Cats are the epitome of indifference; playing or cuddling one moment, abruptly walking away the next. However, when your cat bites, hisses and scratches it can be a big problem. Before you give up or get scratched to threads, take a few simple steps to calm your aggressive cat.
Step 1
Stop playing with your cat the moment he displays aggressive behavior such as biting or hissing and firmly say “no.” Remember, even during play, your cat is honing his hunting skills and sees his playmate, in this case you, as his prey. Offer him a toy tied to the end of a stick to keep at a safe distance. Eventually, this will teach him that you are not a proper outlet for his play aggression.
Step 2
Give your cat a food treat before trying to pet him if he seems to get aggressive while being petted. Think of the treat as the proverbial olive branch. Keep in mind that some cats are more sensitive to touch and can become irritated quickly. Keep your petting sessions to brief intervals while looking for telltale signs that he is ready for you to stop. Some of his subtle clues are tail twitching or ear movement. When you see this, stop and resume later, offering him a treat each time.
Step 3
Use a water bottle to give him a little squirt if he displays territorial aggression. This type of aggression cannot be tolerated or you will soon find yourself peeking around doorways to make certain he is not lying in wait to pounce the moment you walk by. Most of the time a cat will only behave this way with other cats. If he gets into a fight with another cat, do not try to reach between them to break it up. Instead, make a loud noise, or spray water to stop the altercation.
