If cats are generally considered foul-tempered, it's with good reason-- that's the way they evolved. Aggression is a necessary behavior for survival, especially for a smaller animal like the domestic cat's ancestors. Cats show this in several fashions for completely different reason, and each form of aggression requires a different strategy. Some basic forms of feline aggression are;
Petting Aggression. Most cats love being petted, but if it's uncomfortable for them, they will bite. Avoid letting petting get to this situation if at all possible, so as not to teach your cat that biting is an okay response. Pet them softly in neutral areas like the back of the neck, and watch for signs of tension like sideways-twitching ears or an active tail.
Fear Aggression. When a cat is scared, they will be stuck in a fight-or-flight state, and will choose " fight " if they feel cornered. Signs of fear include hiding, slinking around close to the ground, and hissing. In this scenario, you should be comforting to your cat, but keep a necessary distance. Sit on the floor in the general area and hold out a toy, but wait for them to come to you.
Play Aggression. Kittens (and some older cats who are young at heart) get so hyper when playing that they forget about the impact of their claws and teeth. When a kitten is nipping, do not engage with them, and put them away if they won't leave you alone. Most kittens outgrow this after about nine months, especially when there are other cats in the house.
Redirected Aggression. If the cat is in a bad mood for a reason they can't solve (such as failing to catch a bird outside), they'll take it out on those around them-- just like humans. In this case, it's necessary to identify the cause of their frustration and remove them from the situation, such as closing the blinds so they can't see the outside bird. But if they're causing pain to humans or other cats, they should be put in isolation until they can calm down.
If these behaviors seem overly frequent, it may be a sign of a larger problem, and you should consult a veterinarian. But while cats can often be trained out of these behaviors, they are not signs of an inherently cruel personality. Such actions make perfect sense by feline standards when they have a need that isn't being met.
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About the author:
A freelance writer/cartoonist living in LA, with my fiance' and our wonderful cat. You can see my work at www.rubysworldcomic.com and rubynation.smackjeeves.com
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