Cats can become aggressive for a number of reasons. A normally docile cat may attack if it becomes fearful. If a cat comes in contact with an animal with which it is unfamiliar, the cat may respond aggressively. One way to prevent this fear response is to socialize the cat early and continue the socialization process throughout its life.
Though a cat may be kept indoors for its safety, a cat should not be completely isolated. If a cat has not been exposed to other pets early and often, the cat may exhibit cat aggression as a fear response when it sees a dog or other animal for the first time. A cat may respond by running and hiding from the dog. Cat aggression and being timid are common results from a lack of socialization.
Even if the owner of a kitten does not expect the kitten to be exposed to dogs in the future, they should try to have the kitten socialized to accept dogs and other animals. Circumstances change. An unforeseen situation may require the cat to share a household with a dog. Even if a cat will never be forced to share a house with a dog or other pet, the cat is likely to at least be exposed to dogs during the cat’s veterinary visits.
During any cat socialization process, the cat owner tries to associate the new experience as a positive one. While introducing a kitten to other cats and other animals, the kitten owner should make sure the kitten feels secure. Wile socializing a kitten, holding the kitten higher than the other animal often helps the kitten feel more secure. Feeding cat treats to the kitten during the encounter and praising the kitten for calm behavior can help the kitten associate the other animal as a positive.
The other animal should be well trained. A dog that may act aggressively or too intrusively to the kitten may cause this socialization experience to backfire. If the dog or other animal shows aggression or intrusive curiosity, the kitten may learn that other animals are dangerous. Once something like that is learned, it takes more socialization to correct the problem. Even if the socialization experience goes well, socialization is a process that needs to be ongoing.
More Cat Related Articles
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Every cat has limits to what they tolerate before becoming aggressive.
Types Of Cat Aggression
Most animals are instinctually aggressive at times.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:36 am
This answer really did not help me at all. I have a cat who is used to being around dogs. He tolerated our dogs, friends, and relatives dogs. This winter we got a new dog and suddenly Latte is super cat. He attacks without provacation and chases the dog down. He is actually even drawing blood. Any ideas on what is going on with my (used to be) sweet little kitty? Oh, and Latte leaves other dogs alone, just not this one dog.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
This article needs a new title. I have the same problem and Linda and thought I finally found an answer. Our cat has been around a dog all his life and recently we introduced a new one.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:06 am
Oh I know what you mean! My cat has been with us for a couple years and has tolerated our three dogs and multiple fosters nicely but my most recent foster dog seems to be the perfect target for her aggression. She’s never really been a nice cat but she will occasionally rub up on my other three dogs.
She is literally stalking the new foster though and the dog couldn’t be more terrified. She’s never seen a crate in her life but is so grateful for the safety that she flew into it and hasn’t budged. I can’t even let her sleep in my bed with the other dogs because the cat will come in during the night and pick a fight again.
I’m not sure what to do about her. I adore my rescue work and plan to do it for a living as soon as possible but this cat cannot keep attacking shelter dogs because she is just going to create fear and eventually aggression in the dogs and that will really hurt their chances of finding a home.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:44 am
I’m having the some problems as the responders. My cat is attacking my dog. It seems like jealousy but I don’t know how to fix it. My cat is clearly not getting what she needs but I don’t know how I can provide her with any more. Right now, she is removed to the basement when she attacks.