My cat is acting aggressive. What can I do to calm him down?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 24th, 2019

  Cats can exhibit some very confusing behaviors sometimes. From a behavioral stand point, this may be a form of rough play. Certainly some cats play rougher than what human skin can handle. He's young so he still has a very high energy level. Here are a few reasons cats will react aggressively. If you can identify a 'trigger' or lack there of a, it may help you to get a better understanding of the behavior: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-handle-an-aggressive-cat/ If this is rough play, you may try changing a few things in the environment which may help such as using a Feliway diffuser, setting aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play for Bean or switching his food to Royal Canin Calm. Trying to meet his instinctual needs and keeping him entertained may also help: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-ways-to-play-with-your-cat/ If he insists on rough play, get a large stuffed animal and see if he will use this as a substitute to attack. An interactive cat toy may also help. The veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help with behavior if needed. You noted that he pants sometimes. Cats can pant with exertion but if you are noticing the behavior without an obvious cause, have him examined by the veterinarian to check his heart for any signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. https://www.petcoach.co/article/feline-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/ I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 10th, 2019

  It's hard to know why Artemis is acting this way. It's possible he is playing rough, that he is experiencing stress or that he is taking out frustration on you. There are cat behaviorists who can be immensely beneficial and this would likely give you the best results the fastest. I recommend to work with a feline behaviorist but if you can't, there are some things you can do at home which may help. Here is a helpful article: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-handle-an-aggressive-cat/ Other ideas include meeting his instinctual needs: https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-every-cat-needs-a-place-to-climb/ Making him physically tired may also help. Set aside 30 minutes a day for vigorous play. Switch the food to Royal Canin Calm which may help may help. Clean all window sills and doorways in case he can smell a cat outside spraying. Use a food puzzle. Lastly, the veterinarian can also prescribe medications which can help. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful