5 Ways to Deal With Cat Aggression Behavior Problems

By Bernadette Ottero

There is very little else that can make your skin crawl like the sound of two cats fighting. And it is so startling because it usually happens in the early hours of the morning when you are asleep.

It is a serious cat behaviour problem to say the least but it is however animals acting on their instincts. The fighting could be territorial between males or perhaps just an instinctive defense mechanism against another male trying to assert its dominance. Whatever the cause, there is a right and a wrong way of dealing with it.

1. Whatever you do, don't try to pull fighting cats apart. You are more likely to end up worse off with scratches and perhaps maybe a bite or two. That is if you can even get near them. When two cats are in the throws of showing their dominance, not even an oncoming car can make them back off one another. The best thing to do is to throw cold water over one or both of them. Sometimes making a loud noise may help although this may not be appropriate while people are sleeping.

2. Don't try to ignore them either, thinking they will eventually work it out. You have probably also experienced the "crying baby" sound cats can make when one of the cats has got under a car or is hiding in a tree and the other wants to still get at it. This noise can go on forever. It is best to try and separate the cats as quickly as possible.

3. Once you have your cat back home, the first thing to do is to make sure there is nothing wrong with your cat. If this is the first sign of a change in your cats behavior then it may be health related or perhaps it hurt itself. If you do find something wrong then take it to the vet.

4. Have you had your cat spayed or neutered? This can be the most common cause of a change in your cats behavior. The problem may just be hormonal. Take it to the vet and have this surgery performed and at the same time check that other vaccinations have also been done.

5. Is the other cat it is fighting with been spayed or neutered and is it in good health? This may be a little tricky as the other cat may not let you near it. It may be easier to talk with the cats owner and discuss the issue. Make sure the problem is not actually your cat first. Many an uncomfortable argument has arisen from pet owners who make unfounded accusations.

If this is the first fight your cat has gotten into then there may be no serious cause for concern. You may just need to figure out a way to keep it separated from the other cat or cats until you can figure out a way to solve the cats behavior. The tough part with cats is that it is difficult and generally unfair to lock them up although it may be the best temporary solution while you make the necessary arrangements.

If there is still a serious problem with your cats behavior, you may need to seek professional advice either from your veterinarian or someone who has effectively dealt with these situations before.

For more information on aggressive cat behavior head over to CatsandTheirOwners[dot]com. Also read our review of cat health care.