Here are some general principles for managing all types of feline aggression:Īny type of physical punishment can increase a cat’s fear or anxiety and worsen aggression.
There are a number of different types of aggression that cats can display, and in some cases, a cat may display more than one type at a time. Signs of fear include dilated pupils, ears flattened and held outward, whiskers flattened or pressed downward onto the face, tail closely wrapped or tucked under the body, and head held upward while lying prone ( Figures 1 and 2 ). Signs of aggression include dilated pupils, ears flattened backward on the head, tail held erect with hairs raised, and an arched back. These cues can be separated into two categories: those observed in the face and head and those expressed by body posture. Regardless of their cause, recognizing the signs that a cat is fearful or aggressive can help prevent injury to pets and people. Given these high stakes, it is important that cat owners understand the cause of their pet’s aggressive behavior in order to develop a plan to successfully intervene.
A recent study reported that 27 percent of cats relinquished to shelters for behavioral reasons were surrendered for aggression. The consequences of aggressive behavior in cats can be significant, ranging from injuries to other cats and people to the surrender of aggressive cats to shelters. Its causes in cats can be complex, both in terms of triggers and targets, making it challenging to find strategies to eliminate aggressive feline behavior. Aggression, defined as hostile or violent behavior intended to dominate or intimidate another individual, is a fairly common behavioral problem in cats.
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