How to Stop an Aggressive Cat

Encountering an aggressive cat can be a scary experience, whether it’s a stray cat or a family pet. Fortunately, you can stop an aggressive cat before it attacks by neutralizing the situation. If it’s your cat that’s aggressive, you'll also want to properly deal with its underlying behaviors and learn how to calm an aggressive cat.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Intervening When Necessary

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    Make a loud noise to distract the cat. A noise can distract the cat and help redirect it away from its aggressive behavior. You could try clapping your hands, banging two objects, or ringing a bell.[1]
    • Cats can also be fearful of noises, so only use a loud noise if the cat is acting aggressively and you're afraid it could hurt someone, including another animal.[2]
    • If you use a loud noise to distract the cat, make sure it has a clear escape route in case it wants to flee. You don't want to scare the cat while it's trapped or it could get more aggressive.
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    Protect yourself against an oncoming attack. Put anything you have in your hands, such as a bag or jacket, in front of you to block the cat as much as possible. Use your arms to protect vulnerable places on your face and neck. Get away from the cat as quickly as possible and run away.
    • Running away is often the best way to avoid injury, but the cat may chase you. Walking away without engaging the cat can also be effective.[3]
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    Hold the cat by the scruff of its neck if necessary. You want to avoid handling the cat, but if you must, hold it by the scruff of its neck, which can help you get control over the cat. The scruff is the loose skin around the cat’s neck.
    • If you have anything in your hand or near you that you can use to wrap around the cat, such as a sweater, blanket, or towel, toss it over the cat. Then secure the wrap, which can limit the damage the cat can do with its teeth and claws.
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    Use an object to separate two aggressive cats. Never get between two fighting cats! You will put yourself at great risk of scratches and bites, which can quickly get infected. However, you should also not let cats fight it out. You can separate the cats by putting something large between them, such as a big piece of cardboard or a plastic lid from a storage box. Anything that is nearby and can be placed between the cats can help.[4]
    • You could also try pouring water on the cats if you have access to some. If you’re in your own home, throw pillows can help!
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    Don’t try to calm the cat by petting it. The cat may bite or scratch you, as the cat may interpret your approach as a threat from a larger animal. Even if it’s your own cat, it’s important that you stay away from the aggressive cat.[5] [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Diffusing the Situation

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    Do not make eye contact with the cat. Cats, especially ones that are feral, see eye contact as a sign of aggression. This tells the cat that you may be a threat. If the cat is behaving aggressively, watch it in your peripheral vision, which means off to the side of your field of vision.[7]
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    Give the cat space so that it doesn’t feel cornered. If the cat feels backed into a corner, it may attack you. Try to put as much space between you and the cat as possible. If you’re outside, walk away from the area where the cat is. If you’re in your home, go to another room or outside, allowing the cat to occupy the room it’s in.
    • Even if you have good intentions, such as feeding the cat, you may still be attacked if you corner the cat.
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    Ignore the cat and walk away. Ignoring the cat is the best thing you can do when it’s being aggressive, whether it’s a stray, feral, or your own cat. This gives the cat time and space to calm down from whatever is upsetting it.[8] Your goal should be to get away from the cat so that you aren’t attacked.[9]
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    Make your home uninviting to aggressive strays or feral cats. Stray and feral cats may frequent your home if it has something they want, such as a food source, comfortable lodging, or familiar surroundings. If the cat has spayed or peed on your home or yard previously, it will continue to return. It’s important to rinse away the scent as quickly as possible. You should also avoid putting out food if you want the cats to stop coming.
    • Frequent visits from other cats can increase the aggression in your own cat.
    • If you know you have a rodent problem, you’ll need to address it, as the cats will come to hunt the mice or rats.
    • Put up a cat-proof fence.
    • Place prickly items around the perimeter of your yard.
    • Install motion-sensor sprinklers in your yard.[10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Reducing Your Own Cat's Aggression

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    Play with your cat every day to manage its energy levels. Cats need to work off their energy by being active, and playtime is a great way to do that.[11] Give your cat lots of toys to chase and bat around. At least once a day, join in on playtime. You can dangle a string or toy for your cat to play with, or you can use items such as a laser pointer.[12]
    • Play with your cat 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time.[13]
    • Offer your cat a variety of cat toys, but make sure that they don’t play with string unless you are supervising them. The cat could eat the string, which causes internal issues for the cat.
    • Scratching posts and climbing toys are also a great investment.
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    Get a calming spray or plug-in to help kitty relax at home. Choose a product that is labeled for use with cats. Some scents will be herbal, while others will use pheromones that calm cats. You can place these in rooms that your cat frequents, especially areas where the cat typically gets aggressive.[14]
    • For example, you could try Feliway, which release pheromones into the air to calm the cat.[15]
    • Ask your vet which product they would recommend for your cat.
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    Reward your cat for calm behaviors by giving it treats. Give your cat plenty of treats and love when it’s open to it. When the cat lets you pet it, give it a treat. If you sense it’s about to rebuff you, offer it a treat to calm it back down. Over time, the cat will associate you and petting with treats.[16]
    • When the cat gets aggressive, simply walk away and wait for it to calm back down.
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    Get your cat spayed or neutered. Hormones play a big role in making cats more aggressive. Luckily, this is easy to resolve! Bring your cat to the vet to get it spayed or neutered, which should reduce its aggression.
    • There are also community programs that may enable you to get your cat spayed or neutered at a lower cost -- or even for free.
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    Give your cat a hiding place. It’s normal for cats to want a retreat, whether it’s under the furniture, inside a cat cubby, or on a high shelf. Your cat needs a spot where it can relax and feel safe. Otherwise, it might become aggressive because of building stress.[17]
    • Great options include a cat perch, a cat bed situated in a dark corner of a room, a cat tree that contains a cubby, or a cardboard box.
    • If you have multiple cats, you need to make sure that each cat has plenty of space. They should each have their own hiding place.
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    Reduce conflict between your cats if you have more than 1. In homes with multiple cats, it's normal for the cats to squabble. Spend time grooming and playing with each cat every day so that there's no reason for jealousy. You can reduce the likelihood of aggression by creating a safe, secure environment for each cat:
    • Feed the cats in separate areas.
    • Make sure that each cat has its own food dish, water bowl, litter box, and bed.
    • Give each cat its own cat tree or perch.
    • Buy each cat its own cat toys.
    • Set up play areas so that your cats can choose to play together but don't have to.
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    Don't punish the cat for aggressive behavior. Not only is this mean, it also teaches the cat to be more aggressive. If a cat is aggressive, it’s best to stop giving it attention.[18] This will show it that aggressive behavior is not tolerated.[19]
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    Get your cat checked out by the vet. The vet can rule out medical problems, such as injuries or illnesses, that could be causing your cat’s aggression. In some cases of extreme aggression or fear, they may also be able to prescribe medicines to help your cat calm back down.[20]
    • Talk to your vet about what could be causing your cat’s aggression.
    • Be prepared to talk to your vet about what’s going on in your cat’s life. For example, tell them if you recently got a new cat, moved, or your family’s schedule changed. The cat could be reacting to something that’s changed in its world.
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    Meet with a cat behavior specialist. They can help your cat overcome its aggressive tendencies through behavior modification techniques. It’s important that you work with a professional to use these techniques, as they can cause unwanted problems if they’re performed wrong.[21]
    • Look for someone who advertises themself as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) or board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
    • Ask your vet to recommend a specialist.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Recognizing Signs of Aggression

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    Look for ears that are pinned flat and back. Flattened ears are one of the tell-tale signs of an aggressive or fearful cat.[22] They may be accompanied by hissing. If you see this in a cat, walk away fast.[23]
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    Notice an arched back. The cat may arch its back to look bigger and more threatening. This is an aggressive act that indicates the cat is getting ready for a possible attack.[24]
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    Watch for dilated or constricted pupils. An aggressive cat’s pupils will also change. They could dilate and become larger, or they could constrict and become smaller. Either way, you need to get away from the cat. If you’re close enough to see its eyes, you’re close enough to get hurt.[25]
    • Do not get closer to the cat to see its eyes. If you think it might be aggressive, assume you’re right and get away.
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    Check for a stiff tail with raised hair. The cat’s tail may stick straight up or could be pointed out toward the ground.[26] The hair on its tail and its body may stick straight up. This usually means the cat is fearful or aggressive and thinks it will need to protect itself.[27]
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Warnings

  • If you have to approach an aggressive cat, always make sure to wear protective clothing like gloves and long pants so that you can avoid injury.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
  2. ↑ https://bestfriends.org/resources/cat-scared-noise
  3. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-you-run-or-freeze-when-you-see-a-mountain-lion/
  4. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
  5. ↑ Jessica Char. Cat & Dog Behaviorist.
  6. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats
  7. ↑ https://moderncat.com/articles/5-ways-help-semi-feral-cat-adjust-domestic-home/
  8. ↑ Jessica Char. Cat & Dog Behaviorist.
  9. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
  1. ↑ https://www.care.com/c/stories/6574/how-to-keep-cats-away-dealing-with-aggressiv/
  2. ↑ Jessica Char. Cat & Dog Behaviorist.
  3. ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-facts/lifestyle/9830-5-ways-to-stop-cat-aggression-and-bad-behavior
  4. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/evr_ct_exercising_with_your_cat_a_how_to_guide
  5. ↑ http://cattime.com/cat-facts/lifestyle/9830-5-ways-to-stop-cat-aggression-and-bad-behavior
  6. ↑ https://bestfriends.org/resources/aggression-cats-toward-people
  7. ↑ https://bestfriends.org/resources/aggression-cats-toward-people
  8. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-problems-aggression-redirected
  9. ↑ Jessica Char. Cat & Dog Behaviorist.
  10. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
  11. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats
  12. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats
  13. ↑ Jessica Char. Cat & Dog Behaviorist.
  14. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
  15. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
  16. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression
  17. ↑ Jessica Char. Cat & Dog Behaviorist.
  18. ↑ https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression

About This Article

Jessica Char
Co-authored by:
Jessica Char
Cat & Dog Behavior Consultant
This article was co-authored by Jessica Char and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Jessica Char is a Cat and Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and the Founder of Feline Engineering and Canine Engineering. She specializes in modifying challenging pet behavior problems, such as fear and aggression, using positive reinforcement training protocols. Jessica is a Certified Fear Free Trainer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. She is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Jessica received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. This article has been viewed 36,871 times.
6 votes - 80%
Co-authors: 11
Updated: September 1, 2022
Views: 36,871
Categories: Aggression in Cats
Article SummaryX

If you notice a cat behaving aggressively, distract it with a loud noise by clapping your hands or ringing a bell to make it run away. However, if a cat is attacking you or chasing you, make sure to protect yourself by fleeing and holding objects, like a bag or jacket, between you and the cat. When a cat gets aggressive with another cat, you can try a similar strategy by using something like a piece of cardboard or plastic lid to separate the animals. In general, you can diffuse aggression in cats by avoiding eye contact with them, giving them space, and ignoring them, so they don't feel threatened. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, including how to reduce your own cat's aggression, scroll down!

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