Mean in Cats

It can be very upsetting and even frightening to see your kitty suddenly hissing, growling, scratching, and trying to bite. Whether directed towards you, other family members, or pets, aggressive behavior is definitely not something you want to encourage from your fur-baby.

Unfortunately, aggression is the second most common behavior problem seen in cats, and there are several issues that can potentially cause a cat to become aggressive.  The reason for the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformation may be:

• Feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD)
• Arthritis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Dental issues
• Territorial reasons
• Redirected aggression

An aggressive cat can be a dangerous cat in the household, especially if there are small children around. Some conditions which cause aggression can also be very detrimental to the health of the cat, so it's important to find the underlying cause for the aggression and work out how it can be treated or managed.

Your cat may be “mean” and aggressive due to a wide range of reasons:

Feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD)

Feline cognitive dysfunction affects more than 50% of cats aged 11 to 15 years, and that figure rises to 80% in cats 16 to 20 years old. FCD can cause confusion and disorientation. For example, your cat may forget where their food bowls are or where their litter box is.  The deterioration of their memory can cause them to be confused, disoriented, scared, and aggressive.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. It can be a very painful condition, and that pain can cause the cat to be “mean.”

Certain breeds have an increased chance of developing arthritis due to genetic joint problems. Maine Coon, Persian, and Siamese cats are prone to developing hip dysplasia, while Scottish Fold cats have a mutated gene which causes abnormalities of the cartilage that can lead to severe arthritis.

Arthritis may also be triggered by an injury or trauma.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in cats that is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. It can lead to high blood pressure, weight loss, anxiety and irritability.

Dental issues

Your cat may have gingivitis, periodontal disease, a fractured tooth, or a loose tooth. Dental issues can be quite painful, which could be the reason why your cat is irritable or "mean."

Territorial issues

Cats are territorial animals that may direct their territorial aggression toward other animals or people. A new pet in the household or moving house may trigger territorial aggression if your cat feels they need to define their territory. 

Redirected aggression

Redirected aggression is common in cats. It occurs when a cat is agitated at an animal or person out of their reach, so instead they decide to attack whoever comes near them. At first it may appear as the attack was unprovoked and “out of the blue”, but then you may realize that your fur-baby was having a stare down with the neighbor’s cat.

If your cat is being “mean” and aggressive toward you or other animals, get them examined by a veterinarian. The vet can help find the underlying cause of your cat's behavior.  

After checking up on your cat’s medical history, the vet will perform a physical examination on the patient. They may recommend blood work, a urinalysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and x-rays to check for any underlying medical problems.

Cats diagnosed with FCD may be prescribed an anti-anxiety medication, while the vet may also recommend a diet rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Adding an additional, low litter box in a part of the house other than the usual litter box location may help stop your kitty soiling the house.  

Arthritis in cats may be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin may help reduce inflammation. Houses with stairs may need a ramp installed for the cat as stairs can be very painful to use with swollen joints. Acupuncture and massage therapy may also be beneficial for an arthritic cat.

Patients with hyperthyroidism will be prescribed antithyroid drugs to help reduce the production of the thyroid hormone. Radioactive-iodine therapy may also be suggested.   

Cats with dental issues may be referred to a veterinary dentist for diagnosis and treatment.

Cats with behavior problems may benefit from having new toys, cat towers, a set routine pattern, and regular play time. An animal behaviorist may also help to develop a treatment activity plan for your cat. 

When it comes to looking after yourself, superficial cat scratches should be thoroughly cleaned and treated with an antiseptic ointment. Bites or deep scratches should be seen by a doctor, as cat bites that are not treated have up to an 80% chance of becoming infected.

Finally, please do not consider declawing your cat. Studies have shown that cats that are declawed may become more aggressive, and declawing is also a very painful procedure.

Aggressive play should never be allowed. If your cat is playing too roughly, immediately stop playing with them so you don't reward the undesirable behavior.

Cats enjoy play, so encouraging them to play in a suitable fashion is essential. It's also important to provide toys and activities for your fur-baby, which will enrich their environment and provide plenty of important mental stimulation.

Many health conditions may not be prevented but they can be treated to ensure a good quality of life for your cat. Yearly wellness exams may help diagnose conditions in the early stages and ensure that you get on top of them before they start affecting your cat's behavior.

The health conditions that lead to mean behavior in cats can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.

The treatment cost will vary depending on the underlying cause of the “meanness.”  For example, arthritis and hyperthyroidism may cost around $500 for treatment, but if your dog is diagnosed with gingivitis, the treatments can cost up to $850.