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Aggressive Behavior in Cats

September 1 2015

Does your cat often hiss, bite, or scratch? Fluffy may be small, but those little claws and teeth can hurt! If your cat is acting aggressive, you’ll need to figure out what is behind her bad behavior so you can address it properly. A local Myrtle Beach, SC vet discusses some common types of kitty aggression in this article.

Fear Aggression

Fear is often behind aggressive behavior in cats. Our feline friends are quite small and can easily feel vulnerable, which can lead Fluffy to lash out in self-defense. Make sure your kitty has a safe hiding spot in every room, so she never feels trapped, and leave her alone when she seems scared.

Misplaced Energy

Does your kitty have plenty of playthings and a good window view to keep her occupied when she’s alone? If not, your cat may be bored, and may be building up energy with no way to release it, except for lashing out at you. Taking time to play with Fluffy every day is very important, because it will help her burn off extra energy. Use interactive toys to stimulate her hunting instincts and really get her moving. Ideally, you’ll be left with a slightly tired furball that is more interested in napping than in wrestling.

Rough Play

If your cat likes to hide and then pounce on you, or if she has a habit of attacking your fingers and toes, she may need to learn proper play etiquette. Fluffy may start out wanting to play, but if you punish her for being too rough, she may get angry or defensive and attack even harder. Make sure your kitty has plenty of toys, and don’t tempt her into inappropriate play. If she bites or scratches, simply tell her to play nice, then walk away and ignore her.

Random Aggression

Sometimes Fluffy can be a little cuddlebug one minute, only to transform into a furry ball of rage the next. While sometimes kitties are just temperamental, there could also be an underlying medical issue that is causing your cat pain. If you can’t put your finger on what is causing your cat’s aggression, have your vet examine her to rule out any health problems. Does your cat need shots or an examination? Feel free to contact us, your local Myrtle Beach, SC vet clinic, any time. We are always happy to help!

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