Aggression in Cats

Cats are naturally territorial animals. Therefore, it is common for a cat to have aggressive tendencies toward other cats in the house. This behavior can suddenly happen for no apparent reason. When your cat first shows aggression toward other cats it is important to take corrective action.

Often times aggression is the result of sexual maturity which leads to territorial behavior in cats. In most cases, a cat's sexual and territorial urges will be minimized once they are spayed or neutered. If both cats have had this procedure and you are still having a problem, then consider some other options.

If you have several cats in your household, a single aggressive cat will often want to dominate the pack. Many times a single cat or pair of cats will be the problem. One will be the aggressor, and the other cat will be on the defensive. One method is to single out and focus on the aggressor.

If you can catch the aggressive cat in the act, try and spray him with a squirt bottle. Make sure the spray is directed only toward the aggressive cat. The defensive cat will be under enough stress and should not be provoked with water or noise. Noise making devices such as air-cans, will essentially scare both cats which is what you want to avoid by using a squirt bottle.

Unfortunately it is not always possible to catch an aggressive cat in the act. This is a must if your discipline is to be effective. Luckily, there are other effective solutions such as setting up your own conditions for the behavior to occur.

Try moving the two problem cats away from one another by putting each of them in a separate area of the house. Try this for a full day and make sure they do not have any contact with each other. The following day, allow them to trade places. This allows each cat to get familiar with the others scent yet does not allow for direct contact.

Continue with the cat's separation for several days, switching their quarters regularly. When you think the cats are ready, allow them to be together for several minutes under close supervision. Have the squirt bottle ready in case the aggressive cat attacks. Then proceed to separate and reintroduce the cats several more times.

Upon reintroduction, try an activity together such as eating or playing. Create a stress free environment for the cats to re-associate with one another. Give them praise and speak to them in a soothing voice. If the aggressive behavior occurs, make sure you are ready for it!

You may have to continue with the separation and reintroduction process for several days or even weeks. Your cat's aggression toward other cats is a problem that you must be patient to solve. The time it takes to overcome the problem will depend on the personality of both cats.

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