How to Decrease Dominance Behavior in a Cat

Cats are not pack animals. For that reason, dominance behavior in cats is typically limited to resource guarding and territorial behavior. Cats may attack if they feel that their territory has been threatened or if they feel at risk of losing a valued resource, like food or a favorite toy. Any item a cat wants is considered a resource and may cause aggression in the cat if threatened. Any place that a cat spends time may be a cause of territorial aggression. Approach dominant behaviors in cats by identifying resource or territory conflicts and working to eliminate these problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Cat toys
  • Cat treats
  • Litter box
  • Cat litter
  • Cat food
  • Cat dishes
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Instructions

    • 1

      List the problem behaviors you're experiencing. Write out a short description of each recurrent problem. Your list should also include any major incidents, such as attacks requiring medical attention.

    • 2

      Identify resource and territory problems related to the behaviors on your list. For example, if you've written, "Cat bites me after being fed," you might hypothesize that the source of the problem is your cat's desire to keep you away from his food.

    • 3

      Reduce the scarcity of any resources causing problem behaviors. If the cat is guarding her food, give her two or three more food bowls throughout the house, and make an effort to keep them filled. If the litter box is causing problems, give her more litter boxes. If your cat is behaving in a dominant way because she wants your attention, make extra time to play and socialize with her.

    • 4

      Address any possible hormonal component to the behavior. Cats that have not been altered, particularly males, often engage in territorial behavior. Consider having your cat spayed or neutered.

    • 5

      Redirect your cat's energy when he behaves in a territorial way. If your cat charges at you, intending to chase you out of his territory, throw a toy or treat horizontally across his field of vision. Offer praise and food when your cat attacks the tossed item instead of you. Over time, he will learn to automatically redirect territorial aggression toward his toys.