Cat Aggression
My cat "nibbles” on me to get my attention and sometimes bites too hard!
Nibbling like this is considered "play aggression." Cats may bite when they are declawed, bored or over-stimulated. Ignore your cat when he wants to play too roughly, and re-direct his aggression towards toys or treats. Try to only pet him when he is calm and behaving.
Why does my cat turn and bite my arm when I pet my cat near her tail or on her belly?
Petting aggression is quite common and usually not related to a medical condition. Some cats simply cannot tolerate being petted in certain areas of their body for longer than a certain period of time because their skin is so sensitive it actually becomes unpleasant for them. The safest place to pet a cat is on its head! The other trick to watch for signs the cat is getting an overdose of petting, like a twitching tail or ears laid back. Stop before the cat bites!
How can I prevent my current cats from hissing and attacking my new cat?
Keep the new cat isolated in a "safe" room at first, and only allow the resident cats to smell the new cat under a door or see the cat through glass. Provide as much human attention to the resident cats as possible! When the residents appears to be relaxed with the barriers in place, you can gradually allow the newcomer to explore the rest of the house, use other litter boxes and meet other pets, under your direct supervision, until everyone is comfortable with each other.
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Vetri Science Composure Feline Chews or NaturVet Quiet Moments
- Treats will encourage cats to be more social with each other. Have a "treat party" when the cats encounter each other, turning a potentially negative situation into a positive one.
One of my cats is a bully, constantly beating up on my other cat. What can I do?
It sounds strange, but usually it is a lack of self-confidence that makes one cat the target of a bully. Your vet can prescribe anti-anxiety medication for the victim. The victim should have a safe room to go in to get away from the other cat. You can facilitate positive interactions between the two cats by having a "treat party" when the cats are together, under your supervision.
When I first come home, my cat attacks me and starts biting my feet, legs and hands, and it hurts!
This is called play aggression. Cats love to stalk, chase, and pounce. Your cat has had no one to play with all day so you are the perfect solution to his boredom when you arrive at home! Keep a hand held toy right by the door to grab when you walk in, to redirect your cat away from your body parts. You can drag a toy with a small rope (cats might ingest string) while you get settled in. Wait until your cat calms down and then offer treats.
- Laser pointer
- Cat Dancer 301 Cat Charmer
- Go Cat Catcher Teaser Wand with Mouse Cat Toy
- MYLAR Crinkle Balls
My friend brought her dog to visit and my cat attacked it and chased it across the house! What can I do?
This could be true territorial aggression or due to fear of the visiting dog. Some cats attack visiting humans as well, so it is a good idea to keep the cat separated or confined in a harness and leash when visitors are expected. Try giving the cat food or treats only when visitors are around. Anti-anxiety medications and Feliway diffusers may help.