Imagine: your affectionate pet suddenly digs its claws into your hand, hisses at guests, or attacks other animals. Such scenes are not uncommon.
Every third case of abandonment of cats is associated with their unpredictable hostility. But before blaming the pet, it is worth understanding - what is hidden behind its outbursts?
When illness is to blame, not character
The first thing to do is to rule out medical causes. Sudden attacks often signal hidden problems: from toothache to neurological disorders. Only a veterinary examination will give a clear answer: to treat the body or correct the behavior.
Fear turns a cat into a wild animal
Loud noises, new people, trips – even an innocent visit from a child can cause panic. A frightened pet attacks not out of anger, but out of desperation. If you notice pinned ears, raised fur or sharp movements of the tail, let him hide. Forced contact will aggravate the problem.
Game without rules
Kittens deprived of communication with their relatives do not learn to control their bites. As they grow older, they perceive their owners' hands as prey, attacking "as a joke." Stop this immediately: replace your fingers with fishing rod toys, and stop the game immediately after an overly active attack.
Weasel as a provocateur
Some cats tolerate petting for only a few minutes. Overexcitement causes them to bite without warning. Learn to read the signals: a tense body, a twitching tail, a frozen gaze.
The window is a source of disappointment
A bird behind glass or a neighbor's cat can cause frustration. Without access to the irritant, the animal takes out its anger on the first thing that gets under its paw. In such cases, limiting the view (closed curtains) or creating "safe" areas for observation helps.
Territory or status?
Cats guard their space more fiercely than dogs. A new pet, a guest, or even the smell of another cat on their clothes will provoke an attack. A separate story is the struggle for leadership: a pet can block the door or hiss at those lower in the hierarchy. Separating feeding areas and personal space for each animal will help here.
Hormones vs. Common Sense
Uncastrated male cats often fight with rivals during the period of sexual hunting. Sterilization resolves 90% of such conflicts. However, mother cats will protect their offspring even from their owners - this is a temporary phenomenon that requires caution.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya