For the most part, cats are passive, loving creatures who just like to be pet and who we consider to be our beloved furry friends. But what about when the relationship goes sour, like the cat who went ballistic on his family and cornered them into a room, prompting them to alert the authorities?! While most cases of aggressive cats don’t usually get that extreme, it’s still imperative to be alert and aware of the cat you’re with. After all, there are often good reasons why a cat is getting aggressive.
Here are some warning signs of an aggressive cat:
– Stress
If a cat is in a very stressful environment, like a home where people fight a lot, they are likely to be quick to respond in an aggressive manner.
– Fear
When a cat is terrified, it’s pretty obvious, especially to someone experienced in caring for cats. Their body language changes from relaxed to puffed up fur and tail to appear larger, pupils dilated, ears turned back and will definitely hiss. Don’t attempt to approach a cat in this state; it’s not that they’re necessarily angry – they’re responding in panic mode.
– Pain
Felines who are in pain will often hiss or swat things or people who bother and touch their sensitive areas – that’s how they cope with it. This is especially true and indicative if a cat has been physically abused, such as being kicked or hit.
– Trauma
Cats, like humans, can suffer from post-traumatic stress, especially if they’ve been through human violence or have struggled to survive on the streets. Your best bet to help alleviate this is to see your vet, who will probably prescribe an anti-anxiety medication (DO NOT give them antidepressants on your own, please) or other homeopathic remedies.
– Hormones
Cats who are not spayed or neutered can often be aggressive. If you see two cats fighting, your best bet is not to intervene, otherwise you will be the target of their aggression.
– Chemical Imbalance
While it is probably the rarest reason why cats become aggressive, it still exists and you shouldn’t dismiss the idea all together. Like humans, cat can also have biochemical imbalances that can affect their behavior.
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