Cat's Aggressive Behavior As A Response To Petting

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Cat's Aggressive Behavior As A Response To Petting
Cat's Aggressive Behavior As A Response To Petting

Video: Cat's Aggressive Behavior As A Response To Petting

Video: Cat's Aggressive Behavior As A Response To Petting
Video: Why Does My Cat Bite Me When I Pet Him?! 2024, March
Anonim

Many cat owners have experienced such strange behavior of their pets, when the cat suddenly bites the hand of the owner stroking it and runs away. This aggressive reaction can be caused by upholding their independence and, for various reasons, can manifest itself as a response to affection.

What are the reasons for this behavior? Cats are not as socialized animals as dogs, even with representatives of their own species, they rarely come into physical contact. No wonder they say that the cat walks by itself. Sometimes cats can lick each other and sleep, snuggling against the warm side of a neighbor, but this usually ends their contact. Affectionate stroking is something alien, not characteristic of these animals.

There are many theories trying to explain the aggressive behavior of cats in response to petting

Aggressive cat face, hissing cat, photo photography
Aggressive cat face, hissing cat, photo photography

Improper socialization. Cats should be taught to humans from a very early age. Cats that have communicated with a person for at least 5 minutes a day until seven weeks of age will be much more affectionate and trusting than animals that have not met a person at this age. But this theory does not explain why properly socialized cats sometimes show aggression towards their owners.

Sensitivity threshold. According to this theory, at first cats like it when people pet them, but then it starts to annoy them. And when the cat bites the owner, it seems to be trying to say "enough, enough." An analogy can be drawn here with human behavior. Imagine someone stroking your back. At first you like it, but then you get bored, and you want to move away from that person or ask him to stop.

Pain. There is a theory that constant petting not only causes irritation in animals, but also physical pain, since static electricity generated when stroking an animal's fur negatively affects its nervous system. If your cat has a pain, and you stroke it in this particular place, then this can also cause aggressive behavior.

A sharp awakening. The cat may like being cuddled, and it will almost fall asleep (although it may keep its eyes open). If she suddenly wakes up, she may not realize that you are just stroking her, it may seem to her that you are trying to grab her. Then she will instinctively bite you and run away before realizing what is happening.

Control. According to this theory, aggressive behavior is explained by the fact that the cat always tries to maintain control over the situation - when to start stroking it, when to stop, it decides for itself. Thus, the cat emphasizes its dominant position.

How to control aggressive behavior in cats? Here are some tips to help you avoid getting bitten by your darlings when you pet them.

Show your pet to the vet. It is important to find out if he has any disease that may cause pain. For example, arthritis in the neck, back or hip joints, aching teeth, and ear infections can cause pain in cats. Stroking the cat can make this pain worse, or the cat may get nervous in fear that you will touch the painful area.

You should be aware that not all cats like “calf tenderness”. Each animal is individual. Some people like to communicate with a person, climb into his arms, endlessly caress. Others enjoy just being close to the person, sitting on their knees, but they don't need closer contact. Realize that it is not within your power to change the character of your cat. Accept her as she is.

You should be aware of the signs of cautionary behavior. Some owners claim that the cat suddenly turned and bit them. However, attentive wearers can see very obvious signs of irritation: ears flattened to the head, twitching of the tail and hair on the back, dilated pupils, quiet grunts, extended claws, body tension. If you notice any of these signs, stop all your movements and release the cat.

Forecasting. Now that you know the warning signs, you can time the time that your cat will patiently tolerate your pet. If your cat shows signs of irritation 2 minutes after you start petting it, never pet it for more than a minute and a half (and still watch for warning signs).

Try petting your cat in a different way. Some people prefer short, abrupt stroking movements, as if another cat is licking their fur. Others like it to be scratched under the chin, or between the ears, but not all over the body.

Never punish your cat as it can become even more aggressive

Use behavioral interventions. If your cat doesn't bite when you pet her, give her a treat, such as a small piece of chicken or another favorite treat. Repeat this action several times a day, stroking the animal little by little, without crossing the threshold of sensitivity. (Stop as soon as you notice signs of irritation.) After a while, the cat will understand that petting is something pleasant, since it is followed by a treat.

Conclusion. Many cats begin to show aggression some time after the start of petting. Find out what signs precede this behavior, and do not lead to it. Find out if everything is in order with the health of your pet. Make petting more pleasant for the cat, or take it for granted that your pet is enough for your company and does not need your touch.

Copyright holder: Zooclub portal (www.zooclub.ru)

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