Did you know that today, October 15th is Grouch Day? Although the occasion was originally meant to honor Oscar the Grouch, it certainly applies to quite a few of our feline friends. While some kitties are loving, affectionate cuddle bugs, others are furry little curmudgeons. A local Des Moines, IA vet discusses aggression in cats below.

Causes of Aggression

Cats can lash out for many reasons. It’s very common for momma kitties to get protective of her babies, and lash out at anyone who comes near. Territorial aggression is another possibility. Fluffy may see red if she spots another kitty on her turf! She may also act up because of misplaced anger. For instance, your furball might actually be frustrated because she’s bored, but may take it out on you. There’s also a possibility that your feline buddy is acting aggressive out of fear, or perhaps because she’s hurting or ill.

New Cats

If you’ve just taken in a grumpy cat, first and foremost, we salute you. However, if your furry friend has always been a grouch, Fluffy may just be naturally on the crabby side. Regardless, there are some things that you can do to mollify your furry pal. Make sure that your kitty has plenty of toys, and take time to play with her. This will help her take out her frustrations in a healthy manner. Boredom, loneliness, discomfort, and stress can also cause kitties to act up.

Keeping Kitty Calm

What do you do if Fluffy attacks you? Your best bet is to walk away, and then leave her alone or a while to let her calm down. Whatever you do, don’t punish her. That may just make her feel more angry, and possibly threatened. Also, don’t force attention on her. That can make some cats feel threatened.

Veterinary Care

Cats sometimes act up when they are sick or in pain, which is understandable. It’s also a red flag when a sweet kitty suddenly turns into a grouch! If you aren’t sure why your feline friend is a little furry ball of rage, have your vet examine her to rule out potential medical issues. If your feisty pet gets the all-clear, then you know that you have a behavioral issue, rather than a medical one. Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your Des Moines, IA animal clinic, today!