Cat Aggression - Where, Why and When?

You should know your cat best and any changes in behavior should be noted and passed onto the vet during regular health check ups. I must point out that a cat scratching you is not always about aggression. A cat can scratch you when it is playing or even 'complimenting' you by a cat 'love bite'. It may hurt just the same but this is different from aggressive behavior. It doesn't make it easy for us, does it?

What to Do

Now that we are in a position to identify cat aggression, the next thing is to decide what to do if your cat has attacked you. It may be holding you quite firmly with its claws and teeth, I would recommend resisting the urge to struggle free, this will probably result in more scratches and bites. Try to keep calm, don't hit the cat (remember pain induced aggression), don't shout at the cat (remember fear induced aggression) and with your other hand gently try stroking the top of its paws, speaking gently and calming it down.

Now you are free, don't quickly pull away and don't move away from the cat, but do stop stroking it. Let the cat sit where it is and let it 'cool off', when it appears calm try to move away from it and go and soothe your wounds. I think that this is a learning curve between you and your cat, most of all be patient and understanding towards your cat.