Q&A for How to Properly Deal With an Aggressive Cat

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How do you calm down an aggressive cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The best way to calm an aggressive cat is to back off and give them space to calm down. Avoid making direct eye contact, as this is a challenge to the cat and will only heighten their arousal.

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Question

How do I get my cat to stop attacking me?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Try to figure out what triggers the cat to attack and under what circumstances it happens. For example, some cats lash out when stroked for too long. In this scenario, limit the petting to a few strokes, then stop and leave the cat alone.

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Question

Why do cats hiss at their owners?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Hissing, although a sign of aggression, is often a clue the cat is outside their comfort zone. This can be something as simple as the owner looking directly at the cat, which the cat interprets as an aggressive challenge.

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Question

How do you tame an aggressive cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It takes time and patience for the cat to first tolerate your presence and not run away. However, some aggressive (especially feral) cats never advance beyond this to tolerate being handled. Sadly, you can't force a cat to be tame.

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