Are cats typically aggressive?

Question

We're considering adopting a cat. I've always had dogs but feel a cat would better fit our lifestyle. As a potential first-time cat owner, I've been doing some reading on cat behaviour, and there seems to be a LOT of mention of aggression. Is this typical of cats? Is it just a given that cats will bite and scratch, or is this something found (as in dogs) periodically with some individuals?

Any help would be appreciated.

***We are committed to adopting an adult shelter cat.

Answer 1

Aggressiveness in cats varies. Some cats are not aggressive, others are. The aggressiveness can vary from minor to intense. It depends upon the personality of each individual cat; and, it depends on how it was treated by previous human companions.

The only way you can tell if a cat is going to be aggressive is by bringing it home and playing and living with it.

Here's a suggestion, based on personal experience: do not tease your cat by playing rough with it, and that includes using your hands and fingers to tease it. Many people erroneously play with their cats as though they are puppies = i.e., being rough with their cats. This will not only lead to aggressive behavior in their cats, but will actually encourage that kind of behavior, the result of which is a cat that will bite and scratch.

It is good that you are doing a lot of reading up on cat behavior. You can go online to the website I've posted below to learn more about living with your first time cat.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Cats are predatory animals but are not overly aggressive. Most cats are loving and enjoy being stroked and brushed. The older a cat is the more docile they become. Cats are only aggressive if they are given reason to be that way. In situations when they are frightened and feel unsafe. Cats don't tend to back down from fights...they fight. Kittens do have that playful stage but they most times when an owner gets scratched it's normally accidental. If your cat displays unusual aggressive behavior then the best thing is to play detective and find out what is the problem. Once it's eliminated then everything will be fine.

Cats are wonderful pets who show a great deal of love and attachment to their owners. Well, I always say, the cat owns the house and allows us to live there. The cats that I have had, stay on the bed when I'm ill. They don't leave you alone if you're sad. Cats are good companions.

Answer 3

Not unless they are protecting young kittens from someone that they are scared of. That is normal "motherly" instinct, although some people could consider that to be aggressive behavior.

There are exceptions, some cats that have been mistreated as kitten, or have lived in a feral situation will be less accepting and scared of human contact.

My family and I have adopted several cats that were abused when they were younger, either kicked in the ribs or starved and they have taken time to adjust to being in a loving home; but have generally just been shy or standoffish until they realized that we would love them and treat them well.

There is always a small chance that any living creature is going to be aggressive, but you can spend time with any animal that you want to adopt, even shelters have play areas available, and you can quickly determine if a cat or kitten is going to be open and accepting of you.

If you do decide to get a cat as a new family member, you may actually want to consider getting two as they will have each other to play with and take care of when you are out of the home at work.

My family and I currently have four cats and one dog, who is a Pom and thinks shes part cat, and they are all best buds, other than the occasional spat, just like their human counterparts.

Good luck, I hope you find the perfect cat(s) for you and your family. Have a good day.

Answer 4

I found males are usually more aggressive than females but neutering does help. And if you are adopting from a shelter it will more than likely be fixed.

SInce you are considering adopting make sure the description of the animal will ensure YOU are a good fit for it's personality. You don't want a really active cat if you are not going to have the time to play with it. And yes, even adults will like to play.

The description will also let you know if the cat prefers to be alone or with other cats, good with kids, other pet species, etc. as well as if it tends to be moody. A lot of times the shelter will alow you some time to get to know each other as well as a "try out" period. Ask.

Good luck and thanks for adopting!!

Answer 5

You are certainly taking the right approach in getting an adult cat from a shelter. The adoption counselors and staff there will introduce you to a wonderful kitty who is not "aggressive". A lot of those issues happen in kittens, especially those who don't have playmates when they are young.

When a shelter cat is placed in a new home it will be very frightened and feel insecure. Don't force your attentions on the cat - just quietly learn to "read" the cat's emotional state and react accordingly. A loving spirit and quiet patience will make the adjustment go smoothly and you should have a lovely companion for many years.

Answer 6

Most of the mentions on this site are about kittens, who do have a mouthy phase that's usually worked off on other kittens (and in a home environment with only people around the kitten uses humans as his tooth toy). That's normal, and the cats outgrow it.

An adult cat isn't usually aggressive unless pushed or is frightened. Once you read the body language you can avoid a lot of misunderstandings (my sig. other took months to finally realize that a wagging tail did NOT mean the same in a cat that it means in a dog! LOL).

A happy cat doesn't bite without a reason. Some do put their mouths on your hand if they're hungry (they don't bite down) but most just use vocalizations and body language to make you understand. They will always react in their own way, consistently. It's up to us to figure it out, but if you watch what the body language says, it's usually pretty clear.

Answer 7

I never had a aggressive cat, and I've had a lot of cats. I think some owners may inadvertently make their cats aggressive with to much rough play.

A good way to insure you get a non-agressive cat is to adopt an adult cat from a shelter or humane society and ask the people who work there to help you identify a sweet, non-aggressive cat.

Answer 8

No, cat's are not typically aggressive. All cat's can become aggressive without a lot of love, attension, and care. Cat's are a great pet to have, because they are pretty much maintnence-free. All you have to do is clean the litter, and feed/water it! I would definetly recomend you getting a cat, because they ussually express a lot of love toward their owners, and don't often bite or scratch. Cat's (oviously) do have claws and will use them, but if provided with a scratching post, they will use that rather than your hand or couch. Beware when playing with it though, because you most likely will get a few scratches when it's chasing your hand. It probably won't purposfully try to hurt you.

Try to get a kitten, so it can easily be trained not to do things you don't want it to do (ie. cry, bite, scratch etc.). If you get older cats, they are less hyper, but also can have bad habits, or previous abbusive owners. If this is the case, they will be more likely to try to hurt you.

Good luck with your new cat!!

Answer 9

Cats aren't typically aggressive unless you give them reason to be, and the cats up for adoption will have a sheet on their cage that will mention behavior abnormalities.

Don't believe everything you read online, there are a lot of ignorant people out there parading themselves as well-educated on topics they know nothing about.

Answer 10

I dont know about agressive cats all the cats I have had have been very docile. Cats like to live the stressfree lifestyle. If you feed them give them somewhere warm to sleep, and give them alot of love you will be rewarded with a lovley pet. Good wishes for your new cat have fun.