Display of aggressive behavior toward people can be an important sign of stress in cats. Since there are many factors or causes that can trigger aggression, identifying the cause is the first step towards solving the problem.

One type of aggressive behavior displayed by cats toward people is play aggression. Many pet owners unknowingly “create” the stimulus by allowing their cats to play with their fingers, thus sending a wrong message that it’s perfectly ok to bite or swipe at the fingers. Also, a kitten that is separated prematurely from the rest of the litter might not have learned proper social behavior when it comes to biting and scratching.

To protect your fingers from injury, use a fishing pole toy when playing with your kitty. This will put a safe distance between your fingers and your cat’s teeth. The toy will encourage the cat to engage in natural hunting behavior. Schedule 15-minute interactive sessions at least twice a day. Cats that lack interaction might ask for more playtime by engaging in attention-seeking behavior such as nipping or biting.

Consult with your Beaufort, NC vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior. Click on this link for more pet care info.