Dealing with an aggressive cat can be a frightening experience, whether it is a stray cat or belonging to friends or family. Luckily, you can stop an aggressive cat before it attacks by neutralizing the situation. If your cat is aggressive, it's best to treat the cause and learn ways to calm him down.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Taking Action When Needed
Step 1. Make a loud noise to distract the cat
Sounds tend to distract the cat and discourage aggressive behavior. You can try clapping your hands, banging two objects against each other, or ringing a bell.
- Cats can also be afraid of sounds, so only use loud noises if your cat is being aggressive and you're afraid he's going to hurt someone or another animal.
- If you use loud noises to distract your cat, make sure he has a safe escape route in case he wants to escape. Do not let the cat startle when trapped so that it becomes more aggressive.
Step 2. Protect yourself from attacks
Use whatever item you have in your hand, such as a bag or jacket, to hold the cat off as much as possible. Use your hands to protect vulnerable parts of your body such as your face or neck. Run away and get away from the cat as quickly as possible.
Running away is the best way to prevent injury, but cats can chase you. Walking away without attracting the cat's attention is also quite effective
Step 3. Hold the cat by the nape, if needed
It's best not to hold the cat, but if you have to, hold it by the nape of the neck. The nape is a loose piece of skin on the neck in cats.
If there are objects near or near you that could be used to wrap the cat, such as a sweater, blanket, or towel, throw it at the cat. After that, tighten the bandage so that the cat cannot use its teeth and paws freely
Step 4. Use objects to separate the two aggressive cats
Never get between two fighting cats! You will be easily scratched and bitten, which can progress to infection. However, you should also not allow a fight to start. Try separating the cat by placing a large object in between, such as cardboard or a large plastic box cover. You can use anything that can be placed between the two cats.
You can also try dousing the cat with water if it is available. If you're at home, just throw in the pillow
Step 5. Try not to pet the cat to soothe it
Cats may bite or scratch because your approach is perceived as a threat from a larger animal. Even if he is your pet cat, it is best not to approach an aggressive cat.
Method 2 of 4: Controlling the Situation
Step 1. Try not to look into the cat's eyes
Cats, especially feral cats, see eye contact as a sign of aggression. Eye contact can indicate that you are a threat. If the cat is behaving aggressively, monitor it through peripheral vision, namely the side of the field of vision (field of vision).
Step 2. Give your cat room so she doesn't feel cornered
If the cat is cornered, it can attack you. Try to keep as much distance as possible from the cat. If you are outside, stay away from the area where the cat is. If you're at home, go to another room or get out of the house so the cat can occupy the room.
Even if your intentions are good, such as feeding the cat, you can still be attacked if the cat feels cornered
Step 3. Ignore the cat and walk away
Ignoring a cat is the best thing to do when a cat is aggressive, whether it's a stray cat or a pet. This step gives the cat time and space to calm down. Your goal is to stay away from the cat so it doesn't get attacked.
Step 4. Prevent aggressive feral cats from entering your yard
Feral cats will often be at home when there is something they want, such as food, a comfortable place, or a familiar environment. If your cat has peed in your house, it will likely come back. It is important to rinse out all odors as quickly as possible. You should also stop putting food in to prevent the arrival of stray cats.
- Frequent stray cats coming into the house can increase your cat's aggression.
- If you have a rat problem, it's best to take care of it because the cat will come and hunt it.
- Install a cat-proof fence.
- Put spikes around the yard.
- Install motion-sensing sprinklers in the yard.
Method 3 of 4: Reducing Cat Aggression
Step 1. Play with the cat every day to control its energy levels
Cats need to channel their energy by being active, so encourage them to play as often as possible. Provide lots of toys for the cat to play with and chase. Do it at least once a day. You can hang the toy on a string, or use a device such as a laser pointer.
- Play with the cat 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Give your cat lots of toys, but make sure he doesn't play with the strings unsupervised. Cats can eat floss and cause digestive problems.
- It's also a good idea to have climbing toys and a scratching post ready.
Step 2. Get a sedative spray to help the cat relax in the house
Choose a product designed for cats. Some of these products have an herbal scent, while others use pheromones to calm the cat. You can use it in a room that cats frequent, especially where cats are often aggressive.
- For example, you could try using Feliway, which releases pheromones into the air and soothes the cat.
- Ask your vet for proper product recommendations.
Step 3. Reward your cat with treats for good behavior
Give your cat plenty of treats and affection when his behavior is supportive. When the cat lets you pet it, give it a treat. If it looks like your cat is about to become aggressive, offer her a treat to calm her down. Over time, the cat will associate you and petting with treats.
When the cat becomes aggressive, simply walk away and wait for it to calm down
Step 4. Neuter or neuter the cat
Hormones play a big role in making cats aggressive. Fortunately, this problem is easy to fix. Just take your cat to the vet to be neutered or neutered, and the aggression will decrease.
There are also programs that offer neutering or neutering pets at affordable prices or even for free. Try to look it up on the internet
Step 5. Provide a hiding place for the cat
It's normal for cats to hide, whether under furniture, in boxes, or on high shelves. Cats need a place to feel comfortable and safe. Otherwise, he can become aggressive due to the stress that builds up.
- Try placing a cat perch or cat bed in a dark corner of the room, a cat tree equipped with a cubby (house), or a cardboard box.
- If you have multiple cats, make sure each cat has enough space. Every cat needs to have its own hiding place.
Step 6. Reduce conflicts between cats if you have more than one
If your home hosts a lot of cats, it's normal to have an occasional fight, take the time to dress and play with each cat by creating a safe and comfortable environment for them:
- Feed the cat in a separate area.
- Make sure each cat has its own food and drink plate, litter box, and bed.
- Give each cat a tree or cat perch.
- Provide each cat its own toy.
- Set up a play area so the cats can play together, but not necessarily.
Step 7. Try not to punish the cat for its aggressive behavior
This action is not only cruel, but also teaches the cat to be more aggressive. If your cat is acting aggressively, it's best to stop giving it attention. This shows that aggressive behavior cannot be tolerated.
Step 8. Get your cat checked by the vet
The vet can rule out a medical problem, such as an injury or illness, that could be causing aggression in your cat. In cases of extreme aggression or fear, the doctor may also prescribe medication to help calm the cat.
- Discuss the causes of your cat's aggressive behavior with your veterinarian.
- Be prepared to explain everything in a cat's life. For example, let us know if you recently had a cat, moved, or your family schedule changed. Cats can react to anything that changes in their life.
Step 9. See a cat behavior specialist
This expert can help you deal with your cat's aggressive behavior with a variety of behavior change techniques. You should work with a professional to carry out this technique as it can cause problems if applied incorrectly.
- If you live in the United States, you should seek out a professional who is certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) or board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
- Get specialist recommendations from your veterinarian.
Method 4 of 4: Recognizing Symptoms of Aggressive Behavior
Step 1. See if the cat's ears are bent flat or back
Ears folded flat are a clear sign that your cat is feeling aggressive or fearful. This behavior is usually accompanied by hissing. If you see him, walk away.
Step 2. Notice the arched back
Cats arch their backs to make them look bigger and more threatening. This is an aggressive act that shows that it is preparing for an attack.
Step 3. Watch for pupil dilation or constriction
An aggressive cat's pupils will change, either widening and dilating, or constricting and constricting. Either way, you need to stay away from cats. If you're close enough to see his eyes, you're too close to get hurt.
Never come close to look a cat in the eye. If you think he's being aggressive, just assume it and walk away
Step 4. Notice the stiff tail with the feathers erect
The cat's tail can stand upright or point to the ground. The hair on the body and tail will also be erect. This usually means the cat is feeling scared or aggressive and feels the need to protect herself.
Tips
- The best way to stop a cat's aggression is to stay away from it.
- Remember, cats are not aggressive because they are evil. He's most likely scared, hurt, or too excited to play. Don't punish the cat!
