Why is my cat being so aggressive?

Question

I've raised Dega since he was 1 week old, he was raised with another cat (Pita) and a dog (the dog is gone now). He's almost a year old. Both cats are fixed.

About a month ago he started acting.....meaner. The cats have always done the play-fighting, but now it seems like Dega is really trying to hurt the other one. (I spray him with water, but 2 seconds later he chewing on Pita again)

He's also started this thing where he jumps onto the corner of a wall and slides down, scraping paint off as he goes. He also does that to the door frame and has tore up the weatherstripping.

I'm going to get both of them declawed (could that help with the behavior?)

He just started chewing on wires too.

I'll take him to the vet if I need to, but I don't want to spend all that money just to find out it's normal.

Answer 1

Maybe it's just that your cat is getting older, that's usually the problem. Try to give him extra love and attention, and when he behaves this way, say NO in a deep, firm voice.
DO NOT GET YOUR CATS DECLAWED!!! Declawing is not going to help in any way WHATSOEVER. It is bad for the cats. Claws are a cat's natural defense, along with offense. If she were to run out one day, she'd stand no chance against any other animals. Plus, if she got lost, she would (if not die from being killed first) die from starvation from not being able to catch her own food. Trust me, I was a vet.

Answer 2

The behavior he is showing does seem unusally aggressive for a cat that has been raised with another cat. Cat aggression somewhat difficult to address, but I would contact your local humane society and see if they have any suggestions. Finding ways to help owners deal with behavior problems so animals stay in their homes is part of what they do. His behavior also seems to reflect some level of boredom. I would suggest more outlets for him in terms of perhaps an interesting cat tree with hanging toys and things to climb and maybe more toys that might keep him busy.

I would suggest that you rethink declawing your cats. It's a very painful surgery - more than just removing a claw, but actually removing part of the cat's toe. Some vets consider it inhumane and won't do it. Clipping your cat's nails with clippers regularly is not painful and will reduce his desire to scratch up things. A vet or groomer can show you how. Combine this with a scratching post - the rope or sisal ones are best and literally demonstrate to him how to use it. Then, when he scratches inappropriately, take over and show him how to use it.

I also like using a penny can when I see bad behavior. Use a soda can with a few pennies put in and taped closed. Toss it in his general direction whenever you see behavior you don't want - I think it works better than a water bottle - gets a better startle response I think.

Answer 3

Be sure that Dega is getting positive attention as well as correcting his behavior. Do they have scratching posts and a regular dose of catnip? Be careful with the declawing. You should really only declaw young kittens. They get attached to their claws and like having them and taking them away can affect them in a big way. If they are indoor cats you should feed them an indoor formula cat food.

Balanced diet, something to scratch on, catnip and love and affection. That's what cats need.

Sometimes cats need crazy time too. Pumpkin, my cat, at least daily will tear around the house acting like he's chasing something. When he's done tearing around he likes to play attack cat.

Answer 4

If both cats are male he is probably trying to be the alpha cat and get rid of the other one. He is probably trying to establish his territory.

Answer 5

teaspoon olive juice one olive on plate. this is spring with out dog plays ruffer with other cat. olive is better than catnip they go crazy. they drink juice play with olive for hours get tired sleep.

Answer 6

the cat may be under the weather.that happen to my cat.