Cat Aggression - Where, Why and When?

Even picking up your cat to stroke or groom her could cause pain as they have very sensitive skin and they may react to pain that we do not know that we have caused. I used to have a cat that only liked being picked up a certain way; I had the scratches to prove it.

Aggression Triggered By Petting

We can't win can we? Your cat is laying by your side, begging for some petting and you start to gently stroke your cat, the purring starts, you both feel relaxed. A few minutes later the purring slowly stops, the tail starts to twitch and suddenly the cat tries to grab your hand with its teeth and claws.

This is a well-known behavior pattern, but it is hard to explain why some cats are more sensitive than others to petting.

Behaviorists reckon that it may be down to early socialization with people or something in their genetic make up. I can understand that, I feel more comfortable with people I have known a long time. Some cats have a tendency to become over stimulated and may feel threatened when petted for too long. Exactly how long depends on the cat, if you have a sensitive cat, you will usually learn what is considered to be too long.

Illness Induced Aggression

Your cat may start to become aggressive because there may be something medically wrong with him. In my research I have discovered that tumors, blocked blood vessels and even rabies have all been associated with aggressive behavior. It would be advisable, as a precaution, to consult your vet if there is a sudden onset of unprovoked violence.