Aggression in Cats - Figuring Out What Causes Your Cat to Bite and Scratch You

If your cat is biting or clawing you, you will need to do a little detective work to figure out why. Aggression in cats takes many forms, and the solution of the problem depends on the cause, which often is one or more of the following three:

1) If your cat is striking out because he is afraid or hurting, your best bet is to leave him alone and work on the underlying problem. A cat in pain will have his ears flat back against his head, and his body will be rolled into a defensive posture low against the ground, with claws up and ready. Your cat is saying, "Do not come near me!" Let him calm down, or hide if need be, before you get your veterinarian to check him out.

2) If you are petting your cat, and all of a sudden grabs you with his claws and teeth, he probably has been overstimulated. What should you do in this case? In the short run, freeze. Do not hit your cat, because that might trigger another even harder bite. Sometimes by smacking your other hand against a table will trigger your cat to release your hand. However, if you just stay still, he will calm down and release you. Cat lovers often think these attacks come without warning, but in truth, you have failed to recognize his body language, and he has simply had enough. Often these attacks come if you if you have been petting his belly. This is a very sensitive area for cats, and even if he appears to want you to pet his belly, you are always better off leaving that area alone.

3) The cat who pounces on your feet, then bounces off the wall is not trying to hurt you, but he is playing. For this cat, you should increase your play sessions with your cat using an appropriate toy, such as a cat fishing pole, or a toy on a string, and not one of your body parts, to help your cat burn off excess energy before you have a quiet petting session. Let him know that attacks such as these are not permitted, by blasting an air horn, or squirting him with a spray bottle.

Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. His newest interest is in home improvement products. Please visit his latest website about tools at Tile Saw Reviews and the best Workforce Tile Saw and other tile cutters and related products that every home improvement needs.