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 Aggression is a serious and dangerous behaviour problem for cat owners.
Firstly, you need to have your cat examined by your vet to rule out any medical problems that could be causing your cat to display aggression - any disease that is causing pain can lead to sudden onset of aggression when the pain is triggered.
If there is no medical explanation for your cat's mood changes then your vet can look at behavioural causes.
There are many different types of aggression in cats, with some cats displaying more than one type. Treatment depends on the type of aggression, so you need to determine in what circumstances your cat is aggressive, and whether the aggression is toward family members, strangers, other pets in the household, or unfamiliar animals.
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Fear aggression
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Most cats will retreat when exposed to a fearful stimulus, but if cornered, or on their own territory, may become aggressive. Fear aggression may be a result of punishment by people, or may be associated with other types of fear.
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Predatory aggression
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Cats may stalk, chase, and attack other animals, and even people. The behaviour usually starts as play, but can cause serious problems as it develops. Cats may prey on other pets in the household, especially younger cats, and these cats need separating from the animal they are attacking. If your cat preys on animals outside, keeping them inside is recommended, especially at night.
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Play aggression
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This is part of normal behaviour as social play often involves chasing, and playfighting. The situation can get out of control with painful biting and pouncing behaviour, and needs to be addressed before it develops into predatory aggression.
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Territorial aggression
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This refers to aggression shown to animals or people that approach or reside on the cat’s territory. It can be seen while introducing a new cat to the household, or reintroducing one that has been away boarding or in hospital. Territorial aggression may develop at 1 - 2 years of age as cats mature, even between cats that have grown up together.
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Petting-induced aggression
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This type of aggression is seen in cats that tolerate a certain amount of petting or grooming and then suddenly turn on the person, biting or lashing out. It is important to not use physical restraint for these activities as it increases the agitation and fear of the cat. In most cases, it is better to learn your cat’s limitations and respect them, than to try to overcome them.
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Dominance aggression
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Some cats will assert their authority or leadership, when challenged by a subordinate cat or family member in the home. Dominant cats will often show petting-induced aggression, will become aggressive when moved from sleeping areas, and can even show threatening or aggressive behaviour when a person is walking past the cat. These displays are usually shown toward family members that do not have control and a position of leadership over the cat.
A cat must learn that it is not in a leadership position among family members. Attention-getting or food-demanding behaviour should not be rewarded. Ignore the cat, or leave the room. You can also use a water pistol, or loud whistle or air horn to deter the behaviour Good behaviour is rewarded with food treats, and meals. A cat can be trained to come to the owner on command, to receive rewards. It will then learn that the owner has control over food and rewards, and these are only given for obedient and compliant behaviour. Punishment or physical restraint worsens the problem by introducing an element of fear aggression.
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Pain-induced aggression
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Physical and medical problems that cause pain when the cat is handled, can result in aggressive displays. Even once the medical problem is resolved, a cat may have learnt that aggressive behaviour results in control over the owner, such that dominance aggression or learned aggression develops.
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Maternal aggression
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Maternal aggression is directed toward people or other animals that approach the queen with her kittens. With desensitisation, counter-conditioning, good control and highly motivating rewards, it may be possible to train your cat to accept handling of the kittens. Once the kittens are weaned, spaying should be considered to prevent recurrence.
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Learned aggression
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When aggressive behaviour is successful, it is reinforced. That is, if the aggression results in the removal of the stimulus, the cat is more likely to repeat the behaviour in the same situation. Aggression can be reinforced by the owner trying to handle and pet the cat in these situations, or by physical restraint and punishment.
As you can see, aggression in cats is a complicated problem and when there is risk of injury to people in the household it is important that you consult with your vet to help diagnose a medical problem or the type(s) of aggression present and the appropriate treatment.
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Editor: Dr Julia Adams BVSc
Contributor: Dr Rebecca Bragg BVSc
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