You’re sharing a room with your cat, maybe playing with them, or perhaps peacefully minding your own business, when suddenly wham! Out of nowhere – cat attack!
Living with an aggressive cat can be difficult and sometimes even dangerous. Cats have five separate sharp areas that they can attack with, from claws to teeth, and are notoriously difficult to discipline. If your cat is acting out aggressively, don’t despair – there are several steps you can take to modify or curb their behavior. The better you get at recognizing and labeling their aggressive behaviors, the more likely you are to find a solution.
Cat Hissing
The sinister, reptilian sound of cats hissing is often mistaken as a sign of feline aggression. Actually, the opposite is true. A hissing cat is on the defensive, trying to signal that they need space. A cat hiss is similar to a rattlesnake’s rattle. If you back off and leave them alone, the situation should deescalate.
No one wants their pet to be scared or overwhelmed, and you may be tempted to try to comfort your cat when they hiss. Experts say don’t do it. Your cat needs their own space to feel secure. It’s best to back off and let a hissing cat hide if they want to. Don’t stare at them, and give them plenty of time to calm down. When they do resurface, you may offer them treats, catnip, or a beloved toy as a gesture of goodwill. Try approaching them from the side to seem less threatening.
Rescued kittens or cats are most likely to hiss, especially in the early days of being at a shelter. If your ordinarily friendly cat starts hissing at you, especially when being petted, then they should see a veterinarian, as they may be in pain. However, don’t be surprised if your other cat starts hissing at them after they return – vet visits are a common cause for inter-feline hissing. When one cat smells differently (like after a car ride or vet’s office), the other cat may hiss at it as a warning.
Finally, a cat may hiss when it’s stressed. Some kittens will hiss when playtime goes too far or roughhousing gets too intense. As long as they have a clean bill of health, try leaving them alone and keeping strangers, other animals, and children away from them for a while.
Cat Biting
There are many different kinds of biting cats, but they often share similarities at the moment before they lunge. While a cat’s warning signs are often more subtle than a dog’s, there are certain body language signals that you can take note of. Some common signs of angry cats are:
- Flattened ears
- Open mouth
- Exposed claws
- Hissing
- Growling
- Swatting
- Stiff stance
- Arched back or raised fur
Often, declawed cats will bite more frequently since their first line of defense has been taken away from them.
Why Do Cats Bite?
The answer to “Why does my cat bite me when we’re playing?” is likely very different from the answer to “why does my cat bite me unprovoked?” Aggressive cat behavior is nuanced and depends on a variety of stimuli.
Cat Play
As kittens, cats learn the boundaries of rough play from their mother and their siblings. Cats who were weaned too young may not know when to sheath their claws or not to ambush their owners. This kind of play aggression can be handled in a number of ways.
- Don’t teach your cat to play with your hands or feet. Use a cat toy instead. Avoid letting them bite or claw at your clothes as well, since they won’t be able to differentiate between claw-safe denim or cotton and days when you’re wearing shorts or short sleeves.
- Say “ouch!” in a higher-pitched voice when they do bite or claw. Like the one a kitten makes when its sibling goes too far, this noise can cue them that this kind of playing is out of line.
- Use positive reinforcement to help curb play aggression. Reward them by saying things like “good paws” when they play gently or offering them treats and affection. Never yell at a cat or hit them. Even gentler techniques, like spraying them with a water bottle, will be misconstrued and can damage your bond, making them more likely to act out in the future. Cat behavior experts explain that cats simply do not understand negative reinforcement. Instead, use positive signals such as clicker training to help your cat understand the kind of behavior that is acceptable.
Other Kinds of Cat Aggression
Boundaries
Sometimes, a cat may suddenly bite or lash out when they are being petted if they decide they want space. Monitor children carefully around cats, as cats can decide they’ve had enough very quickly. Creating an enriching environment for your cat with their own bed and toys can help them have their own space to go to and cool down.
Redirection
Just like people, cats can take out their energy and emotions on innocent bystanders. A cat who is interrupted during a predatory activity like stalking birds, being pulled out of a fight, or who has been recently frightened may suddenly attack “out of nowhere” the next person they see.
Pain
A cat may bite out of fear or out of pain. Aggressive cats should be seen by a veterinarian, as they may be acting out of an underlying health condition. Chronically or overly aggressive cats should be handled in consultation with an expert since cat bites, and scratches can transmit bacteria.
Takeaway
With a cat, angry behavior can be cute one second and alarming the next. It’s best to give an aggressive cat some space and get them checked by a veterinarian once they’ve cooled down. Remember, cats need their boundaries respected, just as you need yours. With time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you and your cat can meet each other in a place where you both feel safe, appreciated, and loved.
