Causes of a Frustrated Cat's Aggressive Behavior

Part 1: Reasons for a Cat's Irritability

1. When a cat watches other felines or animals play joyfully outside, but is unable to join in, it may channel its frustration towards its companions.

2. Sometimes, a cat can become restless due to a change in the scent of its fellow pets, leading to disputes when it feels threatened.

3. Cats also have a sense of territory. If they perceive that someone or another animal is encroaching on their space, they may become irritable.

Most fights among cats stem from feelings of jealousy and resentment. If a cat becomes irritable due to being confined, providing it with toys or treats to distract its attention can prevent it from feeling envious or resentful towards the outside world or other pets. Additionally, a cat's scent typically doesn't change abruptly, but if it's taken to a vet or other places, it may pick up new scents, causing a change in its own aroma. Another cat that hasn't gone outside might perceive this change as a threat, leading to confrontations. This is also why a cat might reject and become irritable upon seeing a new cat in the home.

Part 2: Dealing with a Cat's Bad Temper

1. If the irritable cat is an older one, pet owners might consider accommodating its mood or finding a companion, preferably a younger cat, to foster harmony. Older cats tend to nurture younger ones, which can prevent them from feeling lonely or scared and thus, from lashing out.

2. When a cat becomes tense or exhibits bad behavior, pet owners can try to soothe it with a gentle tone or a tender stroke. Avoid forcing the cat to do things it dislikes and maintain a friendly interaction, ensuring it feels loved. This approach usually prevents the cat from lashing out.

3. If a cat frequently shows bad behavior towards everyone and everything, it's time for training and education. Guide the cat to develop a gentle demeanor and a good temperament. Otherwise, the owner's stress level may rise significantly, constantly dealing with the cat's bad behavior.

4. If the cat enjoys music, playing soothing and beautiful tunes when it's in a bad mood can help calm its nerves.

Oxygen Pet Doctor's Tip: A cat's temperament and mood are closely related to how it's cared for and its living environment. Therefore, it's essential for pet owners to nurture a good temperament in their cats from a young age. Otherwise, the cat's personality may harden, making it difficult to change later on.