Aggressive Cat? Help in Durham Region & Across Canada
If your cat is biting, swatting or lunging, it can be frightening, and heartbreaking if you’re starting to worry about keeping them. Aggression is your cat’s way of communicating that something is wrong, whether that’s fear, pain, stress or frustration. It’s also a common reason cats are given up, and many cases improve once the real cause is understood.
Start with a vet visit
Pain and illness are common hidden causes of sudden aggression, so I always ask clients to have their vet check their cat first. A cat who suddenly changes behaviour, hides, or reacts when touched in a certain spot may be hurting.
Why cats become aggressive
Once health is ruled out, common causes include:
- Fear, or feeling cornered or trapped
- Overstimulation during petting or play
- Redirected aggression (your cat can’t reach something outside the window, then lashes out at you or another cat)
- Play that has turned too rough, especially when hands are used as toys
- Tension or conflict with another cat in the home
- Stress from changes like a move, a new pet or a new baby
What to avoid
Punishing a cat, by yelling, spraying water or scruffing, usually makes fear and aggression worse. If two cats are fighting, don’t reach in with your hands. Use a large piece of cardboard, a cushion or a blanket to separate them safely.
How I help
Every cat and home is different, so I don’t offer a one-size-fits-all fix. I will:
- Learn your cat’s history, routine and triggers
- Work out what’s driving the aggression
- Build a plan using positive reinforcement and changes to your home
- Support you as you put it into practice and adjust as your cat progresses
I offer in-home visits in Durham Region and virtual sessions across Canada.