Absolutely Cats

Kitty Hissy Fits

Cynthia B. Whitney, Fe-Lines


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One of the things cat lovers enjoy most about cats is their easy-going, loving attitudes. If your cat suddenly acts aggressively, don’t assume he is just having a bad hair day. Something isn’t right in his world.

To know if you should run for cover or just pet him and reassure him all is well, you need to know your cat. Observe his daily routine. As a creature of habit, he will show you his normal times and ways of doing things, how much petting or holding he likes, and how much play he can withstand. When you learn your cat’s routine, and limits, you will more easily recognize when he’s not acting like his normal, wonderful self. Watch his body language and listen to his voices. Cat lovers know that when you get to know your cat, you will have to interact with him on his terms, for best results.

If your cat is in an aggressive mode, you need to evaluate the situation. Try to see things from the cat’s point of view. Is there an outside irritant causing an agressive behavior? Look around; listen. Many small things that wouldn’t disturb a human can cause fear and terror in a small mammal like a feline.

A cat that acts aggressively for no apparent reason (to you) could be ill. To rule out any medical causes, take your cat to his veterinarian as soon as possible. Try to look around the areas where the cat has been to see if he has vomited, or has possibly ingested a foreign object or toxic item, like a houseplant.

When medical causes are ruled out, you need to look for other causes. Keep in mind fear is an aggression trigger to most living things. We fear the unknown and things we can’t control, or when our security is in jeopardy.

Cats can be afraid of people, but, most often, their aggressive behavior is toward another cat. In one study, 85% of cats swatted at another cat, 80% hissed, 70% fought with the other cat. Only 25% hissed or growled at another person. If you have multiple housecats that don’t get along very well, you can separate them by minimizing the times they have to come in contact with each other. Provide separate litter boxes, in different rooms, and separate feeding dishes, and beds.

Male cats do tend to fight more often than female cats. To minimize the tomcat from fighting, it has been well proven that neutering a male cat before puberty greatly reduces his tendency to want to fight. A male can be neutered at five months of age. Some veterinarians will do it at three months. If a neutered cat still fights, progestin therapy has proven to be helpful in most cases. This also helps in cases where the cat is spraying, even if neutered. Other drugs, such as diazepam (Valium) and mild tranquilizers such as acepromazine (“ace”) can assist in reducing aggressive behavior. Dosages are reduced as the misbehavior decreases.

Redirected aggression occurs when your cat gets irritated by something else and passes the aggression on to you instead. He may see another cat outside and can’t get to it. While upset, you come into the room. He hisses at you or even tries to attack you. All you can do here is try to discourage the behavior with deterrents such as a water sprayer, or making a sharp noise and firmly saying “no!” A water sprayer can help in many misbehaviors, such as scratching on furniture, but is best if done annonamously. If your cat sees you spraying the bottle at him, he will come to fear you, which is not what you are trying to accomplish.

Your cat may be exhibiting the “top cat” syndrome. The aggressor may swat at the other cat, or prevent him from eating in the food dish, etc. Giving equal attention and comforting petting to both cats can help minimize this behavior. Keep that water sprayer handy, too.

Dominant/territorial behavior often occurs in an otherwise calm, resident cat when a new kitten is introduced. His security is being threatened. This is fear of safety and fear of not being the one who is going to get all your love and attention. Again, giving both cats equal attention and re-assuring petting sessions will help this. Remember to introduce a new kitten gradually.

The territorial behavior can be a reaction to a new person in your house, too. It can also be triggered by a new sofa, carpet, or even re-arranging of furniture. This goes along with the fear of the unknown. Remember that unknown noises, odors, moving to a new place, new people or even a baby can threaten your cat’s sense of security, and thus, he will react in the only way he knows: with fearful aggression. This is a defense mechanism triggered instinctively.

Predatory aggression comes in the form of stalking and pouncing on your feet as you walk by. This is common in cat’s that weren’t socialized well as kittens. It’s often just a playful action. But, it’s one that should be discouraged. As I tell kitten buyers, especially with children, “ body parts are not toys.” It may be fun to rassle your foot with a small kitten. But, when your cat is a fully grown fifteen pounder, it isn’t so fun. You can easily discourage this behavior with any dangling toy, teaser, or stuffed toy they can “attack” with safety.

A cat with reoccurring aggressive misbehavior may need a behavior modification program, a cat behaviorist specialist, or just some more quality time with his loving person.

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