Aggression in cats is not as uncommon as one might first think, and many of us who have had cats for years have a least a few stories to tell. The one that sticks out for me happened during the holiday season when the family was gathered together celebrating a little yuletide cheer when all of the sudden my 2 year old cat Midas came from nowhere to leap on top of my poor 80 year old grandmothers head. Did he think there was a bird in that wig? At the time is was disturbing but years later I can look back and get a good chuckle thinking about old times. What causes aggression in cats? Aggression in felines is more often than not defensive, and is related to self protection. This type of behavior is not considered to be offensive aggression. When backed into a corner, even the most mild mannered feline will hearken back to the days when its ancestors were wild and crazy, becoming aggressive as those long lost survival skills kick in. In the early stages of a cats life socialization takes place. During this time a cat will either learn to trust or distrust humans. This trust must be strong enough to overcome the natural fear of avoidance that’s so common in cats, especially those which have grown up in the wild. Cats who miss the period of primary socialization at from 3 to 9 weeks of age may never become socially well adjusted and will always retain some anxiety when confronted by unfamiliar people. Many cases of baffling aggression (grandma) are brought on by environmental stress, leading to a heightened sense of fear. A distressed cat may attack another cat or person who is just unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the right time, even though the person victimized had nothing to do with provoking the feline’s aggression. A cat that has just been in a fight may welcome handling by one person, yet scratch or bite another. The veterinary term for this is displaced aggression. Some finicky felines, when rubbed anywhere on their belly, or along the back near the tail, will turn suddenly and scratch or bite. They are telling you the only way they know how that petting is not on their wish list for today. Some cats instinctively like petting, while others perceive this act as threatening. Some will accept petting for a while, and then decide they have had enough. An out and out display of true aggression is almost always preceded by a signal such as flattening of the ears, lashing of the tail, twitching skin, whiskers coming forward, or vocal cues that should alert you that your attention is unwanted and will not be tolerated much longer. Cats who develop a thyroid problem often become aggressive. Hunger and physical stress may prompt irritable behavior. Pain is another common trigger for cat aggression. A cat with a hip or joint condition such as hip dysplasia may lash out if the hip area is touched. A good rule of thumb to abide by is if your cat uncharacteristically becomes aggressive have them checked out by your veterinarian.
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