Are you having problems with an angry cat?

It can be a serious challenge to own an angry cat. This article explains how cats become angry and aggressive. But, it also provides the steps you can take to reduce anger and feline aggression.

Most Cats Are Not Angry

A normal, healthy feline adopted from a shelter will not be aggressive and should not hurt you under normal circumstances. Certainly some cats will bite or scratch at you when irritated or handled roughly, and some may act mean toward other cats in the house or neighborhood cats. But usually, your average healthy cat should not attempt to hurt you or others.

Despite this, there are too many angry cats in the world. In the rest of this article we’ll look at what can make your cat act like a furry little monster and what you can do about it.

8 Causes of Aggression in Cats

There are several possible reasons for aggressive behavior in cats. Let’s take a look…

• Lack of proper handling as a kitten: Frequent handling of a kitten is good. It is an important part of bringing up a friendly and gentle cat. When a kitten is not handled enough, she will grow up disliking being touched and preferring to be left alone. The lesson is simple. Play with your cat from an early age.

• Mistreatment or abuse: If a kitten is treated too roughly, you should expect an angry cat. Play should never be to the point that your cat suffers pain and discomfort. Your feline will resist human contact.

• Illness or injuries: Like a person, an ill or injured cat can be quite irritable and hostile. Even the smallest touch might cause pain or discomfort, and an angry response. For example, your cat might be suffering from feline hyperthyroidism which in turn might cause aggression. Take your cat to a vet to determine if your cat’s angry response is caused by being sick or injured.

• Threatening or frightening situations: Cats are careful and cautious animals. Your cat can be frightened by strange dogs, slammed doors or sudden movements. In any of these situations, if you are holding your cat, she might scratch. She might also be an angry cat, with a desire to run away or attack.

• Stressful living environments: A stressed cat is more likely to bite or scratch you. Stress can is caused by many different factors. Your home may be too small for your family and your cats. Or, perhaps it is too noisy for your feline. You might have an angry cat due to a recent move into a new apartment or house. Cats can become angry when you make changes in their lives, that’s a fact.

• Eating Habits and Diet: Certain type of foods, malnutrition and some vitamin deficiencies can trigger aggression. You might have an angry cat due to something in the food dish or water bowl. If your cat’s diet has changed, this can fuel aggressive behavior. Further, if you disrupt or alter your cat’s eating habits, you might see aggressive behavior.

• Old age: Old cats can definitely be angry cats. Usually it is best to let an old cat growl or hiss. He might have some aches and pains or maybe he just wants more sleep. Older cats can be grumpy, and grumpy cats quickly get angry.

• Boredom or lack of exercise: Many cats are not active enough, which can actually drive aggression. Exercise can help your cat sleep better and relax more. If your cat isn’t busy enough, she might become bored. A bored cat will often turn into an angry cat.

8 Easy Ways to Handle an Angry Cat

If a kitten attacks you, it probably won’t hurt. It might even seem cute and fun. But, you should never encourage this behavior because you do not want him to become aggressive.

A big cat on the attack is definitely not cute. He must learn to attack only his toys. Here are some other tips…

• If your cat just growls or hisses, simply walk away. Don’t react, just walk away and ignore your cat. This doesn’t work for all cats, but it can work for some. It depends on the personality of your cat.

• If he actually bites you or scratches, say "Ouch!" and sound very hurt even if it really did not really hurt. To reduce the chances of an angry cat, rub your bite or scratch and walk away. Do not give your cat more attention. Don’t hurt or your cat or fight back. Human aggression can be seen as play plus when you take it too far you can really hurt your furry friend.

• Pick up your angry cat and set him down pointing away from you. Walk away. If he persists, lock him in the bathroom for five minutes. This will train him that aggression is not acceptable. Again, this repointing technique will only work on certain cats. Personality is an important factor.

• If you see an angry cat attack coming, try distracting him with a lure toy, or push an "aggression toy" onto him. Give him something that he can kick and bite. Use a large fuzzy catnip toy or a stuffed animal sprayed with a little catnip. Focus the aggression on something that is appropriate.

• For cats who act aggressive because of certain noises, you will need to get the cat more used to those noises. Over time your cat will get more comfortable. Using music or television can help. Make sure that your cat isn’t always in a quiet environment. He needs to be exposed to normal human sounds and occasional loud noises. If this doesn’t happen, noises will always startle him and possibly cause aggression.

• For some cats, vitamin supplements will alleviate moodiness. A healthy cat usually won’t be an angry cat. It is good practice to feed your cat good food and augment it with the right kind of supplements. Choose a good vet and then ask about your cat’s nutrition.

• Keep your cat’s nails trimmed. Kitten's claws are very sharp and will easily cut through your skin. Adult claws can do even more serious damage. An angry cat with sharp claws can do damage.

• Watch his diet. Sometimes, a specific food can cause allergic reactions that can lead to spells of aggression. Interestingly, tuna, yeast and hormone-injected meats have been known to cause some cats to get upset.

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