Understanding the reasons behind our cat’s aggressive behaviour is crucial for finding appropriate solutions.
Is it a normal response to a stressful stimulus, a form of play, competition, is it a reaction to pain, fear or perhaps there is something wrong within the relationship?
Through counselling we will be able to explore this in depth and intervene in feline behaviour through the environment, interactions, habits and human beliefs… perhaps unconsciously wrong. Alongside partici advice, I will also be able to recommend a personalised combination of flower essences to support kitty’s emotional sphere.
Because there are no bad cats, only misunderstood cats.
Write a message to info@aliceguardaigatti.it or fill in the form.
I will get back to you as soon as possible!
FELINE AGGRESSION: WHEN A KITTEN COMES TO HARM
They may be small, soft and cute, but when cats decide to unleash their offensive arsenal, they remind us of their nature as formidable predators. With sharp teeth capable of inflicting lethal bites on their prey, sharp claws hidden in silent pads, an explosive body with which to perform sudden leaps and quick jumps, cats are not to be trifled with. Those who have fallen victim to them know this, or knew it well. So what happens when our cat decides to use its predatory repertoire towards us, a fellow cat or another animal? Needless to say, it can do a lot of harm. Not only that, it can be a major constraint on building a peaceful relationship.
AGGRESSION IN THE CAT: NORMAL RESPONSE OR SIGN OF DISTRESS?
Aggression is actually a perfectly normal and healthy response, in a cat as in all living things. Because of its dual nature as prey and predator, this characteristic has allowed the cat in particular to survive over millennia, enabling it to capture prey, defend its territory, secure the best sexual partners and protect itself and its offspring.
A cat’s attack repertoire is always available, beyond its apparent calm, softness and cuteness. When it decides to unleash it, it is necessary to understand whether the aggression is a functional response to the situation, how much it is a sign of stress factors that should be removed and how much its behaviour is or is not tolerable in a cohabitation context.
Does the cat attack us after a forced stroking session? Perhaps it is up to us to learn to pay attention to signs of irritation. Does Kitty scratch us while we are quietly on the sofa for no apparent reason? Here too, there will be valid reasons in the feline mind, but these will result in inappropriate behaviour in relation to our relationship, as well as suggesting possible discomfort.
AGGRESSIVE CAT: WHAT TO DO IN PRACTICE?
As in the case of cat litter outside the litter box, it is important to know immediately what NOT to do: scold the cat, or worse, punish it. This would only serve to increase the level of aggression with a totally counterproductive effect.
Instead, it is necessary to identify and act on the reasons for aggressive behaviour in a timely manner, as this type of response tends to strengthen over time, especially as the cat reaches maturity, and, in the case of conflicts between several individuals, can lead to patterns of aggression and victimisation that are difficult to eradicate.
SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF THE AGGRESSIVE CAT
If your hands are streaked with band-aids, if you walk around the house in scratchy socks, if you have lost hope of petting your cat or holding it in your arms, if you don’t understand whether cats are playing or fighting, if your cat goes from purring to rubbing, then it is time to seek counselling and start living in a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone.
1 - THE FIRST CONTACT
Write me an e-mail using the contact form or at info@aliceguardaigatti.it and tell me why you need my help: I will get back to you for a brief chat. If the case falls within my competence, we will make an appointment for a home visit.
Do you live outside Lombardy or is it not possible to meet? No problem, a video consultation can be arranged.
2 - VISITING YOUR HOME
The time has come to get to know each other! I will come to your home and here the case study will begin, which will last between 1 and 2 hours. The visit comprises 3 moments:
- Listening: you will tell me everything you know about your kitten or kittens, their history and your cohabitation.
- Observation: I will ask you to show me the house to collect clues and study it through the eyes of a cat…
- Discussion: I will give you my initial thoughts on the case and the first steps to be taken, weighing up the pros and cons and feasibility together.
3 - A TAILOR-MADE PLAN
Thanks to the impressions and information gathered through observation of the animal, the family and the environment, and after analysis of materials that you will send me (diaries, videos, photos and materials about your cat), I will share with you all the advice and recommendations to follow for a new life with kitty.
Here I will need maximum co-operation and commitment from the whole family to be able to achieve good results together!
4 - HOW IS IT GOING?
It has been a few weeks, how is the situation with your feline companion evolving? Some time after the visit, 14 to 30 days depending on the case, we will get in touch for a new discussion.
We will take stock of the situation, understand what is working and discuss any changes or adjustments to the initial plan.
If you are ready to improve your relationship with kitty or take on a new challenge together, write to me!