There are many possible causes behind a cat acting aggressively. Aggression can take many forms, and the solution to this depends on the cause. Some examples of causes are as follows:
Fear or pain
If your cat is striking out due to being afraid or feeling painful, it is best to leave him or her alone and work on resolving the issue. Some body language noted during this type of aggression would be ears flat back against his or her head and their body rolled into a defensive posture low against the ground with claws up and ready. This is a “don’t come near me!” warning sign. You need to allow the cat to calm down – hide if need be – before you can get your veterinarian to perform an examination. Often, during these circumstances, the typically hated carrier may seem like a safe haven. It is best to offer the carrier as a shelter option – leave the carrier left in the room with your cat with the door wide open. They may choose to go in it on their own and this will save you from forcing them against their will.
Overstimulation
In the middle of petting your cat, he suddenly grabs you with his claws and teeth. It is not a full-powered attack, but you still have those sharp tips around your hand. The first step you should do is freeze. Don’t fight your cat or you may trigger a real bite. You can try smacking your hand against a nearby hard surface as the sound may startle your cat into letting go. If you stay still, however, he usually calms down and releases you.
Above are the solutions if you’ve gotten to the attack stage. The better option is to be familiar with your cat and his or her body language so you can stop petting before he or she becomes overstimulated. A crucial sign is to watch the cat’s tail: if your cat starts twitching his tail in a jerky fashion, you should stop petting immediately. If you watch for this body language, you may be able to build up your cat’s tolerance to petting. You can push up to, but never over, your cat’s level of tolerance and build slowly on your successes.
Often, the above “I’ve had enough” attacks come if you’ve been petting your cat’s belly. This is a very sensitive area for cats, and even if yours offers it to you, you’re better off seeking another area to pet. One reason is sexual in nature – your male cat becomes aroused when his belly is rubbed and reacts with a bite because that’s what feline mating behavior involves.
Play aggression
The cat who pounces on your feet and then careens off the wall isn’t trying to hurt you, even if it hurts all the same. He’s playing. You need to increase your play sessions with your cat with an appropriate toy, such as a cat fishing pole or toy on a string (not a body part of yours), to help your cat burn off his excess energy before you try for a quiet pet session. You need to correct the attack behavior by making sure he knows it is not permitted – blast an airhorn or use a spray bottle for example.
Redirected aggression
Your cat spots another cat, an intruder, outside your living room window. He becomes enraged. You walk by, and he nails you. This is an example of redirected aggression – his desired target was the cat outside but he had to settle for you. This one’s tough to fix. Options mainly revolve around keeping away outdoor visitors from nearing the home by thumping on the window or using an airhorn out the door.