What To Do If Your Cat Is Showing Signs Of Aggression
Cats don't have the same urge to belong to a pack like dogs do, but that doesn't mean that two or more cats are unable to get along peacefully. If your cat is lashing out at other cats or even people, that doesn't mean you should give up on your kitty. Here are a few ideas to reduce your cat's aggression and improve their behavior.
Playtime
Some cats are sweet-natured, but they can still lash out when they're desperately bored. Cats have evolved to be extremely active creatures, climbing trees, hunting prey, and walking great distances. The average indoor cat, however, often doesn't have these opportunities.
To reduce your cat's aggressiveness, engage them in play on a daily basis. Find a toy that they love and let them go crazy with it. Ideally, your cat should be exhausted and panting by the end of your play session. This will burn off their excess energy and encourage them to sleep afterwards, which reduces the likelihood of lashing out at other cats and household members.
Pheromone Collars
Pheromone collars are a popular choice for helping to soothe cranky kitties. These collars emit a similar pheromone to the one that nursing mothers do. This pheromone is designed to help keep kittens calm and quiet in order to increase their survival rate while they're in the wild.
While adult cats don't need the pheromones for the same reasons, they still have a major impact on most kitties. Putting a pheromone collar on your cat can help to calm them and keep them mellow throughout the day and night. If you don't want your cat to wear a collar, you can also use pheromone air diffusers to fill the room with it instead.
Vet Visit
Lastly, consider that you may need to make a stop to your local vet's office. Irritability in cats often indicates that there's an underlying problem, like a bad tooth that needs to be pulled or even an intestinal obstruction that must be treated. Think about it this way: if you had a rotting tooth or your stomach was backed up, you'd probably be aggressive too. With regular vet visits, you can prevent these problems from happening and correct any that have already occurerd.
Cats don't have to be aggressive with one another. If your cat has recently become violent, there's probably something wrong. Visit a vet right away, such as at Pet Medical Center Of Vero Beach, to get your cat checked out and treated for any underlying problems that may be making them act violently.