Aggression in cats

Aggression in cats isn't taken as seriously as dogs because they don't look as threatening but surprisingly it's the second most common feline behavioral problem observed. Cats have five potential weapons of har,m: their teeth and all four paws. To understand where cats are coming from and to help better predict the next attack, as a cat parent, the first step to prevent aggression is to have a little knowledge of cat body language; which will enable you to better read your cat.

Cat body language is made up of their posture, facial expressions, and the position and carriage of certain body parts like ears, tail, and sometimes whiskers. Cat's body language is harder to interpret than dogs because it's so subtle, but knowing the basics can be a huge help. Threats and aggression can be either offensive or defensive so keep a lookout for these signs

Offensive postures include:

A stiff, straight-legged upright stance
Stiffened rear legs, with the rear end raised and the back, sloped downward toward the head
The tail is stiff and lowered or held straight down to the ground
Direct stare
Upright ears, with the backs, rotated slightly forward
Piloerection (hackles up), including fur on the tail
Constricted pupils
Directly facing opponent, possibly moving toward him
Might be growling, howling, or yowling

Defensive postures include:

Crouching
Head tucked in
Tail curved around the body and tucked in
Eyes wide open with pupils partially or fully dilated
Ears flattened sideways or backward on the head
Piloerection (hackles up)
In an anxious cat, whiskers might be retracted. In a fearful cat, whiskers might pan out and forward to assess the distance between himself and the danger
Turning sideways to the opponent, not straight on
Open-mouthed hissing or spitting
Might deliver quick strikes with front paws, claws out

Down below are some of my favorite tips to reduce aggression in cats and how to introduce them to each other.

Tips to reduce aggression

1) Aggressive cats might not want to so socialize so it's important to give it some space and learn to be comfortable around you first. Trust your cat and don't punish them for being aggressive, it'll only make it worse

2) Provide a variety of toys and be sure to play and spend time with them daily as aggression can sometimes be just due to an overstimulated cat which means they have too much energy they need to let out.

3) Don't teach the cat to play with your hands, this can lead the cat to think your hands are prey.

> Build an outdoor enclosure

4) Try pheromones that mimic natural cat odor which can reduce stress

5) If it's a female, maybe she's just having a motherly instinct of protecting her babies.

6) You can also use food to teach the cat that you mean no harm and aren't a threat. You can also reward them for non-aggressive behavior

7) Get a vet visit! It's always safe to go for a checkup for any underlying issues.

How to let cats meet

1) Start with a slow introduction. Keep them in separate rooms with all the essentials, but they should be able to smell each other through closed doors.

2) NO PHYSICAL CONTACT for first few days-week

3) After a few days, switch the positions of the cats. Let the newcomer investigate the house while the old cat goes into the room of the newcomer. Make sure there's no physical contact yet and switch them back after they're done.

4) Once they're comfortable, introduce them during meal times while still separated. Both cats can be on either side of the doors and eating at the same time so they associate each other with non-threatening situations. During this time, the door can be slightly opened so they sense each other and if there's no aggression, bring the food bowls closer, but if there is, position bowls further apart and try again.

5) Restrain them both on opposite ends of the same room in either carriers or harnesses so they can observe the other.

6) This whole process can take months at times, and if either cat shows any signs of aggression/ anxiety it means the introduction process is going too fast. Just try to remain patient and go slow and your cats will be the best of friends!