Most cat aggression is fear-based. Understanding how to make a cat feel safe
and secure in her territory is often the key to resolving this behavior. Cats
can be fearful because they are ill or injured or because of an upsetting
change in the home, which from our point of view might seem minor or wholly
insignificant.
One specific type of fear aggression is redirected aggression. This
happens when a cat is suddenly very scared by something which he can’t get to
the source of (like an outdoor cat, or a scary, sudden sound), so he
instinctively goes into fight mode and attacks whoever is nearest to him,
person or animal.
For example:
Denise was talking to her friend on the phone while she prepared to feed
her cat, Smokey. In the process she knocked over a glass pitcher which landed
on the floor and shattered. Denise screamed and Smokey attacked her leg,
causing deep puncture wounds and scratches.
Also related to fear aggression is pain-induced aggression. A cat
who is ill or in pain may react aggressively if approached or touched because
they feel vulnerable.
For example:
Adrienne’s cat, Buffy, is an indoor-outdoor cat and unbeknownst to
Adrienne, Buffy was badly scratched by another cat at the base of her tail. The
wound abscessed, and when Adrienne went to brush Buffy she unintentionally
caused her pain. Buffy instinctively turned and bit her owner on the wrist,
causing a deep puncture.
What is fear-based aggression?
Fear makes a cat feel vulnerable and, as a result, the cat may show
aggressive behaviors. In some cases, fearful cats only attempt to harm if
approached. In other cases, fearful cats acquire the mentality of “the best
defense is a good offense” and attack.
Fear-based aggression is upsetting and potentially dangerous for the cat’s
owner, who is often unaware of potential triggers that could be causing the
behavior. For many owners, the behavior doesn’t make sense and seems to happen
“out of the blue.”
What are indications that a cat is displaying fear-based aggression?
The cat:
- Exhibits body language and vocalization that indicate stress and fear, such as hissing, growling, arched back, hair on end, hiding, swatting, etc
- Has experienced a change in the home environment that could cause stress, such as new people, pets, sounds, smells, objects, routines or the appearance of outdoor cats
- Seems to be ill; for example, he:
» Doesn’t eat or drink
» Changes his litter box habits
» Loses weight
» Hides
What advice should I give the client?
Provide the cat with a home environment that creates a sense of safety and security.
(See section 1 of the guide for more information.) Try to identify the source
of the fear. If it’s something that can be removed or is temporary (e.g.,
maintenance workers in the home), confine the cat in a safe space until the
trigger is removed. If it’s something or someone that cannot be removed, help
the cat gradually feel comfortable with the stressor by engaging the cat in
play and providing highly valued treats or food near the source of stress. This
will help to change the cat’s negative association. Take this process slowly if
the cat seems uncomfortable.
If the cat is showing redirected aggression towards a person or other cat, immediately
remove the aggressor cat to a quiet, safe room (if possible). If the cat is
agitated, this may require using a thick towel to safely transport the cat without
causing injury to yourself. Allow the cat as much time as needed in the safe
room (hours, days, maybe even weeks) to regain her sense of safety and security. Slowly introduce her to the rest of the home and ensure that the
trigger, if identified, has been addressed. Redirected aggression is often a one-time
incident and the behavior never happens again as long as the trigger is
addressed. However, this behavior can be quite complicated and potentially dangerous;
in this case, you should refer the cat owner to a professional.
Engage the cat in gentle
interactive play and see if she responds favorably. This play will help reduce
her stress. and If you suspect a medical issue (if the cat is showing
pain-induced aggression).
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