Alongside dogs and goldfish, cats are at the top of the list when it comes to America's favorite household pets. In general, cats are mild-mannered, sweet, and quiet creatures. However, although they're domesticated, cats are still in the same family line as lions, tigers, and panthers. While they aren't as big or fearsome as the King of the Jungle, cats have the same innate desire to protect their territory.
Unfortunately, territorial aggression can be dangerous to you, other pets in your household, or nearby animals. If your cat has become increasingly protective, and you're wondering how to deal with territorial aggression in cats, you've come to the right place. All animals have the instinct to protect what's theirs, but some situations are worse than others. It's vital to quell your cats' territorial aggression before they hurt someone or something.
- Why are Cats Territorial?
- Signs of Territorial Aggression in Your Cat
- How to Deal With Territorial Aggression in a Cat
- How to Prevent Aggression With Your Cat
Why are Cats Territorial?
Ultimately, it's tough to blame a cat for being territorial and wanting to protect what they perceive as its property. Cats are territorial when they perceive someone or something as a threat. Their ensuing aggression can be geared toward you, other humans, cats, dogs, or other animals. Cats tend to get territorial about their home, litter box, toys, food, water, and even their owners.
While territorial aggression is a normal reaction, it's one that you want to put to a stop as quickly as possible.
Signs of Territorial Aggression in Your Cat
In most cases, cats don't go from zero to 60 in an instant, and they often give off warning signs that they're feeling territorial.
Physical Signs
By paying attention to your cat's body language, you can pick up hints that your cat is growing agitated or aggressive.
- Dilated pupils
- Having their ears pinned back
- Rotating their ears forward and then backward
- Lying in a crouched position and staring intently at something or someone
Actions
Physical signs can be tough to catch if you aren't paying close attention to your cat. Luckily, cats also perform certain actions and show certain behaviors if they begin feeling territorially aggressive. Here are some things to watch out for with a cat's territorial aggression.
- They will start urinating on objects to mark their territory
- Crouching or stalking things and people they perceive as a threat
- Hissing or swatting at other animals or people
- Unprovoked biting, scratching, or growling
- Rubbing their bodies against objects to leave their scent on them
As we said before, cats don't escalate straight to aggression without warning. However, if they get too excited or surprised by something, it can cause them to become territorially aggressive much quicker than they otherwise would.
How to Deal With Territorial Aggression in a Cat
Because of how dangerous territorial aggression in a cat can be to you and those around you, it's essential to train the behavior out of your cat. Territorial aggression can also cause injury to other animals, a full-blown fight, or damage your furniture and household objects.
Distract Them
One of the best ways to stave off territorial aggression in cats is to distract them. The second you notice signs of aggression, distract your cat with noises, treats, or motions. Cats have a relatively short attention span, meaning they'll forget about their aggression if you distract them soon enough.
Separate Them From the Source of Their Aggression
If distraction doesn’t work, the best way to stop your cat's territorial aggression is to get them away from the source. Move your cat into a separate room and close the door to give them time to cool off. Cats are solitary animals, meaning that some time alone will give them time to calm down. However, make sure to usher them to the room or guide them with treats rather than trying to pick them up and move them.
Reduce Stimulation
Sometimes, over-stimulation can be the trigger that causes territorial aggression in cats. If you notice them getting aggressive while looking out the window, shut the blinds and don't give them an outside view. It's similar to moving them to a separate room from the source of their aggression.
NEVER Try to Pick Them Up
One of the most important things to remember when trying to prevent territorial aggression in your cat is that you shouldn't pick them up. If your cat is already showing signs of aggression toward someone or something, there's a good chance they'll redirect their aggression towards you if you try to pick them up.
How to Prevent Aggression With Your Cat
Because it's difficult to stop a cat that's already feeling aggressive, it's best to prevent its territorial aggression before it has the chance to start.
Socialize Your Cat
Just as people are socially awkward when they don't get out enough, your cat won't know how to behave around other people and animals without practice. For that reason, having a second cat or arranging play dates with other cat owners is a good idea to socialize your kitty.
Have Them Spayed or Neutered
Having your cat spayed or neutered at a young age is the best way to prevent territorial aggression. Territorial aggression is nearly always hormone-related, and getting your cat fixed will take care of those hormones.
Give Your Cat Its Own Space
While cats need socialization and attention, they also need to have their own space. Think of your cat as an introverted person. They need time and attention from you and others, but they also need alone time to decompress. They won't feel as attacked or infringed upon by giving them their own space, food and water, dishes, and toys. When other cats come around, simply move the toys and food to a closed-off area where no one can access them.
Train With Treats
As with dogs and people, the carrot often works better than the stick when training cats. They're also much easier to teach at a young age, so start this practice when your cat is still a kitten. When you notice signs of territorial aggression in your kitten, tell them "no" and offer them a treat when they listen. If they refuse to listen, remove them from the area and give them time to cool down.
If you're at your wits end and don't know how to deal with territorial aggression in your cat, it might be time to contact a veterinarian. Your cat may have a physical condition causing them to be extra aggressive. If that's the case, they may need treatment or medication to subdue their aggressive behavior.
