What to do if you encounter an aggressive stray cat?
If you encounter a stray cat that is aggressive, stay away as it may have rabies. Consider rabies as well in unvaccinated cats that appear aggressive and that are kept outdoors in contact with wildlife. Should you encounter an aggressive stray cat, call animal control.
Why does a stray cat attack a human?
Other reasons cats attack include territorial aggression, unwanted human contact, and a misguided hunting instinct. In every case, the attacking cat is not singling out a human with an evil intent to do harm. It is simply acting out of natural instincts programmed into animals for self-preservation.
Why does my cat attack me out of nowhere?
Although owners often report a cat attacking out of nowhere, cats often exhibit subtle changes in body positioning before launching into an actual act of aggression. These postures may be a clue in pinpointing the trigger for the aggressive behavior, as well as a much-needed warning before future attacks.
What causes a cat to become aggressive when petted?
The cat’s eyes may be dilated, and the cat may vocalize disturbed. Upon petting these affected cats, the skin on their back may twitch, and they may turn aggressive. If you encounter a stray cat that is aggressive, stay away as it may have rabies.
Other reasons cats attack include territorial aggression, unwanted human contact, and a misguided hunting instinct. In every case, the attacking cat is not singling out a human with an evil intent to do harm. It is simply acting out of natural instincts programmed into animals for self-preservation.
Although owners often report a cat attacking out of nowhere, cats often exhibit subtle changes in body positioning before launching into an actual act of aggression. These postures may be a clue in pinpointing the trigger for the aggressive behavior, as well as a much-needed warning before future attacks.
Why does my cat spray around the outside of my house?
Sometimes outdoor cats may come to your property and deliberately spray around the outside of your house. If the outdoor cat sprays, odor molecules can sometimes be carried in through vents or open doors or windows. This can cause your indoor cat to become even more agitated. Sometimes, indoor cats will spray in response inside the house.
When does a cat redirect its aggression to a person?
Redirected aggression occurs when the cat becomes upset because of another animal, a person, or an event, but is unable to direct their aggression towards the stimulus. As a result, the cat will redirect its aggression to the first person, animal, or thing that it can.
