Many people do not understand why one minute our cats can be loving, affection, and playful, and then the next minute our cats are biting, hissing, and pouncing us. What causes them to behave this way? Is it something we did? Can it be stopped? Well, of course it can. We simply need to understand our feline friends a little better.
First, you need to understand your cat. Cats are still animals at heart, even though we have domesticated them. They still have the predator in their genes and get that hankering to attack something every once in a while. In general, predatory attacks on humans are just for play (such as biting a wiggling toe or the like), but they can still cause injury and serious infection.
It is important to prevent this kind of behavior that your cat is properly socialized. This process needs to start as early as possible. If you can start when they are kittens. If not your grown cat will still get the idea. Here you will need to expose your cat to many different kinds of people. People with different skin colors, of different genders, and with different voices. The more people they are exposed to they less likely it will be that they will be surprised by anyone. Plus, NEVER let your cat play roughly with anyone. If your cat bites, or scratches during play. Stop playing immediately, and in a stern voice say “OUCH!” Now, leave them alone for a while. After a few interrupted sessions they’ll get the idea.”
Cats are also subject to over-stimulation. If your cat only likes to be handled for three to five minutes at a time, don’t push the issue. You have to let them make the calls in this case if you don’t want to get bitten or scratched. It’s not a matter of them trusting you, it’s just their cat attitude that determines the length of time they will let you handle them.
In some cases the aggression can be health related. Since you cat doesn’t know how to tell you they are in pain, or are not feeling well. They wait out the problem, and when you go to pick them up or pet them, and it causes your cat discomfort, they will react aggressively. Take them to the vet to rule out any health issues. Take them to the vet regularly to keep them in optimal health.
What it all boils down to is common sense. Try seeing things from your cat’s point of view and try to understand them. Your cat is not a person and does not react to things like you do. By understanding their boundaries and putting up some boundaries of your own, you can form a strong bond with your cat that will last for years.
Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, visit http://www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems fast.
- Kathrynn Kelley