Do you ever wonder why your friendly and peaceful pet can suddenly transform into a hissing, spitting ball of fury? Seemingly without reason? Let's take a closer look at cat behavior and uncover the phenomenon of re-directed aggression.
Our expansive guide on cat aggression toward humans sheds light on various triggers, and one of them stands out - redirected aggression. In this article, we'll explore what redirected aggression in cats is, how it can be prevented, and what actions should be taken when it surfaces.
Re-directed Aggression: An Analogy
Picture a day full of turmoil at your job. Disagreements with colleagues or customers have left you fuming. Adrenaline courses through your veins, stirring up a potent cocktail of stress and frustration.
On your way out, an innocent passerby bumps into you. Isn't it likely that your reaction is a bit sharper than usual? That's redirected aggression at play, and cats experience a similar psychological reaction.
SIGN UP FOR THECATSITE'S EMAIL UPDATES >
The Aggression Switch In Cats
Cats can experience a surge of stress-induced aggression, triggered by perceived threats in their environment - a strange animal's scent, disruptive noises, or any potential danger. When these threats stir up a cat's fight-or-flight response, even the most loving pet-owner might be mistaken for an adversary.
Re-directed aggression can result in attacks on other pets or even their human companions. Your once-cuddly companion might suddenly seem possessed, lashing out without apparent reason. The reality? The aggression, initially directed at the external threat, has been transferred to the closest accessible target - you.
The cat's entire body reacts, adrenaline preparing it for that dramatic fight-or-flight response. It's on "high alert" mode. Unaware, you casually approach your cat and reach out to pet her, only to find yourself faced with a cat from hell, back arched, hissing and spitting, and possibly attacking your hand.
What happened? The cat's aggression, which had been building up in response to an external stimulus, was instantly redirected and released towards the immediate object—yourself. In all likelihood, your over-stressed cat didn't even know it was you at that moment. Her senses were screaming "danger", and she responded to the nearest stimulus that "broke the spell".
Redirected aggression can be manifested between cats or towards a person. The cat strikes pretty much at the nearest moving object, regardless of who or what it is.
Our article about cat aggression towards people covers possible reasons, including redirected aggression. Let's try and explore redirected aggression in cats, how to prevent it and what to do when it happens.
Taming The Storm: Handling A Cat's Re-directed Aggression
Encountering such aggression can be startling, but the way you respond can be the difference between a one-off incident and a recurring problem. It's crucial to stay calm, provide your cat with space, and avoid exacerbating the situation with loud noises or sudden movements. The adrenaline-charged fury can take minutes or even hours to dissipate, so patience is essential.
Whatever caused your cat to attack, your response should be the same. You need to keep calm and try to soothe the cat by letting her be and not fussing over her. Give the adrenaline time to loosen its grip on her. Whatever you do, do not shout or otherwise express anger.
If your cat hisses at you or shows any signs of aggression, don't try to touch her or otherwise interact with her. Look away and move away, giving her time to calm down completely. Make sure other people and pets are aware of the situation and keep their distance from the cat.
Your cat can take minutes, or even hours, to regain her composure, depending on her temperament and the nature of the threat that triggered her aggression. Some cats remain "wound up" for days after a major incident.
If your cat grabs your arm, or any other body part, with its claws and/or teeth—don't panic. Just relax and remain calm. Try to look away from the cat and just relax your body to let it know you're not a threat.
Yes, easier said than done, but your reactions can spell the difference between a one-time occurrence and a behavioral problem. Once the cat lets go, get away from her and give her some space. Don't attempt to touch her or pet her before you're sure she's back to her normal self. If your cat attacked another cat, read here about How To Safely Break Up A Cat Fight.
Prevention Is Key: How To Keep Your Cat Calm
Understanding your cat's behavior is the first step towards prevention. Recognizing signs of discomfort or fear can allow you to take preventative measures before the aggression is directed towards you. Strive to create a peaceful, safe environment that minimizes perceived threats and fosters tranquility for your pet.
The sudden aggression of your cat doesn't signal the end of your harmonious co-existence. With understanding, patience, and appropriate actions, you can ensure such outbursts are a rarity. Stay tuned as we delve further into this subject, offering actionable advice and tips to maintain a peaceful and loving relationship with your cat.
Learn your cat's body language and pay attention to it. You can tell that your cat is feeling threatened if you see her staring at something intently, her pupils enlarged and her body tensing, possibly arching. Once that happens, remove yourself and others—human and pet alike— out of harm's way and let her cool off.
Try to eliminate potential threats—and anything that may be perceived as a threat—from your cat's environment. If intact males come near your windows, make sure they get neutered and/or kept away from your home.
Make sure guests do not show up with their pets when they visit you. Supervise interactions between your cats and young guests and make sure Kitty is never harassed. You know your cat best, so think ahead and try to remove potential threats ahead of time.
Remember, just because your cat attacked you does not mean she's going to do it again. Address potential threats in her environment and know what to do if your cat feels threatened, and you won't have to deal with another attack ever again.
SIGN UP FOR THECATSITE'S EMAIL UPDATES >
Comments? Leave them using the form below. Questions? Please use the cat forums for those!
Note: We may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page.
6 comments on “Re-Directed Aggression In Cats [Insight And Solutions]”