How to Handle an Aggressive Kitty

Everyone has seen it; the infamous Youtube video of the cat named 'Burger and Fries' going mad inside a cage at the vet. This animal was showing obvious signs of distress typical of cats: ears back, dilated pupils, hissing and snarling. While a video of a caged kitty going insane may seem humorous, the truth is most felines are capable of this sort of behavior at some point in time. Here is what you should do if your beloved kitty cat starts acting like a mean Burger and Fries!

As a cat owner, I have learned that felines have multiple personalities. Just like humans, they are bound to show signs of distress and anger if provoked or agitated. What you need to do if your cat begins hissing or snarling violently is to step back. In some cases, a cat behaving in this manner might be acting protective, or 'territorial' and it is trying to tell you to 'Stay back! This is my turf!' Walk away very slowly and give it space. Do not raise your voice or yell at the kitty, as that will only provoke and make it angrier. Also whatever you do, don't stick your hands or feet anywhere near it. Your cat is in attack mode, so unless you want some nasty scratches and bites, keep all body parts away. Give your pet time to calm down, and then approach carefully and talk to it in a calm, soothing voice. If it appears docile, gently stroke it with a feather. I have found this works very well, just in case there is still a chance of attack. If you see your cat's behavior towards the feather as playful then carefully reach behind its head with your hand and stroke. All should be well with your furry friend now.

While its upsetting to see your precious kitty acting like a demonic imp, don't punish it for doing something that comes naturally. Instead, figure out what may have caused your cat to act this way and go from there. For instance, when my kitty showed aggressive behavior, I discovered it came from an odor on the floor that somehow provoked him. I cleaned the spot with disinfectant and that solved the problem. Other cats are different and will react to any number of things, such as an unfamiliar cat or even a trip to the vet. Do not be alarmed because even the most calm, well behaved cats are prone to a violent outburst at least once in their lives. If you notice an ongoing problem with aggressive behavior in your cat however, you must consult your vet immediately. It's possible that your cat may have an underlying illness or injury that must not be ignored.

Your cat probably won't be the next internet video hit, but be forwarned that it could act out and display some disturbing behavior at least once during the course of its life. When your cuddly kitty is throwing a literal 'hissy fit' remember to step back, stay calm, and keep quiet.