When we welcome a cat, we do not always know their past. Cats’ memories are sharp and not as forgiving as compared to a dog’s. Your feline friend is not praise driven, they instead feel most at ease and comfortable with humans who oblige their desire to be respected. For a cat that’s dealing with fear aggression, this can come as a result of a traumatic experience that has left them emotionally scarred. Cats are sensitive beings, and not as quick to forget situations that have left a lasting impression on them. As a result, fear-induced aggression can take hold. Cats are truly individuals by nature, with some being more reserved than others. But regardless of a cat’s general disposition, fear aggression has the potential to arise in any cat that has had one or more negative experiences that have caused them to be this way.
Keep reading to learn more about fear aggression in cats, the signs to watch for, and ways to help a cat dealing with it…
Know that aggression in cats is not uncommon
In case you didn’t know, one of the main reasons that cats end up in shelters comes as a result of aggression. But it’s important to note that cats are non-confrontational by nature. If a cat turns aggressive, this is something that they are choosing to do as a defense mechanism to help them cope with an underlying problem. (Cats are not spiteful either, although some argue otherwise.) Cornell University’s Feline Health Center explains that feline aggression is a complex topic, but that there are specific triggers and targets that can signal aggression in cats. For cats who are experiencing fear aggression, it is very well possible that they could have come from an abusive home. A kitty which is driven by their fear response is quick to react and will often be more of a “scaredy cat” type of feline in terms of disposition. If you’d like to know some other telltale signs that a cat has come from an abusive home, you can learn about them here in my article on the subject.
What exactly is fear aggression in cats?
Fear-induced aggression is centered around an experience that has left a cat emotionally scared. It is mainly driven by a cat’s anxiety. A cat can respond in fear when encountering an unfamiliar person, pet, or place. A strange smell or a sudden loud noise can also trigger fear in them.
Signs of fear aggression in cats include:
Hissing/Growling Swatting Biting—especially while being pet Exposing of teeth For a cat that has had their fear-induced response triggered, you can clearly observe a change in not only their attitude but also in their body language. It might seem as if a flip has switched in the mind of your cat. Body language is the most common sign to watch for when it comes to aggression in cats. And it can help you to better protect yourself when you sense danger ahead.
Tips to help your cat cope with their fear-induced aggression
Obviously, patience is key here. Try to create an environment for your cat that does not trigger their anxious aggression to rear its head. Respecting your cat and making life as peaceful as possible for them, will help. Certain cats are indeed better as only cats (or only pets for that matter), and this is often the case with cats who are living with fear and aggression. Above all, never punish your cat for reacting the way that they do when their fear aggression is triggered because this will only make matters worse. If your cat’s fear-aggression is so severe that it’s causing great distress to both you and your cat, consider consulting your veterinarian for advice. This is important because underlying health issues that are causing your cat pain can also trigger aggression. So, it’s best to have them examined by a licensed pet health professional to rule out any health concerns. Feline aggression is risky for both cats and humans. In order to solve the problem, you must first pinpoint the triggers for your cat’s aggression. Read here on Cattitude Daily to learn more on this topic.
