Author: Hannah Hart, DVM

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WRITTEN BYHannah Hart, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health…,Though the house cats we know today have been domesticated for thousands of years, they still retain many innate features of wild felines. Cats in the wild are predators and are hard-wired to attack prey such as birds, mice, and reptiles. But their small stature makes them vulnerable to attack by larger predators such as coyotes, eagles, and owls. Because of this, cats have a natural aggression response to perceived threats. Aggression in cats is defined as any violent behavior cats may use to protect themselves by intimidating or expressing dominance over another individual, whether human or animal. Most indoor cats do not face the same threats to their safety as their wild ancestors did, but they can still exhibit aggressive behaviors toward people and other household pets when they feel afraid. It’s crucial to understand your cat’s fear aggression behavior, both to prevent injuries and to keep your kitty feeling safe and comfortable. What Is Fear Aggression in Cats? Fear aggression is one of the more common causes of aggressive behavior in cats. This violent behavior is a response to an unfamiliar and potentially threatening stimulus, such as a new person or animal in your cat’s environment or a loud noise nearby. Fear-based aggression can also develop when a cat has a stressful, unpleasant experience in a certain location and develops a negative association with that place. For instance, at a grooming facility where the cat may have been physically restrained.

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