Why cats bite

fear … illness … youthful play … even misdirected frustration

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Although aggressive behavior in cats can be unpleasant and sometimes downright scary - it is often, but not always - normal cat behavior.

Aggression in all felines is a characteristic behavior designed by nature to ensure their survival … an angry looking cat is usually only acting instinctively.

The good news is ...


Aggressive cat behaviour - biting and scratching - can often be
predictable and controllable, a simple matter of cause and effect.

Like us, cats have different personalities and temperaments.
Sometimes temperament is a matter of heredity or how early
and well your cat was socialized as a kitten.

Perhaps a disturbing or abusive experience, completely unknown to you, comes into play.

Begin by understanding the reasons why cats bite and scratch

... Does your cat have an injury? Is he sick?

... How is your cat perceiving his environment?

... Is he feeling threatened?

... Or did a child just give him the mother of all bear hugs?

Secondly, know and recognize cat body language and vocalizations

Cats do communicate with us ... but in their own language ...

Before your cat slips into an aggressive mood and delivers a scratch or bite he will usually provide you with plenty of clues. By being observant and acting quickly, you can often control the situation and prevent your cat from biting or scratching.

Some signs are obvious and others easy to miss.

What you will see:

•   its tail is twitching ... and if very aroused ... lashing from side to side
•   ears are turned back or flattened (to protect them should he have to fight)
•   its fur puffs up (to make him look bigger)
•   the cat is staring
•    if threatened the pupils of his eyes are enlarged (it can see better)
•   it crouches close to the ground, ready to spring
•   it bares its teeth

What you will hear:

•   unusual, angry meows
•   hissing, growling and snarling

If you pick up on these warnings, then it is probably is a good time to remove yourself (and the trigger if you can identify it) from the immediate area.

... or simply step aside (big step) and allow him to 'escape.' Give him lots of space and let him calm down. Wait until he comes to you.

Some reasons why cats bite

Before you do anything else, make sure your cat is not suffering physically. Any sudden changes in habits or behavior are often an indication that your cat has an illness, injury or some other source of discomfort.

Cats instinctively hide any signs of pain or illness.

Fear ... does he feel threatened?

Angry looking cats are often scared cats. When afraid, they can act as we do - fight or flight.

Cats, if given the chance, would rather leave than stay and fight.

Create space between you and your cat. Make it easy for your cat to leave. Move away and clear a big path so your cat can 'escape.'

Redirected aggression

Simply put, your cat cannot direct his aggression (defensive, territorial or other) to the target or trigger. So, instead he lashes out at innocent bystanders - people or other animals. (Sometimes people do it too.)

Is he frustrated because he saw another cat outside on his lawn and he is on the other side of the window? Maybe he witnessed or heard - what he considers to be - threatening gestures or sounds.

Repeated aggressive cat behavior

Cats can make secret and mysterious associations with the triggering event such as the ring of your phone, a certain scent, a resemblance to a person or thing ... which could catapult your cat back to another space and time and the aggressive behaviour, such as a cat attack, will suddenly be repeated.

Defending their territory from other animals

By nature, even domestic cats are territorial - whether their territory be a favorite chair or a large outdoor area. In the wild, survival depends on the ability to defend hunting grounds, to feed and protect their young.

If you see two fighting cats do not try to break up the fight physically or you could end up right in the middle. Try distracting them - make lots of noise somehow (your instinct will probably kick in) or get them wet if water is handy.

Plain old jealousy

I have five cats and even though they all get attention, my huge Maine Coon picks on my gentle Sunnyman. It's not going to stop. I make sure they are separated when I am out and at night.

If you need more help ...

Uncontrolled, severe aggressive cat behavior or attacks can be a serious threat to humans and other pets.

Do take your cat to the vet to eliminate any physical causes for the aggressive behaviour. Your vet may prescribe mood stabilizers and/or refer you to an animal behaviorist. Both can be very helpful.

Remember:

...  know the warning signs (that includes family and guests)

...  don't hit or punish your cat. Cats do not understand the concept of
     punishment. They only know that you are treating them badly and they
     don't know why. The end result will be a fearful animal, who willdisplay
     further aggressive behavior, and justifiably so. It's a lose -  lose situation,

     and most importantly

...  love your cat and it will love you back.

Another common reason why cats bite:

Petting Aggression

As you innocently pet the cat, your kitty suddenly turns on you and gives your hand a bite. You, my friend, have just been a victim of the mysterious cat behavior known as petting aggression.

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