On this two-part weblog, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT opinions the highest 10 tips about stopping aggression in cats. Take a look at part one to be taught extra about cat aggression and coping with an already aggressive cat!
Final month we talked in regards to the forms of aggression that we are able to see in cats, and a few normal tips on reduce it. Right now we’ll talk about the highest 10 tricks to stop aggression in cats within the first place!
1. Guarantee that kittens are effectively socialized.
I personally don’t prefer to separate kittens from their mom or littermates till 7-8 weeks of age; the longer you’ll be able to preserve them collectively, the extra the mom and siblings may also help with the socialization! That is the important time interval the place kittens be taught cat manners. They’ll be taught necessary classes like not scratching or biting, and the way “tough” play will be. Likewise, attempt to socialize kittens to people throughout this time interval too!
2. Keep away from creating territorial aggression by spaying or neutering your cat by 5 months of age.
This might be necessary not solely to forestall intercourse hormones from inflicting undesirable behavioral modifications—like urine spraying and combating—however to assist stop pet overpopulation too!
3. Keep away from utilizing your arms or ft when taking part in together with your cat.
Some cats lack social abilities and might’t management their claws or enamel and should chunk throughout play. You don’t need your cat to make use of you as a toy when your cat has play aggression. If you happen to’re taking part in together with your cat and so they get aggressive, cease what you’re doing instantly, ignore your cat, and stroll away. This will assist educate him that play aggression isn’t rewarded and leads to “no play time” in any respect. If you happen to discover your cat attacking your arms or ft, direct their consideration in direction of one thing else, like a toy. My veterinary-recommended favourite? A feather securely tied onto a thick rope and string.
Additionally, please notice that you need to NEVER use your hand (or human physique elements) to separate cats when combating, as cat bites may cause critical harm and an infection. If it’s essential to break up a battle, use one thing else as a substitute—a brush, piece of cardboard, and so on.
4. Present a separate protected place for sources for every cat that you’ve got.
That means every cat can go someplace for some alone time. Make certain there’s loads of toys, a litter field, meals, a clear water supply, and a sleeping space. It will assist stop combating over sources. Yow will discover some unbelievable info on the Ohio State College’s Indoor Cat Initiative HERE.
5. Think about a meals sport machine that helps stimulate your cat “looking” for meals.
This may even present some environmental enrichment for them.
6. Take away any stimuli that make your cat aggressive.
When you’ve got a stray cat strolling as much as your window, shut the window or use a window shade to forestall them from seeing one another. Likewise, in case your cat is on a window perch trying on the stray cat, transfer your cat to a special space of the home to reduce that stimulation.
7. Acknowledge the physique language of aggression in cats early.
If you happen to begin to discover any signs of aggression in your cat, break the cycle by merely startling your cat. No want for bodily contact—only a loud clap, blast of spray from a can of compressed air, or perhaps a spray of water can break the cycle. You should use a plant spray bottle (full of simply water) to spray water in your cat as quickly as you discover the aggressive conduct, when the cat simply thinks of attacking. The spray machine (which seems like a hissing cat) startles cats and breaks the cycle. Plus, most cats don’t like water sprayed on them, and it will cease the exercise in its tracks. Alternatively, you can too hiss too—that should startle your cat! Whereas our aim isn’t to scare cats, it’s necessary to distract your aggressive cat to assist him “reset.” Once more, we by no means need to use bodily punishment, as it will make your cat scared of you or lead to different irregular conduct.
8. Discuss to your veterinarian prior to later.
In part one, I discussed how underlying medical issues may cause aggression in cats. The most important mistake I see is folks attempting at-home cures first, solely to get pissed off in failure. When doubtful, seek the advice of together with your veterinarian early to get assist with environmental modification, ruling out medical issues, attempting pure holistic dietary supplements, and pharmacologic intervention for assist.
9. Shield your different cat!
When you’ve got a extra submissive cat who’s the brunt of assault, please make certain to guard her or him. Be sure to are there to oversee them, and in case you’re not dwelling, take into account including a barrier (like a child gate, separate room, and so on.). Make certain all of your cats’ nails are trimmed not less than month-to-month, to reduce the severity of harm. Think about including a bell on a cat breakaway collar so your different cats know the place the attacker could also be too!
10. Don’t be a statistic.
Over 50% of cat dad and mom report aggression of their cats when attempting to introduce a brand new cat. Assist reduce aggression in your cats by going slowly when introducing cats, serving to set the surroundings and temper! Needless to say veterinary research have discovered that the extra cats there are in a single family, the upper the prevalence of behavioral issues.
As a veterinarian and cat lover, I really like having not less than two cats. They’ve a companion, offered they get alongside. Needless to say introducing cats to different cats will be laborious, however will be finished efficiently, so don’t surrender. When doubtful, do it slowly and seek the advice of together with your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist for help when wanted. Use these tricks to stop aggression in cats earlier than it even units in!
Cowl picture by Ningyu He on Unsplash
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