Cats can be very emotional. This can sometimes result in a certain aggressiveness
Cats are territorial and can be surprisingly emotional at times. In addition, environmental or social changes can trigger extreme reactions, which, although surprising, are completely normal.
Territorial fear and defense
If your cat is aggressive, it means that it is afraid or that its territory is threatened. A cat in extreme fear may hiss, spit, kick, attack, or run away. Territory-defending cats may lurk, screech or howl, or even pounce on what they perceive to be intruders. Fear and territorial defense can even lead a cat to bite.
What causes aggressive behavior?
These aggressive reactions are often triggered by the sight, smell, or sound of unfamiliar cats outside. It can also be a reaction to what he can assimilate to aggression: he is disturbed during his meal, he wakes up with a start, he is forced to do something he does not like (leaving in the car, going back to his cage to go to the vet…).
In some cases, however, the source of the attack is never identified. In addition, an extreme reaction can be redirected to the nearest target, another cat in the house, for example, even one of your relatives or yourself.
Start by taking your cat to the vet to identify if there is a general medical issue that may be causing this behavior.
As long as your cat is in good physical condition, your veterinarian can give you appropriate advice or refer you to a behavioral veterinarian.
What should I do if my cat is “mean”?
Start by taking your cat to the vet to identify if there is a general medical issue that may be causing this behavior.
As long as your cat is in good physical condition, your veterinarian will be able to give you appropriate advice or refer you to a behavioral veterinarian.
