Cat Behavior Dominance

Practical Ways Of Dealing With Cat Aggression

If you have heard two cats fight, then you know how much a nuisance it can create especially when it happens in the still and quiet hours of early morning. Although the cats may just be acting from instinct, this kind of cat behavior is a serious matter and must be given due attention.

There are many reasons why cats fight. It could be between two males who are trying to assert their territorial dominance over each other or two males fighting over a female. Whatever the reason, there are some things you should and should not do when dealing with aggressive cat behavior.

Never attempt to separate cats while they are in the middle of a fight or you will become one of the casualties yourself. Fighting cats are so intent in their squabble that even an approaching vehicle cannot break them up. The most effective way of separating fighting cats is to throw water over them. You may also make a sudden and loud noise but be sure you are not disturbing the neighbors. Or you may throw something soft at them just to startle them and remove their focus on their fight.

Ignoring them will not make them stop. You may have heard or experienced the baby-like crying sounds cats make when one of them has retreated from the fight but the other one still wants to get at it. The best thing to do is to break them up as soon as possible.

After successfully separating the cats and yours is already safe at home, what you need to do is to check if it is okay. If you feel there is a need for medical attention, you should take it to a certified veterinarian for a proper and more thorough checkup.

If your cat has been neutered or sterilized, this may be the reason for its altered behavior. It is a hormonal problem and a seasoned vet can greatly help in this regard. You may also check for appropriate vaccinations or operations for your cat.

If the other cat is the one that has been neutered, then maybe your cat is not the problem at all. Check whether the other cat is indeed neutered. However, if that is not possible, consult its owner, but avoid sounding accusing when you do. Many unnecessary confrontations and fights between neighbors have ensued caused by making conclusions without the necessary investigation.

If this is the first time your cat has been involved in a fight, then there may be nothing really serious about it. You just need to find a way to keep it separated from the other felines. Locking up a cat would not be a good solution although it could temporarily suffice just to give you enough time to make the proper arrangements.

If the problem with your cat persists after you have done all you can do, then it may be time to consult a professional.