How to Fix Aggressive Cat Behavior

Visit your veterinarian. One type of feline aggressive behavior is pain aggression, so it is important to ensure that your cat is healthy. Even if it is not in pain, certain medical conditions and even the medicines themselves can make the cat extra sensitive or irritable.

Spay or neuter your cat. This might help lessen aggressive tendencies associated with hormones. Also, some female cats exhibit maternal aggression toward anyone who gets too close to their kittens. Spaying aggressive mothers after the kittens are weaned should be considered.

Avoid touching areas that trigger aggression when handling a cat that displays petting aggression. The back and belly are two areas that can be sensitive. Even if your cat seeks the attention, be aware of dilated pupils, flattened ears, or a rapidly swishing tail. These are signs of agitation, so when you notice them, stop petting the cat. Alternately, you can try to train the cat to better tolerate petting by stroking it briefly, then giving it a reward, such as a treat or favorite toy. The next time, stroke it for a bit longer, stopping before it becomes agitated and treating it. Eventually, the cat may learn to tolerate lengthy periods of attention.

Separate cats in a home where at least one feline shows dominance aggression toward other cats or other animals. If the cat is exhibiting this toward one or more people in the household, give that person control over something the cat wants, such as its food. Allowing the person toward whom the cat is being aggressive to control its feeding schedule teaches the cat that it must earn its reward from that person with good behavior.

Teach your cat that the stimulus causing the aggressive behavior is good. This is a technique that often works for cats showing fear aggression toward someone who comes into their home. If your cat is exhibiting fear toward a new person, bring your cat into the same room so it is aware of the person, but not close enough to be alarmed. Pet the cat and give it a treat. Allow the person to get a bit closer, giving the cat more treats if it does not react with fear. Let the person gradually get closer, until they can approach without the cat being afraid. This may take several visits.

Introduce new animals into the household slowly to avoid territorial aggression. Isolate the new cat in one room first, letting him adjust to his new home and allowing existing pets to get used to his smell. A screened porch is ideal; this way, the new cat has its own space, but it can interact with the other animals with a safety barrier in place. Once the newcomer and the existing cats show no outward signs of aggression, it is safe to introduce the new cat into more areas of the home. Maintain close supervision until you are sure all will go smoothly.