Difference between revisions of "Properly Deal With an Aggressive Cat"
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Just like humans, cats have different forms and occasions for aggression. It is usually possible to manage your cats aggression and even resolve it. Most situations involving cat aggression are entirely manageable and result from fear, anxiety, lack of socialization or previously traumatic life experiences. The cat deserves our patience and understanding in order to improve its behavior. However, if a cat is habitually aggressive you may need to think about rehoming to a farm where its behavior can be redirected into hunting. For your safety, and the safety of those who come into contact with your cat, it is necessary to understand and manage your pet's behavior. | Just like humans, cats have different forms and occasions for aggression. It is usually possible to manage your cats aggression and even resolve it. Most situations involving cat aggression are entirely manageable and result from fear, anxiety, lack of socialization or previously traumatic life experiences. The cat deserves our patience and understanding in order to improve its behavior. However, if a cat is habitually aggressive you may need to think about rehoming to a farm where its behavior can be redirected into hunting. For your safety, and the safety of those who come into contact with your cat, it is necessary to understand and manage your pet's behavior. | ||
| − | [[Category:Managing-Cat-Behavior]] | + | [[Category: Managing-Cat-Behavior]] |
==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Understanding Cat Aggression=== | ===Understanding Cat Aggression=== | ||
| − | #Look for behavioral patterns. To us, cats can appear baffling or unpredictable, whereas in reality we are just poor are reading their body language and understanding what they are trying to tell us. But what we do know is that there are a number of distinct patterns involved with cat aggression. These can be broken into a series of situation-oriented categories that are not mutually exclusive.<ref>http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/health_information/brochure_aggression.cfm</ref> | + | #Look for behavioral patterns. To us, cats can appear baffling or unpredictable, whereas in reality we are just poor are reading their body language and understanding what they are trying to tell us. But what we do know is that there are a number of distinct patterns involved with cat aggression. These can be broken into a series of situation-oriented categories that are not mutually exclusive.<ref name="rf1">http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/health_information/brochure_aggression.cfm</ref> |
#*Play aggression happens when cats take play too far. | #*Play aggression happens when cats take play too far. | ||
#*Fear/Defense aggression comes from the cat feeling endangered, vulnerable, or trapped. | #*Fear/Defense aggression comes from the cat feeling endangered, vulnerable, or trapped. | ||
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#**Growling, shrieking | #**Growling, shrieking | ||
#**Scratching | #**Scratching | ||
| − | #**Preparing for an all-out attack by rolling onto side or back and exposing teeth and claws.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/aggression-cats</ref> | + | #**Preparing for an all-out attack by rolling onto side or back and exposing teeth and claws.<ref name="rf2">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/aggression-cats</ref> |
#Note when the aggressive behavior happens. Does the cat become aggressive in the presence of a certain animal or person? In many cases, aggression happens due to a specific trigger. Pay attention to the cat's environment during instances of aggression, so that you can work out what might be causing it, and improve the cat's behavior. | #Note when the aggressive behavior happens. Does the cat become aggressive in the presence of a certain animal or person? In many cases, aggression happens due to a specific trigger. Pay attention to the cat's environment during instances of aggression, so that you can work out what might be causing it, and improve the cat's behavior. | ||
| − | #Recognize maternal cat aggression. Your cat may become aggressive after giving birth. Mothers have instincts to protect their offspring from potential danger. Maternal aggression can occur when a mother cat (called a “queen”) with her kittens is approached by people or other animals whom she perceives as a threat. It’s more often directed at other cats, but it can be directed toward people, as well. Queens can be quite aggressive when defending their young, especially in the first few days after birth.<ref | + | #Recognize maternal cat aggression. Your cat may become aggressive after giving birth. Mothers have instincts to protect their offspring from potential danger. Maternal aggression can occur when a mother cat (called a “queen”) with her kittens is approached by people or other animals whom she perceives as a threat. It’s more often directed at other cats, but it can be directed toward people, as well. Queens can be quite aggressive when defending their young, especially in the first few days after birth.<ref name="rf2" /> Avoid handling kittens during the first few days of their lives. Introduce yourself slowly. |
#*Provide a low stress environment, keep visitors to a minimum, and avoid approaching or handling either the mother or her kittens if you are met with maternal aggression. | #*Provide a low stress environment, keep visitors to a minimum, and avoid approaching or handling either the mother or her kittens if you are met with maternal aggression. | ||
#Talk to your veterinarian or animal behaviorist. This is very important any time you're dealing with animal aggression, in order to evaluate your options. As there are many different kinds of aggression, some more or less acceptable than others, you will want to make sure your behavior does not worsen the problem. | #Talk to your veterinarian or animal behaviorist. This is very important any time you're dealing with animal aggression, in order to evaluate your options. As there are many different kinds of aggression, some more or less acceptable than others, you will want to make sure your behavior does not worsen the problem. | ||
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#*When entering the room with an aggressive cat, avoid eye contact and make sure the cat has have a clear escape route. Do not approach an aggressive cat unless necessary; it's better to let the cat come to you. | #*When entering the room with an aggressive cat, avoid eye contact and make sure the cat has have a clear escape route. Do not approach an aggressive cat unless necessary; it's better to let the cat come to you. | ||
#*If you have to handle the cat, wear thick gloves and long sleeves to avoid getting a scratch injury. To pick the cat up, wrap it snugly in a towel to impede movement. | #*If you have to handle the cat, wear thick gloves and long sleeves to avoid getting a scratch injury. To pick the cat up, wrap it snugly in a towel to impede movement. | ||
| − | #Pay close attention to your cat's body language. Some cats are easily overstimulated, and their play can escalate into aggression. To a cat, play is connected to how it learns to hunt. Play aggression is the most common type of aggressive behavior owners see in their cats.<ref | + | #Pay close attention to your cat's body language. Some cats are easily overstimulated, and their play can escalate into aggression. To a cat, play is connected to how it learns to hunt. Play aggression is the most common type of aggressive behavior owners see in their cats.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*It’s believed that through play with each other, young cats learn to inhibit their bites and sheathe their claws when swatting. | #*It’s believed that through play with each other, young cats learn to inhibit their bites and sheathe their claws when swatting. | ||
#*The degree to which individual cats learn to inhibit their rough play varies, and those who were orphaned or weaned early might never have learned to temper their play behavior. | #*The degree to which individual cats learn to inhibit their rough play varies, and those who were orphaned or weaned early might never have learned to temper their play behavior. | ||
| − | #*Long hours spent alone, without opportunities to play, and owners that encourage their cats to chase and play-attack people’s hands and feet contribute to play aggression.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/cats-who-play-rough</ref> | + | #*Long hours spent alone, without opportunities to play, and owners that encourage their cats to chase and play-attack people’s hands and feet contribute to play aggression.<ref name="rf3">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/cats-who-play-rough</ref> |
| − | #Provide a variety of toys for your cat. Some cats prefer toys that they can throw around themselves. Other cats prefer toys that require owner participation, such as those you wiggle and dangle. Stimulating play for a cat involves opportunities to “hunt,” so move toys in such a way that they mimic the movements of a rodent or bird. Introduce new toys periodically to keep your cat from becoming bored with her toys.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/predatory-behavior-cats</ref> | + | #Provide a variety of toys for your cat. Some cats prefer toys that they can throw around themselves. Other cats prefer toys that require owner participation, such as those you wiggle and dangle. Stimulating play for a cat involves opportunities to “hunt,” so move toys in such a way that they mimic the movements of a rodent or bird. Introduce new toys periodically to keep your cat from becoming bored with her toys.<ref name="rf4">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/predatory-behavior-cats</ref> |
#Spend at least twenty minutes with your cat, twice a day. Forty minutes is not that long for a person. It means a lot for the relationship between you and your cat. This will enhance the bond between you and your pet, and help your cat work out some energy. | #Spend at least twenty minutes with your cat, twice a day. Forty minutes is not that long for a person. It means a lot for the relationship between you and your cat. This will enhance the bond between you and your pet, and help your cat work out some energy. | ||
#*For a truly aggressive cat you just need to be in the room, lying on the floor, eyes closed, with treats around you. This gives your cat time to build the confidence to know you are not a threat. | #*For a truly aggressive cat you just need to be in the room, lying on the floor, eyes closed, with treats around you. This gives your cat time to build the confidence to know you are not a threat. | ||
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#*Don't run from your cat or try to block its movement with your feet. These actions can cause your cat to intensify its play or become aggressive. | #*Don't run from your cat or try to block its movement with your feet. These actions can cause your cat to intensify its play or become aggressive. | ||
#Build an outdoor enclosure for your cat. A more complex environment for your cat will keep her stimulated, and she will require less attention from you. An outdoor enclosure not only keeps your cat in, it keeps other animals away from your cat. Make sure to include platforms and places for her to explore and rest.Cats will spend hours watching leaves blow in the wind, birds flying and squirrels scampering around. If you can’t have an outdoor enclosure, try creating a window perch where your cat can easily sit and look out the window. | #Build an outdoor enclosure for your cat. A more complex environment for your cat will keep her stimulated, and she will require less attention from you. An outdoor enclosure not only keeps your cat in, it keeps other animals away from your cat. Make sure to include platforms and places for her to explore and rest.Cats will spend hours watching leaves blow in the wind, birds flying and squirrels scampering around. If you can’t have an outdoor enclosure, try creating a window perch where your cat can easily sit and look out the window. | ||
| − | #Try pheromones that mimic a natural cat odor. These are similar to the pheromones cats release when they rub their head on an object. This may reduce tension. Use a diffuser while the aggression is being resolved.<ref>http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00265.x/abstract</ref> Talk to a pet professional about brand recommendations and proper application. | + | #Try pheromones that mimic a natural cat odor. These are similar to the pheromones cats release when they rub their head on an object. This may reduce tension. Use a diffuser while the aggression is being resolved.<ref name="rf5">http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00265.x/abstract</ref> Talk to a pet professional about brand recommendations and proper application. |
===Using Food to Manage the Behavior=== | ===Using Food to Manage the Behavior=== | ||
#Protect cats during feeding times from anything that cause them to exhibit fearful aggression. Examples include loud noises, children, other cats bullying them, and dogs. If your cat fears one or more of these things, it may not eat, and may react aggressively. Keeping your cat's environment quiet and still during feeding times will help to calm it. | #Protect cats during feeding times from anything that cause them to exhibit fearful aggression. Examples include loud noises, children, other cats bullying them, and dogs. If your cat fears one or more of these things, it may not eat, and may react aggressively. Keeping your cat's environment quiet and still during feeding times will help to calm it. | ||
| − | #Use food to reward your cat for non-aggressive behavior. Cats will normally associate feeding with positive feelings, and so food can be used as a reward to help condition their behavior.<ref>http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/training/aggression-household-cats</ref> There are a number of techniques you can try: | + | #Use food to reward your cat for non-aggressive behavior. Cats will normally associate feeding with positive feelings, and so food can be used as a reward to help condition their behavior.<ref name="rf6">http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/training/aggression-household-cats</ref> There are a number of techniques you can try: |
#*To build your cat's trust, find the cat's go-to treat and scatter some around the room during a play session. Try holding treats in your hand and dropping them to get the cat to come closer. | #*To build your cat's trust, find the cat's go-to treat and scatter some around the room during a play session. Try holding treats in your hand and dropping them to get the cat to come closer. | ||
#*Expose to aggression-causing stimuli at a safe distance, for short periods of time, then reward with food for non-aggressive behavior. For example, if your cat has an aggressive fear of a specific person, that person might stand at a distance that does not trigger aggressive behavior. | #*Expose to aggression-causing stimuli at a safe distance, for short periods of time, then reward with food for non-aggressive behavior. For example, if your cat has an aggressive fear of a specific person, that person might stand at a distance that does not trigger aggressive behavior. | ||
#*When working with other cats, they might be kept in large cages at opposite ends of the room, on leashes, or in harnesses, so they can see the source of aggression, but not escape. After several hours, they might be brought closer together. After many such sessions, it should be possible for them to be close to each other, without becoming defensive. | #*When working with other cats, they might be kept in large cages at opposite ends of the room, on leashes, or in harnesses, so they can see the source of aggression, but not escape. After several hours, they might be brought closer together. After many such sessions, it should be possible for them to be close to each other, without becoming defensive. | ||
| − | #Teach your cat to enjoy getting pet by using treats. Petting aggression isn't a well understood behavior, even among experienced animal behaviorists. It's thought that some cats just have sensitive spots or limited tolerance for touch. The next time you pet your cat, watch her closely for signs of irritation. As soon as you recognize 'tells' that the cat's tolerance level is about to be exceeded, stop petting, stand up and tip the cat off your lap.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/aggression_toward_people.html</ref> | + | #Teach your cat to enjoy getting pet by using treats. Petting aggression isn't a well understood behavior, even among experienced animal behaviorists. It's thought that some cats just have sensitive spots or limited tolerance for touch. The next time you pet your cat, watch her closely for signs of irritation. As soon as you recognize 'tells' that the cat's tolerance level is about to be exceeded, stop petting, stand up and tip the cat off your lap.<ref name="rf7">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/aggression_toward_people.html</ref> |
#Try to entice an aggressive mother away with some food. This can be an easy way to calmly distract the queen. While she is occupied eating, it will give you an opportunity to care for the kittens, while avoiding the aggressive behavior. This can be used in a process of gradual acclimation. | #Try to entice an aggressive mother away with some food. This can be an easy way to calmly distract the queen. While she is occupied eating, it will give you an opportunity to care for the kittens, while avoiding the aggressive behavior. This can be used in a process of gradual acclimation. | ||
| − | #Put your cat on a new meal plan so that you can conduct tolerance sessions just before mealtime. Learn what specific types of behaviors it likes and use only those strokes when training. Also remember to slightly vary your behaviors, as activity that is too repetitive can bore and annoy your cat.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/petting-induced-aggression</ref> | + | #Put your cat on a new meal plan so that you can conduct tolerance sessions just before mealtime. Learn what specific types of behaviors it likes and use only those strokes when training. Also remember to slightly vary your behaviors, as activity that is too repetitive can bore and annoy your cat.<ref name="rf8">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/petting-induced-aggression</ref> |
| − | #Provide several small meals per day rather than one or two large meals to help manage predatory aggression. Avoid “free feeding” (keeping your cat’s bowl full all the time). If your schedule doesn’t permit giving multiple meals, you can purchase a feeder with a built-in timer, designed to open according to a preset schedule. Predatory aggression is shown not to occur when cats eat from a food bowl, but only with objects perceived as prey.<ref>http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1098-2337(1985)11:2%3C103::AID-AB2480110203%3E3.0.CO;2-R/abstract</ref> | + | #Provide several small meals per day rather than one or two large meals to help manage predatory aggression. Avoid “free feeding” (keeping your cat’s bowl full all the time). If your schedule doesn’t permit giving multiple meals, you can purchase a feeder with a built-in timer, designed to open according to a preset schedule. Predatory aggression is shown not to occur when cats eat from a food bowl, but only with objects perceived as prey.<ref name="rf9">http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1098-2337(1985)11:2%3C103::AID-AB2480110203%3E3.0.CO;2-R/abstract</ref> |
===Exposing the Cat to Another Cat=== | ===Exposing the Cat to Another Cat=== | ||
#Start with a slow introduction. Most territorial aggression is directed toward other cats. Managing this aggression can progress in much the same way as the fear induced aggression acclimation, with gradual exposure. | #Start with a slow introduction. Most territorial aggression is directed toward other cats. Managing this aggression can progress in much the same way as the fear induced aggression acclimation, with gradual exposure. | ||
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#*After a few days, switch the positions of the cats. Allow your cat to investigate the smells of the newcomer, while the new cat explores the house and the scent of his new playmate. | #*After a few days, switch the positions of the cats. Allow your cat to investigate the smells of the newcomer, while the new cat explores the house and the scent of his new playmate. | ||
#*Switch them back after they have had some time to explore. | #*Switch them back after they have had some time to explore. | ||
| − | #Introduce cats to each other during feeding times. Both cats should be fed at the same time so that they learn to associate the pleasure of eating with each other's presence.<ref | + | #Introduce cats to each other during feeding times. Both cats should be fed at the same time so that they learn to associate the pleasure of eating with each other's presence.<ref name="rf6" /> Position one cat on each side of a room, several times a day, and try to feed them small amounts of food. Hungry and occupied with eating, they will begin to associate the other cat with this non-threatening situation. |
#*If the cats eat without becoming aggressive, you can then try to bring the food bowls a little closer together each day. | #*If the cats eat without becoming aggressive, you can then try to bring the food bowls a little closer together each day. | ||
#*If the cats won't eat or become aggressive, they are probably too close together. Try again later, this time positioning them farther apart. | #*If the cats won't eat or become aggressive, they are probably too close together. Try again later, this time positioning them farther apart. | ||
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#Block your cat's exposure to the outside world. You can install electronic mats that deliver a harmless, mild shock, or put sticky tape on your windowsills. Window blinds are also effective deterrents. You can discourage outdoor animals from coming near your house by installing motion-activated sprinklers, removing bird feeders, and using well-sealed garbage containers. | #Block your cat's exposure to the outside world. You can install electronic mats that deliver a harmless, mild shock, or put sticky tape on your windowsills. Window blinds are also effective deterrents. You can discourage outdoor animals from coming near your house by installing motion-activated sprinklers, removing bird feeders, and using well-sealed garbage containers. | ||
#Muzzle or gently restrain an aggressive mother. This is for situations when the kittens must be handled, and the mother is not permitting it. More is less in this case. Take care not to overly stress any of the cats. A blanket can work in certain situations. Remember that her aggression comes from a deep, instinctual care for her offspring. | #Muzzle or gently restrain an aggressive mother. This is for situations when the kittens must be handled, and the mother is not permitting it. More is less in this case. Take care not to overly stress any of the cats. A blanket can work in certain situations. Remember that her aggression comes from a deep, instinctual care for her offspring. | ||
| − | #Interrupt aggression with a loud clap of your hands, spray from a water gun, or a burst of compressed air.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/aggression-between-cats-your-household</ref> If you let the cats fight it out, one or both may become seriously injured, possibly creating more opportunities for aggression in the future. If this kind of aggression is not dealt with, it can progress to fearful aggression.<ref>http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/99899484/why-are-my-cats-fighting</ref> | + | #Interrupt aggression with a loud clap of your hands, spray from a water gun, or a burst of compressed air.<ref name="rf10">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/aggression-between-cats-your-household</ref> If you let the cats fight it out, one or both may become seriously injured, possibly creating more opportunities for aggression in the future. If this kind of aggression is not dealt with, it can progress to fearful aggression.<ref name="rf11">http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/99899484/why-are-my-cats-fighting</ref> |
#Don't physically punish your cat for lashing out. Even yelling at it can make the problem worse. Teach your cat to be calm by remaining calm yourself. Aggression on your part can result in additional aggression form your cat. | #Don't physically punish your cat for lashing out. Even yelling at it can make the problem worse. Teach your cat to be calm by remaining calm yourself. Aggression on your part can result in additional aggression form your cat. | ||
#Be mindful that your cat is much smaller than you are. And though she is capable of injuring you, you are also capable of injuring her. At times when your cat becomes aggressive, don't forcefully throw your cat off of you. She might become afraid of you, or get injured by the fall. | #Be mindful that your cat is much smaller than you are. And though she is capable of injuring you, you are also capable of injuring her. At times when your cat becomes aggressive, don't forcefully throw your cat off of you. She might become afraid of you, or get injured by the fall. | ||
#Give your cat a time-out. When she plays too rough, end the game by leaving the room. Don’t attempt to pick up your cat and put him in another room for the time-out as this could provoke aggression. Take your time as you do this. You do not want to provoke a chase. | #Give your cat a time-out. When she plays too rough, end the game by leaving the room. Don’t attempt to pick up your cat and put him in another room for the time-out as this could provoke aggression. Take your time as you do this. You do not want to provoke a chase. | ||
| − | #Do not console the cat. This can communicate your approval of the aggressive behavior. Visitors should not run or show fear, as this teaches the cat that she can make unwanted visitors go away. Ignoring the cat in this case can prove to be a more effective strategy.<ref | + | #Do not console the cat. This can communicate your approval of the aggressive behavior. Visitors should not run or show fear, as this teaches the cat that she can make unwanted visitors go away. Ignoring the cat in this case can prove to be a more effective strategy.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Seeking Medical Help=== | ===Seeking Medical Help=== | ||
| − | #Neuter the cats. Intact males are particularly prone to aggressive behavior among each other. Getting them fixed is the best way to solve this kind of aggression.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22827373</ref> Although these males may still spray and be prone to other kinds of aggression, this typically resolves inter-male aggression. | + | #Neuter the cats. Intact males are particularly prone to aggressive behavior among each other. Getting them fixed is the best way to solve this kind of aggression.<ref name="rf12">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22827373</ref> Although these males may still spray and be prone to other kinds of aggression, this typically resolves inter-male aggression. |
| − | #Resolve or alleviate their pain. This is the best way to manage aggression when it stems from illness or trauma. Pain-induced aggression is triggered by pain, frustration or deprivation, and can be directed toward people, animals and objects. Any animal—including humans—can aggress when in pain. So even a well-socialized, normally docile cat can lash out when it is hurt, when someone tries to touch an injured area, or when it is in pain and anticipates being handled.<ref | + | #Resolve or alleviate their pain. This is the best way to manage aggression when it stems from illness or trauma. Pain-induced aggression is triggered by pain, frustration or deprivation, and can be directed toward people, animals and objects. Any animal—including humans—can aggress when in pain. So even a well-socialized, normally docile cat can lash out when it is hurt, when someone tries to touch an injured area, or when it is in pain and anticipates being handled.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Have cats with aggression problems examined for underlying medical problems. Painful diseases such as arthritis, dental pain and abscesses from fighting are common sources of pain-related aggression. By diagnosing the problem quickly, you can avoid the cat developing trauma-based aggression. Allowing an issue to remain undiagnosed can cause the problem to worsen. | #Have cats with aggression problems examined for underlying medical problems. Painful diseases such as arthritis, dental pain and abscesses from fighting are common sources of pain-related aggression. By diagnosing the problem quickly, you can avoid the cat developing trauma-based aggression. Allowing an issue to remain undiagnosed can cause the problem to worsen. | ||
#*Body postures will usually be defensive. A cat that dislikes being touched in a painful area may display pain-induced aggression in an attempt to stop you from handling it. | #*Body postures will usually be defensive. A cat that dislikes being touched in a painful area may display pain-induced aggression in an attempt to stop you from handling it. | ||
| − | #*This behavior can also be associated with past trauma. For example, a cat whose tail was once caught in a door may be protective of its tail long after the pain is gone.<ref | + | #*This behavior can also be associated with past trauma. For example, a cat whose tail was once caught in a door may be protective of its tail long after the pain is gone.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Handle sick cats as gently as possible. Wear gloves if necessary, and give them food treats so that they associate your touch with a tasty reward. If they act aggressive while you are handling them, do not reward with kind words and petting; this demonstrates that aggressive behavior is acceptable. Remain calm, and this will help keep them calm. | #Handle sick cats as gently as possible. Wear gloves if necessary, and give them food treats so that they associate your touch with a tasty reward. If they act aggressive while you are handling them, do not reward with kind words and petting; this demonstrates that aggressive behavior is acceptable. Remain calm, and this will help keep them calm. | ||
#Ask your veterinarian about medications that can help your cat cope with its pain. These can reduce pain-related aggression. There are a variety of medications that are effective at managing pain in cats. It is possible that with the right prescription, you will be able to reduce your cat's discomfort and aggression. | #Ask your veterinarian about medications that can help your cat cope with its pain. These can reduce pain-related aggression. There are a variety of medications that are effective at managing pain in cats. It is possible that with the right prescription, you will be able to reduce your cat's discomfort and aggression. | ||
| − | #Consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to evaluate your best options in the case of idiopathic aggression. Redirected aggression must be closely considered and ruled out as a possible cause before a diagnosis of idiopathic aggression is made. These cats are dangerous, and owners of such cats should carefully assess their quality of life, as well as the safety of those around them.<ref | + | #Consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to evaluate your best options in the case of idiopathic aggression. Redirected aggression must be closely considered and ruled out as a possible cause before a diagnosis of idiopathic aggression is made. These cats are dangerous, and owners of such cats should carefully assess their quality of life, as well as the safety of those around them.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Find ways to relieve the cat's stress. | #*Find ways to relieve the cat's stress. | ||
#*Reevaluate the cat's presence in your home. However, you should be extremely cautious about placing her in a new home; you don't want to pass your problem on to someone else. | #*Reevaluate the cat's presence in your home. However, you should be extremely cautious about placing her in a new home; you don't want to pass your problem on to someone else. | ||
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==Warnings== | ==Warnings== | ||
| − | *A cat is capable of causing both permanent and life-threatening injuries. Damage to the eyes from claws, and infections cause by bites and scratches may require emergency treatment. Feral cats, outdoor pet cats, and indoor cats can carry rabies, and scratches from any cat can result in an illness with flu-like symptoms, called Cat Scratch Fever.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26161064</ref> | + | *A cat is capable of causing both permanent and life-threatening injuries. Damage to the eyes from claws, and infections cause by bites and scratches may require emergency treatment. Feral cats, outdoor pet cats, and indoor cats can carry rabies, and scratches from any cat can result in an illness with flu-like symptoms, called Cat Scratch Fever.<ref name="rf13">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26161064</ref> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
*[[Communicate with Your Cat]] | *[[Communicate with Your Cat]] | ||
