![]() ![]() While often directed at other cats, people and other animals may be the subject of the aggression as well. Territorial aggression happens when a cat feels an intruder is infringing on his or her territory. In addition to pain, cognitive decline, a loss of normal sensory input, or neurological problems can all lead to aggression. Arthritis, dental disease, trauma, and infections are just some of the conditions that can cause pain and subsequent aggression when a cat is touched or thinks he or she might be touched, in a painful area. Pain is the most sudden medical cause for sudden aggression, particularly in older cats or those who have always had a calm temperament. ![]() Aggression Due to Medical IssueĪggression with a medical origin is also common. ![]() This can be a learned behavior based on past experience, and you may not be entirely sure exactly what the cat is fearful of. ![]() Fear Aggressionįear aggression is triggered by a cat who perceives a threat that he or she cannot escape. Taking a full and complete history about where the cat was located and what was happening right before the aggressive behavior began is a key component in determining the cause. What Causes Sudden Aggression in Felines?Ĭat aggression falls into a number of categories. A cat in attack mode can move with startling speed and aggression, and inflict extensive damage in a very swift period when the mouth and all four paws are engaged. In either case, you want to avoid interacting with a cat exhibiting these postures as they are on the brink of moving on to the real damaging moves. Offensive postures make a cat look big and intimidating. You can be the recipient of fear-based aggression even if you’re not the one causing the anxiety. A defensive cat is often experiencing fear or anxiety about a situation that may or may not be apparent to you. These postures may include: crouching, flattened ears, turning away from the person, hissing, swatting at you, raised hackles, or a tucked head. These postures may be a clue in pinpointing the trigger for the aggressive behavior, as well as a much-needed warning before future attacks.ĭefensive postures are intended to make a cat look smaller and position herself in a protective manner. What Does Aggression in Cats Look Like?Īlthough owners often report a cat attacking out of nowhere, cats often exhibit subtle changes in body positioning before launching into an actual act of aggression. Cat aggression is truly no laughing matter. In addition to the painful nature of cat bites and scratches, they can also transmit diseases such as cat scratch fever or serious bacterial infection. Sudden aggression in cats is a scary and frustrating problem for many owners, who fear the unpredictable nature of the kitty fury as well as the physical damage he or she can cause in the throes of an attack. Unfortunately, aggression is not uncommon in felines in fact, it’s the second most common reason for a visit to a behaviorist. What gives? What happened to turn your mild-mannered cat into Cujo? Then, before you know what happened, she hisses and bites your hand. She turns on her side as you rub her belly, and she kneads her paws in contentment. You’re on the couch, petting your purring cat just like you have on many previous quiet evenings. ![]()
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