I'm sure we've all been the victim of a 'cat attack' whereby we have been pounced upon as we walk past an open door.
Play aggression in cats is mostly seen in kittens or adolescent cats.
At these ages, they are learning how to stalk and attack so they will be able to catch prey such as mice.
They are also learning the basics of fighting which they will need if they are to be allowed outside.
Kittens will take turns in sneaking up on their littermates and playing rough and tumble games.
It's a bit like young children and is a learning game.
Sometimes you cat will still do this in adulthood if it has maintained a juvenile mindset.
Some breeds are also like this.
Sometimes you may be playing with your cat when you get a gentle nip and a hiss.
This is your cat's way of saying 'I've had enough now, time to stop'.
It could also be that you have inadvertently touched a very sensitive spot such as the neck or rump.
Cassie will gently nip me if I get too close to her stomach.
Tikki, on the other hand, would roll over to invite me to rub her tummy.
It all depends on the individual cat.
If this play aggression is turning serious, you need to change the behavior early before it becomes entrenched.
If it occurs between two cats, it is best to let them work it out.
If the play aggression is becoming too rough, you can squirt some water at them or clap your hands loudly.
If you are the target, use the water pistol or shake a tin of marbles or pebbles at it.
You are trying to distract the cat to stop the aggression.
You can also say 'no' in a firm voice.
Sometimes you cat will continue to try and pounce on you while you sitting and relaxing.
If this happens, keep the water pistol or spray bottle handy and use it as the cat approaches.
Never squirt water at the cat's face, always aim for the rump.
You are trying to discourage the cat, not frighten it or make it think that you are someone to fear.
Don't play 'rough' games that include biting.
My husband loves to play with Cassie by batting at the arm of the chair next to where she is lying, encouraging her to hit him back.
He pulls his hand away quickly so she rarely 'gets him' but occasionally she will get angry and bite him.
He learned his lesson, but seemed to forget it by the next time he played with her.
I managed to solve this problem by moving the furniture around so that she is no longer near him when she is on the couch.
Be aware of your cat's body language.
This is so important for any interaction between you and your cat.
By knowing this, you are able to anticipate when the behavior is about to change for the worse and either stop what you are doing, or redirect your cat's attention into something new.
Play aggression is a part of the learning experience for your cat.
Just don't let it become a problem for you or your family.
Play aggression in cats is mostly seen in kittens or adolescent cats.
At these ages, they are learning how to stalk and attack so they will be able to catch prey such as mice.
They are also learning the basics of fighting which they will need if they are to be allowed outside.
Kittens will take turns in sneaking up on their littermates and playing rough and tumble games.
It's a bit like young children and is a learning game.
Sometimes you cat will still do this in adulthood if it has maintained a juvenile mindset.
Some breeds are also like this.
Sometimes you may be playing with your cat when you get a gentle nip and a hiss.
This is your cat's way of saying 'I've had enough now, time to stop'.
It could also be that you have inadvertently touched a very sensitive spot such as the neck or rump.
Cassie will gently nip me if I get too close to her stomach.
Tikki, on the other hand, would roll over to invite me to rub her tummy.
It all depends on the individual cat.
If this play aggression is turning serious, you need to change the behavior early before it becomes entrenched.
If it occurs between two cats, it is best to let them work it out.
If the play aggression is becoming too rough, you can squirt some water at them or clap your hands loudly.
If you are the target, use the water pistol or shake a tin of marbles or pebbles at it.
You are trying to distract the cat to stop the aggression.
You can also say 'no' in a firm voice.
Sometimes you cat will continue to try and pounce on you while you sitting and relaxing.
If this happens, keep the water pistol or spray bottle handy and use it as the cat approaches.
Never squirt water at the cat's face, always aim for the rump.
You are trying to discourage the cat, not frighten it or make it think that you are someone to fear.
Don't play 'rough' games that include biting.
My husband loves to play with Cassie by batting at the arm of the chair next to where she is lying, encouraging her to hit him back.
He pulls his hand away quickly so she rarely 'gets him' but occasionally she will get angry and bite him.
He learned his lesson, but seemed to forget it by the next time he played with her.
I managed to solve this problem by moving the furniture around so that she is no longer near him when she is on the couch.
Be aware of your cat's body language.
This is so important for any interaction between you and your cat.
By knowing this, you are able to anticipate when the behavior is about to change for the worse and either stop what you are doing, or redirect your cat's attention into something new.
Play aggression is a part of the learning experience for your cat.
Just don't let it become a problem for you or your family.
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