You have always dreamed of a feline pet, however, your pet is reluctant to cuddle? What’s more, instead of tickling its owner, it behaves aggressively by biting and scratching? An aggressive Cat that attacks its guardians is a very serious problem, but we should not decide to give up the pet for this reason. To solve this problem, it is worth finding the answer to the question : why does the cat bite ?

What do you find in the article?
Aggression in the cat or hunting reflexes ?
Before we begin to explain the cause of cat aggression, it is worth learning to distinguish between two types of feline behavior. Why does a cat bite on the legs of passing people, attack a rolling ball or jump out of doors with its claws ? This is often what hunting looks like. These are quite natural cat behaviors, although not infrequently such situations are unpleasant or troublesome. They indicate that our cat has a strong hunting instinct, and we have not taken care to discharge it in a more positive way. So it is worthwhile to provide the cat with an adequate amount of exercise. Cat toys that simulate hunting will prove invaluable help. If we live in a block of flats and our cat does not go outside, it is worth investing in a cat harness to organize walks to the park. In this way, we will easily eliminate negative behavior.
Why does the cat bite ? – improper socialization
An aggressive cat is very often the result of improper socialization. Lack of proper upbringing means that our pet lacks the skills to live with humans. It hasn’t learned that it shouldn’t bite its owner, and sticking its teeth into our leg is not a good idea to play. Often the reason for improper socialization is that the kitten was taken too early from its mother. You should not take home cats that are less than 12 weeks old. By interacting with its siblings and cat mom, it learns that scratching and biting are not allowed in play. To ensure its proper socialization, we must not provoke it to use its claws or teeth during play.

Why do cats bite ? – health problems
The answer to the question of why my cat bites me may also be health problems. Diseases can change the behavior of our purr in a very drastic way. The pain that accompanies the cat on a daily basis can intensify the frustration in the cat, which will manifest itself in unexpected attacks on humans. Also, diseases such as epilepsy, cancer and even rabies can cause aggressive behavior. So if our calm cat has suddenly become aggressive and the negative behavior intensifies, we should first visit the veterinary office.
Aggressive cats – a reaction to fear and stress
It is not uncommon for feline aggression to be caused by a stress or fear response. This can be a major change in the environment, the arrival of a new pet, a visit from guests, or even the sound of a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner. A cat that is nervous or feels fearful is unable to determine the seriousness of the situation, and may even feel that it has to fight for its life. Aggression in this case is the last resort. So what is worth doing? We need to know our pet’s character and the factors that make him fearful. Getting to know the weak points will help to exclude or at least limit situations that cause stress. Aggressive cats are often uncastrated male cats or cats that have just given birth. In this situation, spaying and neutering cats is recommended to prevent aggressive behavior.

When cats fight
Sometimes it happens that aggressive behavior occurs towards other cats, not the owner. The reason may be jealousy, territorial instinct or booming hormones. However, it is worth remembering never to separate beating cats with bare hands. Water or a loud sound, such as clapping hands or throwing keys on the ground, not infrequently prove helpful. If fights occur because a new cat has arrived in the house, it is important to remember that such a situation can last up to several months. The second cat should be introduced gradually. You should also make sure that the house has a separate cat bed and an additional litter box for the cat to ensure their privacy.
How to tame an aggressive cat?
If we have determined the cause of aggressive behavior, it is necessary to show a lot of patience and consistency. Negative behavior should be ignored – if in the course of play our pet begins to bite us, we immediately stop play. On the other hand, positive behavior is worth rewarding. Here, your cat ‘s favorite food or treats will come in handy. Petting and kind words can also be a reward. If our purr feels stress or fear, we must first remove the source of the problem. Never punish him for misbehavior, which could only aggravate aggressive behavior and distance the pet from its owner. In some situations, you can ask the veterinarian for tranquilizers. However, in any situation when dealing with aggressive behavior in a cat, one should proceed with patience and forbearance. Surely our efforts will be rewarded, and our purr will become our best friend.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.