Even though cats are cute and loving creatures, cat owners can experience many behavior-related problems with their pets. Cats can become aggressive and attack family members during different periods of their lives. Partly, it’s because a cat’s behavior is always a reaction to his current physical and emotional condition.
Why are Cats Aggressive?
Every animal, domestic puffy pets included, has strong predator’s instincts. That’s why, in a way, cats are aggressive by nature. If owners have enough time to play with their cats, and provide them with enough space to explore – then cats will consume their surplus energy on many harmless activities. However, cats who feel neglected or threatened become gradually aggressive and develop many bad habits that are difficult to handle later.
Cat’s Reasons for Biting and Scratching
Cats can direct aggressive behavior at their owners in a number of cases:
- Illness or injury – cats suffering from ailments, discomforts, and pain often feel threatened and assume natural self-defense attitudes. They can bite and scratch their owners all of a sudden and for no reasons whatsoever;
- Fear and anxiety – sometimes a cat’s surroundings can cause him considerable feeling of insecurity. New people in the house, strangers, loud music, as well as moods of other inhabitants are easily recorded by cats and can make them feel confused;
- Jealousy – new family members in the house, as well as new pets can evoke jealousy in cats. In this case, cats use aggression as a means of drawing people’s attention to them. Cats can feel lonely and abandoned even if they are taken very good care of;
- Boredom – cat’s aggression can occur due to boredom – lack of playground, games, cat’s toys, as well as monotonous diet make cats search for entertainment somewhere where it’s easily accessible – people’s legs and hands are always the easy target for cats;
- Cat’s depression – depressive atonement in cats can contribute to the development of aggressive behavior; it occurs mostly due to neglect.
At times, cats can become aggressive for none of the above reasons. Some hormonal changes might be at fault, too. In this case, it’s best to seek advice from a veterinarian.
How to Stop Cat’s Biting and Scratching
For starters, you should review the above points, address them, and observe your cat’s behavior for any improvements. You should be aware of some of the most common cat’s illnesses and how to prevent them, and diversify your cat’s diet. Next, think of dynamic activities you could involve your cat into. He just needs to vent his energy and natural hunter’s instincts. To teach your cat good behavior effectively, remember to “reward” his good behavior with his favorite treats.
Cats misbehave just like all other animals. When you notice negative changes in your cat’s behavior, first try to define reasons for it, instead of punishing your cat for something he might not be able to control.
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