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Overview:
There are many causes of
aggression in cats, some directed towards humans, some directed
towards other pets.
In any case of
aggression, the first step is to take your cat to the vet for a
thorough medical examination to rule out anything medical
causing the aggressive behavior.
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What causes play
aggression?
Play aggression is usually seen in kittens
& young active cats under 2 years of age. As frustrating as it can be towards their human
companions, play aggression is quite normal in kittens. This
type of aggression is predatory in nature & is commonly seen
among littermates, and not only does it provide exercise for
the kittens but also serves as a way to practice & learn
predatory behavior which in the wild is necessary to hunt down
& kill prey. While a kittens littermates are happy to
engage in this type of behavior with one another, it is not so
enjoyable to us humans or older cats. The good news is that
play aggression does taper off as the cat reaches adulthood.
How to deal with play
aggression:
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The best way to deal with this
type of aggression is to redirect it towards a more
appropriate source such as cat toys. Ensure you provide your
cat with adequate toys in which to explore his predatory
behaviors such as wand type toys (on a rod, with a feather at
the end of some string) to chase & soft toys to attack.
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Spend 30-60 minutes per day
actively playing with your kitten, this provides an outlet for
excess energy & you can direct the play fighting towards
appropriate toys.
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If your kitten is attacking you
during petting, learn to read your cat's body
language. Before an attack its eyes will be wide, tail
swishing & the ears may be back & flat on the head. This is the time to stop
petting.
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Often cats will ambush you as
you walk down the stairs, or hide around a corner ready to
pounce on you. Be prepared for this. If your cat jumps out at
you, use a noise deterrent (such as a whistle) to startle the
cat. Put a collar with a bell on your cat, giving you a better
chance of hearing your cat before it startles you.
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At all costs, avoid playing
roughhouse with your cat & wrestling with your hands.
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Use remote punishment as a way
to discourage your cat from attacking. Some ideas for remote
punishment include a water gun or alarm.
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Never use physical punishment on
a kitten or cat. This will not discourage play aggression, in
fact it could make the situation worse. It also serves to make
your cat fearful of you.
What are some good toys for
my kitten?
There is an endless variety of
toys on the market for cats. Toys which give your cat the
opportunity to stalk, pounce & attack are the best. I have had
great pleasure watching my cats play with wand type toys.
Cheaper options include ping pong balls, old cotton reels (with
the cotton removed), empty cardboard boxes, empty toilet rolls,
basically anything that your cat can interact with. We also have
a an article on
keeping indoor cats happy.
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