Is your cat aggressive?

Ina multi-cat household, some cats may display territorial aggression. Learn to read the early warning signals

- Nameeta Nadkarni

Last week, Zoe, a two-and-a-half-year-old cat, was brought to the clinic by her worried parents. They had recently introduced another cat to Zoe, and not only had she acted aggressively towards it-something she had never shown towards anything or anyone earlier she had also made an attempt to bite the owner.

Numerous factors may lead to aggression, like past trauma, shelter living, and lack of socialisation as a kitten. Being a pandemic kitten, Zoe had never encountered another cat at close quarters; as a result, the meeting caused fear and led to aggressiveness. It is simply a protective action taken for one's own safety.

In a multi-cat household where one cat is trying to establish a hierarchy and is guarding resources, some cats may display territorial aggression towards the others. Aggression might also result from frustration. A cat without many opportunities for play, for instance, might notice a squirrel outside the window but is unable to get to it. If her owner were to be walking in that direction, the hyper-stimulated cat might swipe at them. Essentially, the hostility is a cry for help.