Different Types Of Cat Aggression
Cat aggression is a problem that many pet owners face. Their fluffy little pet that was once cute and cuddly becomes more like a wild animal. Many people are confused and frustrated when this happens. There are, however, things you can do if you find yourself in this situation. Below we will take a look at some of the different types of cat aggression and how to recognize them.
If you know your cat well, you should have no problem noticing even the slightest of behavioral changes. When you do notice a sudden increase in your cat's aggressive behavior, the first thing you want to do is rule out any medical problems. This can be done with a routine visit to the vet. Many times, medical issues are responsible for this behavior.
A Pet Behaviorist
Once you've ruled out any significant medical conditions, you can then try taking your cat to a behaviorist. The behaviorist can also run a series of tests to try to determine the type and cause of the cat aggression. Below are the most common types of cat aggression.
The first type is known as fear aggression. This could result from a number of different factors. Your cat may begin to act aggressively in response to punishment during training. Cats are much more sensitive that many dogs, so great care must be taken when training them. This fear aggression may also result from being placed in an unfamiliar setting. Under these circumstances, be as friendly and gentle as you can.
The next type of cat aggression is predatory aggression. Cats have a natural instinct for hunting. This is not necessarily a problem unless they begin to turn that aggression toward people, especially children. Other pets could also be in danger from this type of aggression.
Other types of cat aggression are related to social and territorial factors. If a cat is not trained properly, it may act aggressively to try to take control of social situations. This is where you, as the owner, must step in and teach your pet who is really in control. Cat aggression can also result from another person or pet entering what your cat considers to be its territory.
Certain changes to the cat's environment may be necessary to alter the aggressive behavior. If nothing else seems to work, there are also drug therapies that have shown success in treating this condition. The most important thing is to take whatever steps are necessary to alter the behavior before someone gets hurt.
