When a cat is upset or furious about something, they typically show it by acting out. Gaining insight into those actions could prevent harm to you. Discourage kids from pursuing or shackling cats by teaching them how to play softly with them. Never go near an unfamiliar cat. Allow it to come towards you if you have to interact with one.
What symptoms indicate aggression in cats?
Even though cats have been a part of our lives and homes for centuries, many pet owners are incredibly ignorant when it comes to recognizing the warning indications of fear, aggression, or rage in these animals. Aside from the obvious "Halloween cat" stance (arched back, raised hair, ears back, hissing), cats can also exhibit more subdued and easily overlooked postures and behaviors. While it could be unavoidable to encounter a confrontational situation with a cat at some point, there are some guidelines that can (ideally) help you prevent harm if that happens.
Luckily, most cats show their displeasure or anger by displaying some type of visible behavior. Regretfully, some of these indicators can be extremely subtle and challenging to recognize:
- avoiding making eye contact or focusing on you directly
- dilated eyes
- head lowered
- swishing the tail sharply back and forth
- elevated fur on the back, tail, and neck
- extending the tail
- ears pressed back or flattened against the head
- snarling and hissing
Sometimes the warning signals of peril come on quickly and seemingly out of nowhere. caressing-evoked aggression, for instance, happens when someone is caressing a cat and the cat appears to be enjoying the connection (typically while the cat is on the person's lap), but the cat abruptly snaps at the person or bites them. The easiest method to avoid this issue is to cease petting before the cat reaches its limit, as this behavior makes the most sense given that certain cats have a limited tolerance for being handled. Sadly, the warning signals before a bite or strike can be extremely faint; sometimes, a problem might only be indicated by a tail flick or an ear flick. Recognizing those behaviors for what they are could prevent harm to the individual.
How am I going to stay safe?
- Make a distance when unsure. As long as it is safe for you to do so, let the cat to try to escape from you. Stop chasing the cat or trying to restrain it in any way. A cat's natural instinct is to flee from you if it feels scared or hostile. It might not get much worse as long as it can accomplish that. A cat should always have a way out of a situation. In general, a cat is less likely to attack or become more violent if it can escape.
- Maintain a steady gait and a quiet voice. You cannot outrun a cat. A scared or annoyed cat will be startled or agitated by sudden movements or loud noises (like shouting).
- See your veterinarian. Your cat may become violent due to medical concerns, hormonal changes, or painful situations. Resolving these issues could aid in the behavior's abolition.
- Find out what the cat enjoys and dislikes if you have the time. While some cats genuinely enjoy being picked up and held, others vehemently object. When the same cat who refuses to be lifted up wants to curl up on your lap when you're seated, this may appear contradictory. Negotiation is often necessary while engaging with cats; if picking them up won't work, don't do it.
- Teach the kids. Children may unintentionally hurt cats or act in ways that make them scared or hostile toward them. They may also handle cats roughly. It's necessary to teach certain kids how to play softly with cats. Very young children may also pick up a cat that is resistant to being picked up, or they may pursue or confine a cat that is attempting to escape from them. It is best to discourage these kinds of actions.
- Introduce new pets cautiously and in supervised settings. Try to keep at least one animal on a leash when your cat meets another animal, be it a dog or another cat. It is not necessary to reach into the battle to separate the fighters if a fight breaks out because they can be pulled apart. Furthermore, don't be shocked if your cat takes a while to get along with a new pet. Fights can usually be avoided as long as the two pets can get away from each other and do not need to compete for food or attention.
More advice
Never approach an unfamiliar cat and never pursue a cat that is attempting to escape from you. If you have to talk to them, let them come over to you. If you have to pick up the cat to assist it, use a towel or other protective object to keep yourself safe. If the cat is hurt or in pain, it may become more aggressive.
Despite their diminutive stature, cats can still be harmful. You can get major injuries from even a kitten. Cat bites can potentially cause serious tissue swelling and infection. Cat scratch fever is an illness that resembles the flu and is caused by germs that can be spread by scratches and bites. Even if the cat is owned by a friend or relative, you should always exercise caution when handling a stranger's cat.
