Why Is My Cat Aggressive Towards Me?

Does your cat becomes aggressive at some point after it has been petted for a while?

Is your cat fearful and aggressive when you try to approach it?

Did your cat became aggressive after it was chased by the dog or after a fight with another cat?

Did your cat became aggressive after the painful procedure?

Does your cat becomes aggressive after hearing loud, high-frequency sounds?

Does the aggression include cat mounting your arm or an ankle, grabbing the skin with its teeth, and initiating pelvic thrusting?

Your cat shows signs of petting aggression. Some cats do not tolerate being petted for a long period. Typically, aggression occurs sooner and is more intense if the person has initiated the petting, e.g. by picking the cat up and putting them in their lap, than if the cat initiated the petting. Don’t pet the cat for a prolonged period. Wait for the cat to initiate patting – and then keep it short.

Cats usually display fear aggression when they feel threatened, especially when cornered. Initially, the cat tends to show defensive body language and will attempt to avoid the person they are afraid of, but when cornered they may become quite aggressive. Avoid potential triggering situations. Systematically desensitize the cat by gradual exposure to the fearful stimulus.

Redirected aggression occurs when a human attempts to handle a cat that is aroused by something unrelated to the person, e.g. the dog has been chasing the cat or the cat is fighting with another cat. Avoid handling the cat if they appear aroused by something. Alternatively, systematically desensitize the cat by gradual exposure to the fearful stimulus.

Pain-induced aggression may be shown in response to a painful procedure or the anticipation of a painful procedure. Chronic pain may also increase irritability and make the cat more aggressive (e.g. arthritis). Systematic and gradual desensitization to situations that were previously associated with pain is the best way to end your cat's aggressive behavior.

Cats may respond to certain sound frequencies with aggression. Examples include a baby crying, another cat crying, high-frequency whistling or squeaking sounds. A possible explanation might be the elicitation of predatory behavior by high-frequency sounds. Avoid trigger sound frequencies (where possible).

Sexual aggression is typical only for male cats. Learn to recognize the triggers for an aggressive sexual mount and then avoid the situation. When this behavior starts, distract the cat with a toy instead of food (food treats should not be given if the cat is already showing aggression as this may negatively reinforce the behavior).

The most common type of aggression is play-aggression. Vigorous play in cats is part of normal cat behavior. Play aggression typically involves the cat approaching the target (stalking) and then leaping onto the target. There is usually no warning growl or hiss. The cat does not exhibit dominance posturing toward the victim and does not retreat from or avoid the victim with characteristic signs of fear. Do not encourage aggressive play. Provide it with interesting toys, and rotate their use.