes there

Cats are territorial creatures. Males, and to a lesser extent females, assert their claims by spraying urine, scraping or rubbing oil from scent glands on trees, doors and other surfaces. Claim jumpers are either chased away or fought.

Most cases of territorial aggression are between cats. However, there are instances when the resident cat will attempt to scare unfamiliar people from their perceived territory. Most likely, he reacts to his victim by the smell of other animals. Ask your guests to wash up before their visit and put on freshly laundered clothes. Unfortunately, this type of aggression, while rare, is particularly difficult to resolve, and if Felix is ​​still acting as if all visitors are usurpers, the best way to handle the situation is to lock him up before the company arrives.

It’s all physical

When you wake up one morning, you discover that your normally peaceful cat has released the tiger in him – and is behaving in an aggressive way. But his aggression doesn’t seem to fit any of the categories discussed earlier in this series. What does a besieged caretaker do? Go straight to the vet!

Pathophysiological aggression can be the result of a painful reaction to affected anal sacs, lower urinary tract disease, arthritic changes, oral lesions, or infection. Or it may be in response to a medical condition such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, or a brain tumor or neurological disorder related to trauma, poisoning, feline ischemic encephalopathy (a degenerative brain disease), or the “frenzied” stage of rabies. Careful observation – and veterinary attention if necessary – will reveal the reason for your grumpy tabby’s uncharacteristically cranky nature.

Regardless of the type of aggression, if your cat shows any of these signs, it’s time to take action. If you’re unsure of which course to try, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter to refer them to a cat behaviorist. While not all anger problems can be solved, you won’t know how successful you can be until you take the first step.

Your cats are just hanging around casually when suddenly one of your cats lunges at the other and starts biting their necks. Why on earth is this happening? We know cats are a unique species with their own ways of doing things. Neck biting is another strange behavior to add to the list.

If you’ve seen this behavior in your own cats, or maybe you’ve just seen a video of two cats biting the neck, you probably have a few questions. Here we go over seven reasons why cats engage in this behavior and how you can prevent it, especially if it appears to be aggressive.

1. Gameplay

If you have kittens, you will find that they play in a way that mimics aggressive and chasing behavior. They will stalk, pounce, bite, claw, and jump other kitties and objects.

This style of play teaches them the essential hunting and communication skills they will need as they grow up. When they attack their siblings, they learn important social cues and information about the world around them, although they can be exuberant at times.

Neck-biting can occur during these playful sessions, and while most cats outgrow this behavior, some will not. When two cats bite each other’s necks, but don’t seem to be showing any real aggression, they’re just playfully biting.

2. Mating behavior

When an intact male mates with an unneutered female, copulation is brief, noisy, and seemingly aggressive. During the action, the female yells at the male and either tries to flee or attack him, causing the cat to bite her on the neck. This helps keep them in place and keeps him safe – at least until he’s done, when he has to get out of there!

While this behavior is normal under these circumstances, sometimes spayed and neutered cats still adopt the mating posture, even with cats of the same sex. This can happen because they exercise dominance or because they enjoy it. You may even notice this behavior towards toys or other pets.

3. Show dominance

In some cases, when a cat is showing dominance over another cat, it is because a new cat has been introduced into the household. This behavior can occur indoors or outdoors when a cat is claiming its territory. The neck is easy to reach and plays a role in their hunting instincts.

This dominance instinct is also evident between two cats who know each other well. As long as the bitten cat doesn’t appear to be in pain, it’s usually a combination of play and dominance.

4. Nursing behavior

If you’ve ever seen a cat peacefully cleaning another cat and then suddenly one starts biting the other on the neck, there are probably two different behaviors going on here.

If the cat being groomed bites, it could be sensory overload. It can happen when you pet your cat and you get bitten out of the blue. Cats can easily become overstimulated if they are handled too much or petted for too long. Maybe they’ve had enough grooming, and biting the other cat’s neck is a way of saying, “Enough!”

The other behavior usually occurs when the cat performing the grooming suddenly bites the other cat’s neck. These could be instincts stemming from when they were nursed by their mothers, who would gently bite their wriggling kittens to keep them calm.

All cats nibble their fur during grooming to remove tangles or dirt, so you should be able to tell the difference between a nibble and a chew!

5. Hunting instincts

For hunting purposes, the neck is one of the most vulnerable areas of an animal. All predators tend to reach to the neck where the vulnerable carotid artery is located when attacking prey. Grabbing another animal by the neck can sometimes be an innate hunting instinct.

These instincts are typically more common in younger cats as they are part of learning to hunt. When cats get carried away with play, these predatory urges can kick in, but usually without causing harm or pain to the other cat.

6. Struggle for resources

Neck biting may turn out to be aggression over toys, food, or attention. This is part of the show dominance side of neck biting. Resources can be claimed as their territory by a dominant cat because they feel they are protecting their property.

However, biting the neck can also be accompanied by hissing, yelping, and vigorous fighting that extends beyond play and degenerates into aggression. If a cat seems protective of the litter box or bites you when you pet the other cat, you need to address these behaviors.

7. Medical reasons

You should only be concerned if your cat has started biting his neck and has recently become more aggressive in general. If your cat seems to have had a sudden change in behavior, it could be due to a medical problem. A cat in pain may begin redirecting that pain to another cat through uncharacteristic aggressive behavior.

Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, and cognitive problems can all lead to aggression. If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s behavior or mood, make an appointment with your vet immediately.

How Can You Stop Aggressive Biting?

There are a few steps you can take if you’re concerned about neck biting, especially if it seems more aggressive and less playful. In some cases, you may need to speak to your veterinarian or consult an animal behaviorist.

Use distraction and redirection. If a cat is exhibiting inappropriate and aggressive play behavior, it is best to pick up a toy and distract the cat. Only use toys that your cat seems to respond to, such as toys. B. spring bars or springs. The moment the cat starts to bite, grab the toy and pull the cat away from the other cat. However, don’t reward them. Just distract them.

If a cat is exhibiting inappropriate and aggressive play behavior, it is best to pick up a toy and distract the cat. Only use toys that your cat seems to respond to, such as toys. B. spring bars or springs. The moment the cat starts to bite, grab the toy and pull the cat away from the other cat. However, don’t reward them. Just distract them. Don’t reward. It’s best to try to stop the behavior before they start biting. If you give a cat a treat after an attack, she will think you are rewarding her behavior.

It’s best to try to stop the behavior before they start biting. If you give a cat a treat after an attack, she will think you are rewarding her behavior. Don’t punish. Remember that punishment doesn’t work on cats. They only develop fear and resentment towards their owners, and they might also take this as an invitation to act with more aggression.

Remember that punishment doesn’t work on cats. They only develop fear and resentment towards their owners, and they might also take this as an invitation to act with more aggression. Be consistent. Make sure everyone in your household knows the rules and is following them all consistently. Your cat may receive mixed messages meaning the lessons aren’t working.

Conclusion

In many cases, cats may just play a little rough, including neck biting, and this is normal behavior and nothing to worry about. If you notice further changes in behavior and the cat is becoming more aggressive, talk to your vet about the possibility that there is something medically wrong with your cat.

If this behavior comes on suddenly, but you’ve also brought a new pet into the home, it could be a dominance and territory issue. Just keep an eye on the situation and only intervene when things seem to be getting out of hand.

As long as the cats aren’t screaming and hissing and their fur isn’t blowing, they’re just playing. Cats have a unique way of showing their love and affection, not only towards other cats but towards their humans as well.

Selected photo credits: maturika, Pixabay

It’s not hard to be amused by watching your cat play. Apparently she sometimes thinks she’s a big cat fending for herself in the wild – the stealthy way she walks, the merciless way she pounces on her unsuspecting toys, and sometimes the aggressive way she takes yours grabs and bites your arm with her front legs while she kicks you with her back legs.

Ouch.

This final movement, known as a rabbit kick, can be both confusing and painful, especially if your cat’s claws are still full. Why would your kitty be so sweet and loving one moment and so wild and aggressive towards you the next? Here’s why cats rabbit kick and what you can do to stop the behavior.

A look at bunny kicks

Why would a pet kitten want to kick their favorite hate human? Relax. It’s not personal. It’s instinctive.

While rabbit kicks can be playful, so is cats’ way of fighting. When a cat is lying on its back, its abdomen is completely exposed; However, she also has all four sets of claws and her teeth at her disposal to deal as much damage as possible to her opponent.

You will notice the same movement used by kittens when playing. Learning to bunny kick is an essential survival skill, even for domesticated cats. If one kitten becomes too aggressive, the other will simply end the session by walking away – a signal that play has gotten too rough.

Cats have a strong prey drive

This evolutionary trait is innate. You’ll find house cats teaching their babies the basics of how to hunt and track live prey once the kittens are old enough to follow.

And those “little surprises” that your cat brings you from outside? Experts say it’s simply a gesture of their appreciation for you. As a family, your cat believes it is their responsibility to care for you. It’s also her way of showing you how to hunt, just like she would her kittens.

The best thing you can do is thank your cat for the gift and dispose of it discreetly when she’s not looking. When it comes to rabbit kicks, however, experts advise a different approach.

Why you should avoid kicking rabbits

Chances are your cat is just being playful, especially if her ears aren’t pinned to her head and she’s not hissing or growling. However, behavioral scientists strongly recommend stopping the rabbit-kicking habit if it occurs. In the wild, it is used when hunting, as well as defensively when attacked by a predator. At home, it can lead to more aggressive behavior towards you or your family members.

Regardless of your cat’s behavior, kicking rabbits is an undesirable habit. Not only can her claws do damage, but it’s important that she understands that this type of behavior is unacceptable.

How to Redirect Your Cat’s Behavior When a Rabbit Kick Episode Occurs:

Use toys instead of your hand to play with your cat. Magic wand toys are particularly effective because you can manipulate them far from the cat’s teeth and claws.

Magic wand toys are particularly effective because you can manipulate them far from the cat’s teeth and claws. Buy some kick toys that will allow her to engage in this instinctive behavior without being aggressive toward you or your family members.

that allow her to engage in this instinctual behavior without being aggressive toward you or your family members. If it bites, firmly say “no” and pause playtime for a few minutes. This is how her littermates treated her when she bit too hard so she would understand what was going on.

This is how her littermates treated her when she bit too hard so she would understand what was going on. If she’s clinging to your arm or leg, gently push her away. In the wild, prey will try to flee (pull away), so a thrusting motion is confusing enough to let them go.

Rabbit kicks often occur when a cat is lying on its back and its human innocently reaches out to rub its tummy. The action awakens a primal instinct which, when activated, is either an innocent attempt at play or a display of explicit displeasure at belly rubbing.

Should you stop reinforcing your kitty’s hunting and stalking instincts altogether? But on the contrary. Exploring your cat with toys that fulfill their urge to hunt and catch may be just what they need to satisfy that instinctual need. A tired cat is a happy cat, and one that’s likely to curl up and purr in your lap instead of looking for ways to satisfy a centuries-old hunting and defensive instinct.

Editor’s Recommendations

Having a new kitten can be an exciting part of your life, but a cat you already own may not warm to it anytime soon. It’s normal for cats to be territorial at first, but the fight can get out of hand at times. If your cat is bullying or attacking the kitten, there are a few things you can do to help them get used to each other. If your cat still won’t leave your kitten alone, you may need to separate and slowly reintroduce her. Although it may take a few weeks or months, hopefully your cat and kitten will learn to live happily together.

A mother cat will sometimes refuse to care for certain kittens in her litter, or refuse the entire litter. After helping your cat with the birth, watch her behavior closely to make sure you can attend to any kittens she rejects. In certain circumstances, you might be able to get her to care for the rejected kittens.

rejection

Depending on the kittens’ health, a mother may reject those she believes will not thrive in order to ensure the survival of her other kittens. Mother cats may reject kittens with a medical problem or an anatomical defect. Those cats that give birth to a large litter of six or more kittens may not be able to nurse all of the kittens and will reject some out of necessity to feed the majority of the kittens. Additionally, a mother cat suffering from illness or poor nutrition may not be able to care for her kittens, resulting in her repelling them.

behavior

After birth, a mother cat should begin nursing her kittens every hour or two. The milk a mother produces after giving birth contains colostrum, a substance that contains antibodies to protect the kittens from disease and provide them with rich nutrition. If you see the mother ignoring certain kittens and refusing to nurse them, she is rejecting those kittens. Another sign of rejection is when a mother takes one or more kittens to a location other than the nest to isolate them. She may also hiss at the kittens or try to bite them.

kitten care

A mother may reject a kitten who is cold to the touch. Place a cold kitten on a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and massage its body to get circulation going. Try taking a chilled kitten that you’ve reheated to its mother to see if she accepts it. A kitten gets bigger every day, but if you notice a kitten not gaining weight or not growing properly, the mother most likely rejected it. Undersized or warm kittens that the mother has put aside and refuses to nurse will need to be bottle fed; According to the Purrfect Companions website, if you put her back in the nest, she can reject the entire litter.

warnings

Cats are very attentive mothers. They take care of their kittens, teach them to hunt and introduce them to the world of cats. They will do this as long as the kittens remain part of the same community. However, if mothers are separated from their kittens, they will soon forget their smell: they become almost strangers to each other. Cats use smell rather than sight to identify themselves, and a cat’s scent can change quickly when they are introduced to a new home or move elsewhere.

Cats and their litters Cats and their litters

Cats can have kittens from around 6 months of age, although this is very young for a cat to become a mother. Once a female cat has reached sexual maturity, she comes into heat about every two weeks throughout the season, which lasts from spring to early fall.

The cat’s gestation period is 64 days and although a litter can contain from one to 12 kittens, the average size is four kittens. The largest registered litter was 19 kittens.

Once a cat has given birth, she becomes a “queen” and actually goes into heat while still nursing her previous litter.

You may also be interested in: The 10 best litter boxes

How long does a mother cat remember her kittens?

How long a mother cat remembers her kittens depends on their community or family status. If the group continues to live together, the female cat will always remember her offspring and will usually continue to treat them like a mother. She can continue to bring treats and take care of her offspring.

However, if you remove the offspring from the mother, she usually forgets her smell within a few weeks. This has been observed by owners who have re-homed their kittens with their mothers at a later date, as well as in situations where the kittens continue to live close to the mother but not in the same home.

Do Cats Think You’re Their Mom?

Cats show their humans a level of love and affection that they otherwise only show their mothers. Because of this, many owners believe that their cat sees them as their mother.

Behavioral scientists and veterinarians believe that while cats may not mistake us for their mothers, they treat us with the same reverence and love as their mothers. They treat us much like their mother cats, recognizing our potential as caregivers and loving family members.

Do father cats know their kittens?

Cats are quite remarkable, not least in their mating habits. A litter of kittens can have multiple fathers, each possibly having a different father. This makes it possible for each kitten in a litter to look different. It also means that male cats are unlikely to be able to tell exactly which kitten in a litter belongs to them.

Male cats who stay with their kittens may be protective of the kittens and try to take care of them. But they’re just as likely to ignore the kittens.

You may also like: How to Determine a Cat’s Age: 4 Methods That Work

Do Cats Get Sad When You Give Away Their Kittens?

Kittens usually leave their mothers when they are around 12 weeks old. By this time, the kitten should be used to solid food. In most cases they have also started learning how to use a litter box and may have picked up some other habits from the mother.

It is also common for the mother cat to be a little upset when her kittens first leave. This will manifest itself in her searching the house in search of her kittens. She can meow and make other noises in hopes that her kittens will respond.

This reaction may seem disturbing, but it usually only lasts for two or three days. It is natural for the mother to move on quickly as the young kittens are then better able to lead their own lives and raise their own kittens.

Tips to help a new kitten settle in

Even if a mother cat only misses her kittens for two or three days, even after the separation, the kittens can be depressed for a few days. Try the following tips to acclimate a new kitten and keep them from fussing too long:

Mom’s Smell – Cats recognize each other by smell rather than sight. If possible, bring a blanket or piece of clothing that smells like your kitten’s mother. They will be able to smell their mother and treat the bed or other item as a substitute. Eventually they will let go of the ceiling.

– Cats recognize each other by smell rather than by sight. If possible, bring a blanket or piece of clothing that smells like your kitten’s mother. They will be able to smell their mother and treat the bed or other item as a substitute. Eventually they will let go of the ceiling. Provide a Quiet Place – The whole experience can be very overwhelming for a kitten. Not only are they separated from their mother and littermates, but they are moved to a new home and introduced to many new people, animals, sights, sounds, and smells. Give them a quiet retreat, like a warm blanket or bed.

– The whole experience can be very overwhelming for a kitten. Not only are they separated from their mother and littermates, but they are moved to a new home and introduced to many new people, animals, sights, sounds, and smells. Give them a quiet retreat, like a warm blanket or bed. Adopting littermates – Adopting two or more littermates can help ease the breakup. Siblings usually get along well and they will recognize each other when you first take them home. You should be careful that the two do not bond so strongly that they suffer from separation anxiety and be prepared for the possibility that they may not get along as they age.

– Adopting two or more littermates can help ease the separation. Siblings usually get along well and they will recognize each other when you first take them home. You should be careful that the two do not bond so strongly that they suffer from separation anxiety and be prepared for the possibility that they may not get along as they age. Be Understanding – Above all, be understanding. Your new kitten has a lot to contend with, including being separated from their family and a whole new world to contend with. Make sure they’re eating and hydrated, provide a place to sleep and be comfortable, and provide smells and even littermates they recognize to ease the transition.

summary

Cats remember their mothers as long as they stay in the same home or community. However, there is evidence that within a few weeks of being separated, a cat and its mother will be unable to detect each other’s scent.

Feature Image Credit: Lifesummerlin, Shutterstock

As 2016 begins, my greatest wish is that we don’t have to raise abandoned babies this year. As much as I love these tiny bundles of joy, I can never give them what their mother can, no human substitute can… and babies belong with their mothers if at all possible. There were numerous pitches thrown last year that shouldn’t have been thrown… by well meaning people but interfering too soon…

Before picking up a litter of “abandoned” kittens, please make sure that the kittens have actually been abandoned.

how do you say it

If you find a lone kitten wandering alone or a litter that has been disposed of in a box or bag, you should rescue them immediately. You were probably abandoned by an unscrupulous and heartless person. In such cases, they are in dire need of care, including keeping them warm and feeding them kitten food, NOT cow’s milk! Goat’s milk can be used for a short time in a pinch, it doesn’t provide all the nutrients the kittens need, but it doesn’t cause diarrhea or dehydrate them like cow’s milk. Please contact your veterinarian or us for help or instructions on hand raising kittens.

If you find a litter of kittens together in a nest:..

The mother cat may be looking for food or may have been put off by your presence and will hide nearby while waiting for you to leave. She will be VERY upset if you take her kittens and unfortunately your attempt to ‘save’ her could actually be a death sentence as, despite our best efforts, typically 15% to 20% of life is lost in hand-reared kittens.

Clean kittens that sleep well are unlikely to be abandoned. If the kittens are not in immediate danger, wait and watch them from afar for an hour or two. You can put them in a small box with a soda bottle or something similar full of hot water if you’re worried about them getting cold. A mother cat will NOT “repel” kittens that have been touched by humans.

You can try sprinkling flour around the nest and leaving the area completely for a while. Look for paw prints in the flour when you come back. If there are signs that the mom cat has returned but is scared of you and running away, she is likely feral, which means she was born outdoors and has never been around people and should stay outside with her kittens.

You should give her as much space as possible and not disturb her. You can set up some sort of shelter nearby in the hopes she could use it, and of course she’ll appreciate a constant source of food and water. Nursing mothers need a lot of extra calories, so it’s best to feed kittens dry food whenever possible.

Kittens should only be removed from their nest if there is no evidence of a mother cat after several hours or if the kittens appear to be in imminent danger or distress.

Please contact us when the kittens start feeding on their own at 6 to 8 weeks of age so that the mother cat is caught, spayed and returned to her babies or you will have another litter within a few months and if you If you have unsterilized pets, please have a hen spayed and become part of the solution…not part of the problem.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent please contact us with your name and phone number or alternatively apply here… it’s hard work, long hours but incredibly rewarding.

Have you ever peacefully petted a purring cat, only for it to turn and hit you or try to bite you? Have you ever felt hurt by your furry friend, maybe even a little betrayed? Cats are interesting creatures with intricate social cues. Cat aggression can occur unexpectedly for a variety of reasons and can be difficult to predict. By learning to recognize causes and signals of cat aggression, you can better help your cat feel more comfortable and minimize the risk of triggering unwanted behavior.

How can you tell if a cat is becoming aggressive?

It can be difficult to spot signs that a cat might be showing aggressive behavior. Signs like the following can indicate fear and aggression and act as a warning to prevent aggression from escalating.

signs of aggression

Dilated pupils

Rapid tail twitching or flicking

direct look

Crouched posture

Ears flattened or set back

Raised hair along the spine

Stiff Posture

Vocalizations such as hissing, growling, or howling

Hit

Bite

signs of anxious behavior

Stooped or stooped posture

Frozen position

Tail lying close to the body

Avoid eye contact

squatting

Big eyes

Flattened or tucked ears

What Triggers Cat Aggression?

Several factors can trigger aggressive behavior in cats. Fear, pain, play, territory, even other cats can lead to aggression in cats.

fear of aggression

Changes in the household or environment, such as new people, loud noises, other pets, or even different smells, can cause a cat to become stressed and feel unsafe. A frightened cat may suddenly hide, vocalize, or run away. When pushed into such situations with no escape route, the stimulated, anxious cat may engage in aggressive behavior to protect itself.

Pains

Pain can cause discomfort in a cat, which can lead to aggression to prevent scenarios that can trigger, prolong, or escalate pain. Cats are naturally stoic animals and show no outward pain. Signs such as hiding, decreased appetite, unusual behavior, or hesitation when jumping or moving can be signs of pain in cats. Contact your veterinarian if you think your cat is exhibiting any of these signs to discuss a plan for your kitty.

Predatory gaming behavior

Some cats can exhibit play behavior towards humans that can be classified as aggressive. This is commonly seen in hand-reared kittens and kittens raised without littermates. Directing the cat’s attention to a toy or appropriate play behavior can help prevent aggression from escalating. Using a collar with a bell or preventing situations in which the behavior occurs can help reduce incidents.

territorial aggression

Cats are creatures of habit and routine. Some cats can protect their territory when changes occur in their environment. Changes like new animals, new people, major renovations can trigger territorial aggression. Cats can mark their territory by spraying, rubbing their chins on furniture or surrounding areas, and patrolling. Offenders can be chased away, or beatings, vocalizations and aggressive behavior can be shown. If your cat has recently developed territorial aggression, please contact your veterinarian to discuss a behavior plan for your pet.

aggression between cats

Similar to territorial aggression, introducing new cats into the household can lead to stress and behavioral outbursts. When introducing a cat into your environment, it can be helpful to consult your veterinarian on the best way to introduce cats to ease the transition and prevent escalation.

Redirected Aggression

Occasionally, when a cat is startled or upset but unable to address the cause, the behavior can be misdirected and lead to an attack from handlers or objects unrelated to the antagonist. Redirected aggression can be the most difficult and dangerous behavior to prevent because it can’t seem to be provoked.

petting aggression

For reasons that are not yet fully understood, some cats can suddenly become aggressive while being petted. Sometimes these episodes are localized to specific areas or locations and may be associated with pain.

Contact your veterinarian

If your cat is showing annoying or aggressive behavior at home, please contact your veterinarian. Many behavioral changes in cats can be the result of a medical condition or can be treated with environmental or behavioral changes or medication. Routine veterinary care can help identify problems before they become serious problems. If you notice any unusual behavior or a worrying change in your cat’s routine, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.

If you have any questions about your cat’s behavior or are considering adding a new cat to your household, please do not hesitate to contact us or your local veterinarian.

Aggression is one of the most common problems in behavioral practice. Aggression can be defined as a threat, challenge, or attack directed at one or more people. Aggression can be normal or abnormal depending on the context in which it occurs.

There are many different reasons why cats can be aggressive towards other cats. In order to successfully treat the problem, it is important to find out what the underlying cause or trigger is. To do this, we recommend that you consult a qualified veterinary behaviorist (your local vet can refer you). They will ask you many questions and may also visit your home so they can observe your cat in her own environment and her interactions with other cats in the household.

Medical conditions can cause aggression, so it’s important to rule out any underlying medical causes before addressing behavioral causes of aggression. Brain disorders, liver disorders, epilepsy, hearing or vision disorders, pain-causing disorders (such as arthritis), and hormonal imbalances can cause aggression. Certain medications, including anesthetics and corticosteroids (eg, cortisone), have also been linked to aggression.

Some of the underlying non-medical causes of aggression between cats in the same household are fear, lack of socialization, inappropriate introduction of a new cat, overcrowding (i.e. insufficient vertical or horizontal space, insufficient resources, etc.), redirected aggression, play and predation . Some of the underlying causes of aggression between cats outside the home (neighborhood cats) are fear, lack of socialization, the introduction of a new cat into the territory, hormonal (all males or females), and redirected aggression.

Signs of aggression may be visual (e.g., changes in posture, fur raised), auditory (e.g., growling, hissing), olfactory (e.g., urine splashing), and may include the use of teeth and claws.

This article provides some basic advice on five common types of aggression towards other cats and how to deal with them:

Fear aggression Intermale aggression Play aggression Redirected aggression Territorial aggression

1. Fear of aggression

Fear aggression can manifest itself as a combination of offensive and defensive responses. The anxious cat may first try to avoid the fear stimulus if possible. Anxious cats hiss, spit, growl, ruffle (the fur stands up), lay their ears flat against their heads, and show a low or crouched posture. Pupillary dilation is common. Depending on the circumstances, he/she may try to flee or attack. Aggression is usually a last resort, but it is often violent and can be learned over time. Spraying can also occur.

Underlying Causes

Cat personalities can be broken down into two main genetic types: shy, fearful cats or confident, friendly cats, and this can account for some fearful behaviors. Inadequate or absent socialization before 12 weeks of age can also contribute to the cat’s reactions. Cats can learn to fear certain situations, especially if they have had an uncomfortable experience with no means of escape.

treatment

Depending on the severity of the problem, the cat may not need treatment or a behavior change, such as feeding. B. Desensitization and counterconditioning, in combination with drugs in severe or long-standing cases. Behavior modification involves desensitization and counterconditioning by slowly introducing the cat to the fearful situation in a gradual, controlled sequence. First, the cat is offered a tasty treat such as Vegemite, chicken, or dehydrated liver. Then, while the cat is eating, the fearful stimulus (other cat) is gradually introduced from afar. The initial distance should be large enough not to provoke a frightened reaction from the cat. This step-by-step approach can take days to months depending on the severity of the problem. The cat should not be forced into the fearful situation as this will make the fear worse. It has been found helpful to place several bells on the cat’s collar at different intervals to give the victim a warning signal of the other cat’s presence. Medication may also be required (your vet will advise). The synthetic pheromone Feliway® can also be beneficial. Punishment or enforced restraint makes the situation worse and should never be used as it is likely to increase anxiety and hinder learning.

2. Aggression between men

During male-male aggression, the cat flattens its ears, howls, hisses, raises the pilo, and uses both teeth and claws in combat. The characters can be either active (threatening) or passive (blocking access).

Underlying Causes

This type of aggression usually begins in whole males between the ages of 2-4 when they reach “social” maturity. In some cases, it may be normal male-male aggression associated with mating. It increases during the breeding season and when overcrowded. It tends to come on later in neutered cats and can be related to social role (status).

treatment

Prepubertal and postpubertal castration reduces or stops the frequency of fighting between whole males in about 90% of cases. Treatment may also include changing the social environment. Cats in the same household should initially be separated so that no visual contact is possible and slowly reunited as described for redirected aggression. It’s important not to try to introduce them too quickly or too soon. In some cases, permanent separation is required. Medication may also be required (your vet will advise). The synthetic pheromones Feliway® can also be beneficial.

3. Play aggression

Cats will stalk, chase, pounce, and often lie in wait to “play,” but this can also include aggression in the form of biting and scratching. It’s sometimes difficult to spot play aggression, as some cats play rougher than others and don’t retract their claws when hitting.

Underlying Causes

Targets are usually moving objects or people and may be another cat in the household, especially an older one. Young cats, especially orphaned, hand-reared or early weaned cats, are more likely to exhibit this type of aggression and in many cases it may be normal behavior.

treatment

The goal of treatment is to redirect play behavior to more appropriate objects, rather than trying to stop the behavior entirely. One way to achieve this is to provide the cat with appropriate toys, e.g. B. Cat Dancer®, Cat Wire Toys, or Cat Tracks® (only use toys safe for cats – avoid string toys which can cause a bowel obstruction if swallowed). which one can pounce on and direct those behaviors. However, the toy needs to be changed periodically, even daily, to keep the cat interested. The cat may need to be taught to play first and then encouraged to play with toys.

Direct punishment such as hitting must not be used as it can encourage the behavior and lead to other problems such as fear aggression or redirected aggression. A regular routine that includes 5-10 minutes of interactive playtime with toys 2-3 times a day is important to allow behavior to express itself naturally.

It has been advocated to place several bells on the cat’s collar at different distances from one another so that the victim has a warning sign of the cat’s presence. Getting a second kitten, preferably one that is not very young, can also help teach the cat more appropriate behavior.

4. Redirected aggression

Redirected aggression occurs when the original target of aggression is unattainable and the cat now directs its aggression toward an unrelated target, a person or another cat, who shortly thereafter enters the area.

Underlying Causes

The triggering factors of aggression are different in the first and subsequent episodes. The first episode is often overlooked by the owner and is triggered by a stimulus to which the cat is unable to respond. The cat is now highly aroused and will pay attention to the next thing she/he sees. For example, a cat sees another cat through a window but cannot reach it. Another cat in the household then enters the room and the cat passes the aggression on to the second cat. In the second and subsequent episodes, the initial stimulus no longer needs to be present to trigger the aggression, only the target of the first attack.

Often the target’s behavior changes as well, and this then leads to a prolonged conflict, with the second cat now being wary, running away, and exhibiting avoidance behavior when the first cat enters or approaches the room.

treatment

The cat should be left alone until it calms down and no attempt should be made to calm or soothe it. If another cat is involved, the cats should be separated first, regardless of whether it is the victim or the instigator of the aggression. Treatment then consists of slowly reuniting the cats (like introducing a new cat into the household). They should be housed in separate rooms so that they can hear and smell each other but not see each other. The cats should be rotated in all rooms of the house until they have scented each room. While the cats are apart, a regular routine should be established so that certain events, such as feeding or playing, take place at a set time each day. Ideally, the cats are fed 5-6 small meals daily. The goal is for them to have a positive association with each other upon reintegration. This basically means that “good” things like playing or feeding only happen in the presence of the other cat.

The cats are then slowly reintroduced. They are initially only in the same room during meal times. They are placed in cages at opposite ends of the room and fed at that time. This should create a positive association with food and the presence of the other cat. If there is no hissing or spitting and the cats are eating the food, the cages are gradually brought closer together over a period of days and meals. This can take several weeks. Then one cat at a time is allowed out of their cage to explore, and if no aggression occurs, both are allowed to interact under supervision. The reintroduction must be slow.

In some cases, medication may also be required (your veterinarian will advise). Synthetic pheromones – a Feliway® diffuser plugged into the room can also be helpful in reducing anxiety. Your vet will advise you.

5. Territorial Aggression

The cat can patrol its territory and mark it by rubbing or spraying to maintain social distance and define hierarchy. The cat is aggressive towards another cat that approaches or enters its territory and it may attack.

Underlying Causes

In the breeding season, behavior can be more pronounced in whole tomcats. Stranger cats are less well tolerated than familiar or neighboring cats. Aggression decreases with distance from territory.

treatment

Accurate diagnosis is essential if the problem is to be successfully resolved. If the aggression is directed at another cat in the household, they may need to be separated and reintroduced as above. Attaching several bells at different distances to the cat’s collar helps give the victim a warning signal of the cat’s presence.

In some cases, medication may also be needed to treat the cat (your veterinarian will advise). Physical punishment must not be used as it will make the problem worse.

Every cat owner has experienced a hissing cat at some point and it can be nerve wracking to say the least! Most owners accept this behavior as aggression or annoyance, but there are actually more reasons for cat hissing than you might think. Cats will certainly hiss at each other when they’re annoyed or when a strange cat is around, but it’s important to understand some of the other reasons your cat hisses as well.

If you want to learn more about why cats hiss and what you can do about it, read on!

1. As a warning

The most common reason cats hiss is when they feel threatened by another cat or animal, and they hiss as a warning to stay away. Hissing is a way to warn the threat to approach or be attacked. Cats are not naturally aggressive creatures and tend to avoid conflict rather than seek it, and this is their way of doing just that. This is particularly evident in two unneutered males when a female is nearby or one male is in another’s territory. Cats do this as a warning to the other cat to stay away and show off their sharp canines.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to stop this other than keeping your cat away from potential threats. Keep your cat indoors only when other cats are roaming the neighborhood, or keep them as far away from other pets as possible. These territorial displays often lead to fights, so avoidance is the best course of action. Neutering your male will also help reduce territorial behavior.

2. Stress

Cats like routine and prefer their home to be free from too much noise and activity. A stressed cat is an unhappy cat and any stressful situation can quickly make them snarl with anger. This can be anything from a new face in the house to new pets, a move or even loud noises – it depends on your individual cat. They will often hiss at each other when they are feeling stressed.

Try to figure out what is causing your cat stress, as this is the first step in stopping them from hissing. It can be as simple as a loud noise — which is usually easy to fix — or a more complex situation, like moving into a new home. The best method is to try to reduce stress as much as possible, and the solution to this depends on your cat. Introduce new pets and other cats slowly, or if your cat is startled by too much activity or loud noises, try to keep these to a minimum.

3. Pain

If your cat seems to hiss out of nowhere when you pick him up, he may be injured. Cats often hiss when you (or another cat) touch them on a tender or injured part of their body to indicate they are in pain. Some cats will even hiss if you just approach them when they’re hurt to avoid being picked up. Likewise, cats snap at each other when they are in pain because they feel very vulnerable when they are hurt. If your cat suddenly hisses when you pick them up or even before you do it, or hisses at cats who are usually their friends, it’s best to take them to a veterinarian for a check-up.

4. Trouble

Cats can be temperamental at the best of times, and as all cat owners know, some cats just want their own space and will only come to you when they feel like it. This is quite common with older cats around children, as small children can sometimes be too much for older cats, and the same goes for older cats and young, playful kittens. Cats hiss to show they are annoyed and not in the mood to be picked up or played with. When this happens, it’s best to just give them their space and keep younger cats or kittens well away.

5. Territorial Disputes

Any change in territory can cause cats to become confused and defensive, and hiss at you and each other. Even seemingly simple changes, like rearranging furniture or litter boxes, can stress your cat and cause hissing. Changes in your cat’s social group can also cause hissing, such as: B. one of your cats leaving or admitting new members or reaching sexual maturity and attempting dominance, which can result in a territorial duel.

Try to make sure your cats have enough space in the home to avoid territorial disputes, and that there are enough litter boxes, toys, and scratching posts. You can even consider an electronic cat door that can keep some cats in or out of the house to keep them separated.

Final Thoughts

Cats snap at each other for a number of reasons, although warning of territorial disputes is the most common. Cats enjoy their own space, and any small change in their space or routine can stress them out, which can lead to aggression. In this case, it’s best to fix it as soon as possible before a catfight ensues!

Selected image source: Astrid Gast, Shutterstock