Some cats are naughty by nature, and there’s not much you can do about that. However, if your furry friend switches up on you out of nowhere, there’s probably a simple explanation and an easy fix.
Read on for five time-tested ways to deal with an angry cat!
1. Giving Your Cat Space
Trying to cuddle with a cat and having it fight back can feel deflating, but a good kitty parent has to learn to deal with it!
If there’s one cat communication tip you should know, it’s that biting, hissing, and scratching means you probably crossed a line somewhere. Making matters more complicated, this line can seem completely invisible at times.
No matter how affectionate it is, no pet will enjoy you pampering it the entire day, so don’t forget to give it some space. Remember, even if it signals it wants a break from you, your cat still loves you, and things should be okay in a few hours.
After spending enough time under the same roof, you’ll be able to tell a tantrum is coming from your cat’s tail and body language. Until then, learn its boundaries through trial and error, and try not to take any sassy behavior too personally!
2. Sort Out Your Home
Issues with your living space can cause anxiety in cats, which could manifest itself through aggressive behavior. Excessive noise, powerful odors, or an extremely messy apartment can ruin a person’s mood, so don’t expect your pet to react any differently.
On that note, it’s very common for cats to get irritable when you change their environment. If you move to a new place, be sure to bring some of your kitty’s old comfort items to make it feel more like home. The adaptation process could last a while, so it’s important to be patient and put yourself in the cat’s shoes for a moment.
In some cases, even bringing another pet into the family could greatly anger your feline. While some cats get along great with dogs and fellow cats, others will simply refuse to cohabit. If your kitty is possessive of you or the house, you may have to bite the bullet and find another home for the new pet.
3. Entertain Your Cat
Because of their highly tuned senses, cats need regular stimulation to keep their bodies and brains engaged throughout the day. If a cat is excessively bored, it will either become lethargic or go in the complete opposite direction, destroying furniture and acting erratically.
From homemade scratching posts to stuffed animals, there are some great budget and DIY toys for cats that can help keep them busy. If you have more cash to spend, other essential cat supplies include mechanical toys and pet puzzles. Fake mice or other prey-shaped toys probably wouldn’t hurt, either!
If all else fails, you can always try doing something together. People with busy schedules might fill a pet’s bowl and barely acknowledge it beyond that. If this sounds anything like you, try bonding with your cat through games, cuddles, or even talking.
4. Reward Positive Behaviors
Just because a cat is behaving angrily towards you, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing anything wrong. In some cases, it might be mad due to something out of your control, like another cat that likes to climb up to your balcony.
To help a cat break out of these behavioral patterns, it’s important not to indulge it when it’s having an episode. For example, immediately jumping to give it food when it’s angry will only condition it to this type of attitude.
Instead, reserve treats and praises for when it calms down, and reinforce the behaviors you want to see from your cat.
On a similar note, try not to react to its meltdown with a meltdown of your own. Even if you weren’t the original reason it was peeved, your cat could grow to resent you if you scream at it and throw fits.
5. Call Up a Vet
Sometimes, a cat’s personality will change overnight for no obvious reason. If this continues for days, even after it’s been fed, groomed, and played with, it might be a sign of a disease or underlying issue.
Tooth problems, osteoarthritis, and hormonal imbalances are extremely common cat stressors that have been proven to cause anger. If the source of the issue is medical, you’ll be provided with a treatment plan and a strategy on how to navigate your cat’s outbursts.
Of course, taking a cat to the vet can be stressful in itself, so be sure to bring toys or snacks as a distraction. It also helps to find a vet that specializes in cats, as handling an angry feline can be challenging for some.
