Understanding Your Cat’s Aggressive Behavior
Are you a cat owner? If so, your cat may typically appear to be a calm, cool, and collected cat. After all, many cats are content with lounging around all day with just a few hours of play. Even though your cat may appear to be calm and mild-mannered, there may come the point in time when you notice a change. It is not uncommon for pet owners to report occasional aggressiveness with their cats.
If you have just witnessed your cat in an aggressive state, fear may be the first thought that enters your mind. Many cat owners have questions when they see their cats attack. Many owners want to know if something is wrong with their cat or if it is dangerous to those around them. In all honesty, you will find it depends. Before deciding if you should contact your cat’s veterinarian, there are some essential points you will first want to consider.
First, it is essential to know that cats, even domestic cats, can be considered predators. The ancestors of your cat relied on hunting to survive. This is not a trait or a characteristic that disappears. Your beloved cat will also have that need and desire to pursue. This is one of the many reasons why cats occasionally display aggressive behavior.
Many pet owners are concerned about natural aggressive behavior, as they provide their cats with enough food. It doesn’t matter how well-fed your cat is. They will always occasionally feel the need to hunt. For example, has your cat ever killed a bird, mouse, or another rodent? If so, did they consume their kill? Chances are not. This is proof that cats don’t just attack for food.
As for how you can determine whether your pet cat is just exercising his need to hunt, look at the attack in question. Did your cat try to attack your foot as you walked by? If so, this is a regular occurrence and not a sign of something serious.
Jumping at your feet as you walk by was cited as an example above. This can lead to another cause of aggression in cats; overexcitement. Some popular cat toys on the market are those where balls are attached to a string, and your catch chases it. These toys are nice, but they can also lead to some confusion, as your foot may appear similar to your cat’s favorite toy. It is also essential to know that cats are sensitive, and their mood quickly changes. Is this why playtime with your cat can end with you having a scratch or a bite mark?Cats, as with many other pets, are territorial. This is another leading cause of aggression in cats. Is your cat the only pet in your home? If so, they may react aggressively when another pet enters their territory. The same can be said for children. Do you have children? If not, when a child visits your home, your cat may be frustrated, fearful, or angry with the change, especially inside their territory. The quick movements of small children can also cause a cat to act out. As an important note, cats are typically safe around children. With that in mind, all small children should be overseen around any pet.
