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Aggressive Cat Behavior Can Be Prevented Or Cured
The problem of aggressive cat behavior can spoil what would be an otherwise happy relationship between you and your pet. Cats possess their own compliment of bacteria in their claws and mouths. Some of those bacteria can be harmful to humans. More than just painful, a cat bite or a cat scratch can sometimes lead to a dangerous infection.
he key to controlling aggressive cat behavior is in understanding the causes and eliminating them whenever possible. Even tiny kittens exhibit aggressive behaviors during play. A savvy pet owner will learn to understand his cat's psychological make-up as well as his instincts that are nothing more than normal cat behavior.
In nature, cats are predators, and kitten play derives from their natural hunting instincts. Therefore, some aggression is to be expected, but you still should set limits for kittens and give them appropriate substitute activities to absorb some of their aggressive impulses. If a kitten bites or claws you, even if it seems cute at the time, you must rebuff it and stop petting it or you else you will reinforce the conduct. Those little nips and scratches that are cute when they come from a kitten aren't so cute when they are delivered by an adult.
To create a good relationship with your feline, cat or kitten, create an inviting environment. Toys and furniture meant for cats, like scratching posts allow for aggressive play and sharpening and filing of claws. In this aggressive play, it is important to be clear biting and clawing are not acceptable. This good play can be reinforced with treats and words much better than punishment, especially hitting which can destroy the relationship and increase aggression.
Consider that for cats health may also explain aggression. A cat who is ill or overstressed can't tell you in words, so aggressive behavior may be a signal of disease or injury. Stress can come from changes in the household or diet, noise from construction near by, or a new pet in the home. Try to introduce changes and newcomers, human or pet, gradually to reduce stress and aggression, and always take a newly aggressive pet to the vet immediately for a check up.
It is possible that aggressive cat behavior is partially related to what a cat eats, and this should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian. In older cats, obesity may play a role in joint pain, so dieting could improve both the mood and the health of your cat. Once again, involving your veterinarian is important, since dieting too quickly can be harmful and even cause your cat to die.
A cat's posture show you a lot about its mood. When they have a little too much attention, it is common for a cat to quickly become aggressive. This often happens when a cat is purring during a session of petting, then quickly nips the person they were just purring to. Lashing tails, rigid and tense bodies, and ears flattened back are universal signs in the cat's world. They say "I've had enough for now, give me some space!" By watching for these cues while you are praising good behavior, and modifying behavior early in life, it is easy to have a happy and peaceful cat.
By: Paul Proctor
Tags: Cat Training and Behavior Cat Behavior Aggressive Cat Behavior Can Be Prevented Or Cured Toys furniture cat kitten |
