Joanna Wilson
Cats, like all other animals, don’t do things for no reason. There is a cause for your feline friend’s unexpected change into a spitting, scratching, biting spitfire.
Aggression is a typical feline behavioral issue that is described as the goal to intimidate or dominate. Unfortunately, an aggressive cat may be surrendered to a shelter or left outside by a frustrated owner. When a cat suddenly turns her wrath on the people she loves, it might be confusing. However, there is always a cause, and the task is to figure out what the cat is upset about. Continue reading to learn why a normally calm cat may turn aggressive, as well as what you can do to help an angry cat.
Table of Contents
Fear/Stress
Cats are gregarious and capable of building close ties with the people they love, despite their solitary nature. Nonetheless, if a cat feels threatened, she may become aggressive, instinctively reaching out to defend herself. What causes an aggressive reaction in rescued cats could be related to a terrible experience as a stray on the street or getting accustomed to life in a shelter. It’s possible that you don’t fully comprehend what’s causing the worry or stress. Your cat could be reacting to other cats in the house or even a difficult situation where people are fighting.
New pets in the house, too many pets in the house, sudden movements, sneaking up on them, loud noises, harsh treatment or unfair punishment, being put in a cat carrier, riding in a vehicle, a lack of resources (food, water, toys, scratching post), a change in routine, or no routine at all are some of the most common causes of fear or stress in the life of a cat.
Pain
It’s time to take a pleasant, gentle feline to the vet if he or she shows signs of aggression. Cats are stoic creatures who try to hide their sorrow or illness. A feline’s aggression could be to protect an injury or prevent a vulnerable area from being touched. Dental disease, stomach discomfort, arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and infections are all common causes of pain. Neurological disorders, cognitive deterioration, and loss of smell, hearing, or sight can all induce sudden aggression.
Petting-Induced Aggression
When you’re calmly stroking your cat, she suddenly turns on you, grabbing your hand with her front claws and attempting to rip your skin with her back claws and fangs. It might happen if your cat is overstimulated, and the pleasurable sensation of being petted becomes irritated. Flattened or turned back ears, dilated pupils, stiffening of the body, growling, and tail thumping may appear to be irregular, but your cat was actually giving you signs that she didn’t want the petting session to end, such as flattened or turned back ears, dilated pupils, stiffening of the body, growling, and tail thumping. When you ignore the signals and continue petting, the cat will lash out as a final effort to force you to stop.
Territorial Issues
Cats aren’t scared to defend their territory with aggression. When you look out the window and see another cat outside, you may become irritated. A new cat or dog in the home, a strange person in the house, or a move are all possible triggers. When you pay attention to another household pet, a cat may become territorial and attack you or the other creature.
Frustration/Redirected Aggression
One of the most prevalent and unpredictable reasons of sudden hostility in cats is redirected aggression. A stimulus that is out of reach causes a kitty to feel hyper-excited, irritated, or stressed out. When an indoor cat can’t get to the other cat, bird, or squirrel on the other side of the window, for example, she has nowhere to release her pent-up energy and vents it on another pet or an unsuspecting owner. It’s also possible that she became upset after hearing a noise or smelled something. Redirected anger against the cat who return smelling like that “evil place” has been reported by many multi-cat families when one feline goes to the vet while the other stays at home.
These are just a few of the reasons why a normally happy cat can become aggressive. The first thing you should do is schedule a consultation with your veterinarian to ensure that the aggressive behavior isn’t due to a medical condition. If none are found, speak with an animal behaviorist who can assist you in determining the cause of your cat’s hostility.
What Should I Do If My Cat Experiences Sudden Aggression?
When a cat shows these aggressive acts without clear provocation, the first place you should go is to your veterinarian. She can evaluate your cat to make sure he isn’t suffering from a medical condition that is causing his abusive behavior. If your cat is in good condition, your veterinarian can refer you to a behaviorist who can help you figure out what causes aggression in your cat and what actions you can take at home to fix the problem.
In many cases, simply being aware of the early signs that a cat is likely to freak out allows you to get out of the situation before it becomes violent. While you may not always be able to manage the source of the anxiety, owners can frequently provide the cat with the space he or she requires to relax without harming others. Many cats can be quickly restored to everyone’s good graces with a little patience and detective work.
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