Between aggressive and playful behavior, there is a difference.
Both predatory and playful aggression in kittens can appear to be the same in their attacks. Cats can bite and scratch infrequently or frequently.
Although a domestic cat’s scratch or bite is unlikely to be fatal, such wounds can be uncomfortable and are susceptible to infection.
There are methods for handling a kitten’s aggressive behavior, and most of them merely call for the owner to pay the pet a bit extra attention.
What Causes Kittens to Be Rude?
However, many of the stalking and hunting traits of their ancestors are still present in modern house cats. When an object moves in a way that sets off the instinct to attack it, a cat frequently interprets it as a threat or prey (a hand, a foot, a tiny child, etc.). The cat will be compelled to complete the attack with its claws and possibly its teeth in either scenario.
- Most kitten violence is either provoked by fear or curiosity. Other factors, such as redirected aggressiveness or when a cat snaps at its owner out of discomfort, may make older cats more vulnerable to attacks and antagonism.
- Sometimes a kitten will act aggressively to protect its “territory” against a perceived threat or intruder (such as a young child or another animal). This behavior may at first appear to be normal, but if it continues for more than a few months, it may be time to make a change.
- Of fact, aggressive behavior may originate from a mother cat protecting her young. An animal that feels frightened or injured may also react aggressively. If it does attack in these circumstances, it may, as opposed to persistent or frequent aggressive behavior, be quickly connected to a specific reason.
Aggression Red Flags
Predatory violence and play aggressiveness are characterized by different body language:
- Any combination of stalking the “prey,” remaining silent, keeping a watchful attitude, adopting hunting poses, and lunging or springing at it when it suddenly moves after being motionless.
- Twitching, meowing, and tail swatting.
- A cat will occasionally explode when engaging in bluffing behavior, like when it arches its back to signal to another cat that it shouldn’t be trifled with.
The causes of aggressiveness
Most kittens who are raised in pairs learn how to get along nicely, despite the occasional fight. Cat owners are the most common victims of kitten aggression, particularly those who don’t have other cats in the house.
- Almost any movement, including walking and picking up objects, can set off the behavior.
- What begins as “play” when a kitten or cat is excited can develop into dangerous aggression, bites, and outright attacks. The hands and feet of pet owners are the most frequently targeted areas.
- Owner-raised kittens and people who wean them at an early age are more likely to have this inclination. They are known to intimidate timid, fearful cats, harass younger kittens, and torment senior cats in addition to preying on their owners.
- Although less dangerous in kitten form, adult cats who behave like predators against small children or smaller pets can cause considerable harm, so it is imperative to teach kittens out of this type of behavior before it becomes a problem.
Prevention of Violence
Before adopting behavior modification techniques, it is important to go to the vet to rule out any underlying medical disorders that may be causing a kitten’s aggression. Your cat may become aggressive when she is typically docile and social, depending on the illness at hand. These conditions include hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, dental disease, and problems with the central nervous system. 1 The first thing you should do is get your cat checked out to make sure she’s generally healthy.
Once your kitten has been given the all-clear, you should strive to manage its behavior. This could take some time because cats are less social than dogs and don’t respond to aversion therapy the same way. Wait with patience and prepare.
There are numerous ways to encourage your cat to play actively and healthily while avoiding aggressive behavior that might be harmful.
- To warn you, give other cats or young children in the house time to escape, and to warn you so you can intervene and put a stop to the behavior, put a bell on the cat that is attacking.
- Stop an attack before it starts using a water cannon, citronella spray, or the hissing sound of an aerosol can. Examine various options to determine which one works best.
- Put the cat in a collar and leash for improved control and the ability to discipline undesirable behavior. Stepping on the leash can instantly stop a pet in its tracks.
- With your cat, do entertaining games that promote relaxation. One tip is to move toys across its field of vision rather than toward or away from it to elicit the most attention. Playing with others also gives frightened cats the confidence they need to become confident and learn how to behave.
- Set up a regular plan with a set play times so that your cat comes to expect playtime every day.
- Kittens should be neutered or spayed before turning one. This dramatically reduces cat-on-cat aggression, particularly in situations when different sexes of animals are housed together. Neutered male cats will occasionally fight with one another.
- The feisty kitten can frequently be a target and a playmate for another kitten that is the same age, size, and temperament as the first while also teaching it some restraint with its bite and claws. Be careful how you introduce the two.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
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