We all have our character and personalities, both human beings and animals. However, it is one thing to have a strong character and quite another to have a tendency to be aggressive. This happens a lot with cats. In fact, according to some studies, aggression is the second most common feline behavior problem.
The good news is that this type of character can be reached improved or even reformed, but it is quite a challenge that requires patience and knowledge about the subject. The first thing above all will be to learn to calm him down, we don't want the situation to get out of hand.
If you have a feline that responds with aggressive attitudes, continue reading this article on our site where we will show you different techniques to calm an aggressive cat.
Why is my cat aggressive?
Your cat may react aggressively for many reasons. Analyze your day-to-day and determine if it is an isolated behavior or if follows a pattern Yes the situation is persistent, it is best to go to the veterinarian or a specialist in feline behavior to consult some guidelines that will help him improve in the long term.
If your cat is not usually aggressive but has reacted violently, it may be due to different causes:
- The cat is protecting his territory or himself because he feels threatened or afraid. In these cases it is important to respect his space and try to improve his trust with us through treats and kind words.
- It may happen that, after a long adventure, your cat has been injured. Also in the face of illness, it is common for cats to be surly. That is their way of expressing their discomfort or pain.
- Finally, but not least, boredom, lack of activity and confinement can be the causes of an unpredictable and aggressive character.
Review our own behavior
Sometimes when our cat reacts with an aggressive attitude, unconsciously, we tend to move our hands too actively, moving them away, to avoid getting hurt. Without knowing it, we are encouraging our pet to continue this type of behavior. They can take it as a stimulation to continue within that same dynamic.
What should I do if this happens?
First of all, try to remain calm and separate your hands as gently as possible, without frights. Then respond with a No! sign as many times as necessary until the feline makes the connection between the three behaviors: attack - separate - rectify.
It can also happen that, unintentionally, we try to handle it more than the cat is willing to accept, we disturb him when he sleeps or we try to force him in an uncomfortable situation. Remember that the cat is a living being and that it has its own personality and a defined language. On many occasions the snort or scratch is a simple way of asking us to leave you alone. Learning to communicate with him, and most importantly, respect him, is a good way to help calm an aggressive cat.
Divert your aggressive energy
Another technique that could work very well is to play it down and divert aggressive energy. Distracting the cat from his own aggressiveness is sometimes a positive tool. When the cat initiates any violent attitude, it is best to redirect its attention to a toy that it likes very much. You can launch it and you will see how the look and attention of the feline will disperse a little.
Another option is to wet your fingers and sprinkle your cat with a little water. However, he is assertive with this type of action because we do not want the cat to take it as a provocation and incite him to attack. Most cats don't react unless cornered or provoked.
Cats love the sheets and play with each other; Try throwing a sheet at him and letting it fall on him. The cat will feel a little removed from the whole situation and the tension; while he will take it as a game
Use food and treats to divert their attention through taste and stomach. He opens a can with his favorite food, the rich smell will be able to more than his anger. Put it in a container, leave it there and move away; give him his time and space.
A quiet environment
Don't test your pet's tolerance Offer him a space where he can escape and feel calm and relaxed whenever he feels bad or affected by something Give him time for himself. Do not push him or seek him too much if his body language tells you that it is not the time to interact.
Again, don't try to give him more love than he wants and needs. Dim the lights in the room (this will soften the emotions) and step away for 15-20 minutes. Take advantage of the moment to relax your own voice and body posture.
Put yourself in his place
Cats are very sensitive animals and they also react according to your body language and attitude. When your cat becomes aggressive and agitated, don't stand in front of him hoping something will change.
This will be threateningto your feline because he will see you as an authority figure rather than a figure of justice. If you are not in immediate danger, lie on the floor or sit in a low chair and get down to their level. Make yourself small like your pet.
Furry aggressive, I still love you
Patiently accept that your cat could have violent attitudes from time to time because he will not always agree with everything (he is still an animal). What is necessary here will be to reduce the level of aggressiveness and not reach an extreme degree. Never punish your cat because he is behaving aggressively, this will only make the situation worse and increase his fear and anxiety.
Animals don't act aggressively just because… Remember that this is their way of expressing that they feel threatened by something or someone. The best way to calm an aggressive cat will be eliminating or moving away the source that produces this state.
