No More Scratches: Learn How To Calm Your Angry Cat Today

So you’ve been brutally attacked by your beloved kitty and now you’re left wondering how to prevent it from happening again. 

Well, fear not, fellow victim, because there’s a solution for calming your angry cat! 

The reality is cats don’t just attack for no reason. 

They give us subtle hints before they unleash their fury. 

I know, it feels like trying to decipher a secret code, but luckily for you, paying attention to your furry friend’s body language can make all the difference. 

This article will reveal the possible reasons why your kitty sometimes acts like a fierce beast, and teach you some of the magic tricks that can help turn that snarling ball of fur into a peaceful couch companion.

Plus, we’ve got the secret sauce that’ll make your cat’s mood go from zero to hero. 

You’ll leave here knowing exactly how to soothe your moody cat and bring him back to a state of feline zen. 

How To Calm An Angry Cat

Dealing with an angry cat is no easy feat, so let’s start with some handy strategies you can use to help calm your furious feline down:

Give Your Cat Time To Calm Down

First up, and most important, unless it’s an absolute emergency, give your angry cat some time to calm down on his own. 

This means you avoid touching or petting him, or going too close. 

It’s best not to try to pick him up either.

If he runs off and hides under the bed, let him stay there till he is ready to come out again rather than try to lure him out.

Giving your cat room to roam and do his own thing can make him feel more in control, less threatened, and more likely to kick back and relax. 

So, wherever possible, simply step away from the kitty.

Cat Brains vs. Dog Brains

Interestingly, one possible reason why your feline friend is more easily aroused and then takes a while to recover from an angry mood is that his frontal lobes, which help inhibit emotions, are smaller in cat brains compared to dogs. 

Because of the size difference, it’s thought the mechanism may be less efficient in cats than in their canine counterparts.

For sure I’ve rescued many a street cat over the years, and have ended up with the odd gnarly bite that has resulted in a painful swollen hand and a course of antibiotics.

Of course, it would have been preferable to have prevented this in the first place but in a rescue situation, you can’t control everything – despite your best efforts.

That’s why, if you can, I recommend you start by giving your angry cat and time and space he needs to regroup.

Provide A Safe Space

Make sure your cat has a safe place where he can retreat any time he feels overwhelmed or threatened, or even if he just wants some alone time. 

A spare room kitted out with food, water, and a litter box is a good start, as well as a scratch post, a cardboard box with a blanket inside (or a covered cat bed) for hiding, and a high place where he can perch.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a spare room, or if your cat prefers to retreat to another spot.

As long as he has easy access to his stuff and a safe place to relax without being disturbed, it will work just fine.

Even a piece of furniture with some cozy blankets or a box on top will do the trick for many cats.

Your cat will appreciate having a safe and secure space he can retreat to whenever he wants or needs it. 

Remove The Source Of Stress Or Fear

If your cat feels threatened by a particular person, animal, or situation (e.g. house guests, contractors, loud noises), the best thing you can do is remove them from the equation. 

If that’s not possible (and you don’t want to kick out your visitors!), give your cat the chance to retreat to his safe space or wherever else he wants to go.

Don’t force him to interact either. 

There’s a reason cats always make a beeline for the person who is ignoring them – because that’s the person they feel safest with.

The more in control of his environment your furry friend feels, the less he is likely to get angry and behave aggressively.

Use Calming Signals And “Cat Language”

Talking to your cat in a calm, quiet, voice and using calming signals is another way to help him feel more relaxed. 

Slow blinking is a typical feline gesture of appeasement and cats often use it with each other to show they are not a threat.

You can do the same thing with your cat to help reduce his stress levels.

All you have to do is sit at a distance, sideways on, and blink slowly, keeping your eyes closed for a moment.

Be careful not to stare though. 

Staring is considered hostile in the animal kingdom and you may just get him all riled up again!

Use “Seeking” To Switch Emotional States

Now for the “secret sauce” I mentioned earlier. This is where we can get really clever and creative.

For a start, try using some tasty treats or catnip* to help your cat switch from an angry emotional state to a more positive one.

I would gently throw some of his favorite treats on the ground (our cats are partial to a scattering of tuna-flavored Temptations) nearby so he has to sniff them out and find them.

Cats rely hugely on scent to experience the world and communicate.

When they are using their sense of smell to forage for something, it engages the “seeking” system in their brain.

This makes animals feel good because they get to explore their environment in anticipation of a reward.

When the “seeking” system is activated, it also provides a nice boost of dopamine. 

Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain that makes animals feel good.

It can help kitty refocus his energy, feel better emotionally, and reduce his stress levels.

*A note of caution: some cats get extremely aroused at the scent of catnip and can become even more agitated.

If your cat is one of those cats, it’s best not to use it. But for those cats who just go into a happy state of euphoria, it can be a helpful distraction.

Use Play To Switch The Mood

In the same way, you can encourage interactive play to reduce your cat’s stress and switch his mood from negative (anger) to positive (happy).

This is also linked to the “seeking” system I just described. 

For example, you can wave around a fishing pole or other type of wand toy (in other words, one with feathers attached), or pull a piece of string along the floor.

Most cats won’t be able to resist.

Their predatory instincts will kick in and in a flash, you can help kitty move from an angry state to one of excitement and anticipation.

Even if your cat makes no effort to move, but follows the movement of the toy with his eyes, you’re halfway there.

An additional bonus: if your cat is lashing out because of fear, play can help move him from a fearful state to a more positive feeling.

Use Calming Aids

Did you know that there are calming aids for cats? Who’d have thought?!

While not every cat responds to calming aids, they can be worth a try – especially if your cat is fearful or anxious, or stressed about something in particular.

Those house guests again, for example!

One option is to play some music, especially calming music for cats (yes, really!), which can help mask unfamiliar sounds and create a soothing atmosphere. 

Another option is to use a Feliway plugin diffuser or Rescue Remedy essential oils, both of which have been found to have calming effects on some cats. 

If they don’t work, no harm done.

But if they do, your cat may thank you for it!

Handling An Angry Cat

Handling an angry cat can be challenging and it’s important to exercise caution and care when doing so.

First of all, as I’ve already said, if it can be avoided, it’s best not to handle your cat at all until he has the time and space to calm down.

But if you can’t wait for some reason (for example, it’s an emergency or he has been missing for a while and you have finally found him hiding away somewhere), here are some tips to help you handle your angry feline safely and effectively.

Safety Precautions

• If your cat is being aggressive towards other cats or you are trying to break up a cat fight, separate them by gently placing a broom or cushion between them and gradually moving them apart.

• Alternatively, throw a towel over the cats to avoid handling them and risking injury to yourself. Usually, this provides a sufficient distraction and disorientation for them to pause fighting.

• Use a pair of thick heat-resistant gloves designed for welding or barbecuing if you absolutely have to handle your cat. While the gloves may restrict your movement and feel a little clunky, they will help protect your hands, wrists, and lower arms from being bitten or scratched.

• You can also gently place a towel or blanket over your cat if you need to handle him and he’s behaving aggressively because he is scared.

• Another option is to again use the towel or blanket option and wrap your cat up “burrito” style. This can also help protect you from those angry bites and scratches. Note, however, that some cats will be fiercely resistant to being restrained like this as it will make them feel unsafe and completely out of control, so please use caution and use your judgment.

Not sure about the cat burrito wrap? Here is a great little video of Krista Sirois demonstrating how to do it safely:

Recognizing The Warning Signs

People often say their cat bit them “out of nowhere” but that’s rarely the case.

It’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs that your cat is getting angry (and potentially aggressive) so you can avoid making things worse. 

So keep your eyes peeled for body language cues that your furball is feeling feisty. 

Here are still some of the obvious signs to watch for:

• Dilated pupils
• Flattened ears
• Hissing or growling
• Raised fur on the back
• Arched back
• Puffed-up tail
• Swishing tail

If you notice any of these signals, it’s best to take a break and avoid handling your cat until he has had time to calm down.

Your goal should always be to defuse a situation before it escalates into a full-blown “rage” response.

Trust me, this is better for everyone! Not only does it help maintain an overall mood of calm, but it is also instrumental in preventing injury – both to cats and humans.

Avoiding Physical Punishment

Physical punishment is definitely not an effective way to discipline an angry cat and risks making the situation much worse.

Any form of punishment, such as shouting, spraying with a water bottle, or any kind of physical contact, can cause cats to become more aggressive.

Why? Because they end up feeling like they have no other option but to go into all-out defense mode.

And why is that? Because they will try to do whatever it takes to make the scary or painful situation stop.

Think fight or flight. Neither are great options, so best to simply avoid them in the first place.

Using Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, is the perfect way to encourage the behaviors you want in your cat. 

You can use treats, play, catnip, and petting to reward your cat for calm behavior. 

This will help him associate positive experiences with being calm and help elevate his overall mood state to something a bit more positive.

Dealing With Specific Situations

It can be helpful to know how to handle it if your cat is aggressive towards other cats, humans, or other pets. 

Aggression Between Cats

If you have multiple cats, territorial competition can often lead to aggression. 

The best way to try to prevent this is to provide multiple resources for all cats. 

You can do this by placing a number of food and water bowls around the house, as well as scratching posts, toys, sleeping areas, and litter boxes. 

For example, we currently have six cats at home and we have four separate feeding stations around the place.

They are all elevated too, so the dogs can’t bother the cats when they’re eating.

For litter boxes, the rule of thumb is always one per cat plus one extra. 

As far as is practical anyway. 

If your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat then you can probably get away with fewer than that.

If you don’t have the space, just try to be creative and do the best you can. 

Any small improvement is better than none.

It’s best to place the litter boxes in quiet areas that are easily accessible (older cats may find it difficult to climb stairs, for example) and where the cat won’t be disturbed (such as in the laundry right next to the scary, noisy washing machine or dryer).

Creating vertical space through cat trees or high shelving is also helpful for diffusing tensions, as is providing multiple hiding places in the form of boxes, covered cat beds, or similar.

Aggression Towards Humans

Petting-induced aggression is a commonly reported behavior issue in cats. 

If your cat suddenly becomes aggressive while being petted, stop immediately. 

Once again, give your cat some alone time to calm down and try again later. 

Even better, pay attention to your cat’s body language, especially tail position, to avoid triggering aggression in the first place.

One of our rescued street cats, Kasper, is the master of petting-biting aggression. 

He’ll be lying there purring his head off loving all the attention, when suddenly you see a swish of the tail and you know he is approaching his limit.

Better to stop now or else risk getting his teeth sunk into the back of your hand!

Aggression Towards Other Pets

Introducing a new cat or any other pet can be stressful for both the new pet and any resident pets. 

Give each pet their own space and resources to start with, then gradually increase their time together while rewarding calm behavior.

It’s important to introduce the new addition slowly and supervise their interactions.

Types Of Cat Aggression

There are different types of aggression, including fear aggression, territorial aggression, maternal aggression, play aggression, and the already mentioned petting-induced aggression. 

Cats may display more than one type of aggression at a time, making it challenging to manage.

Common Triggers of Cat Aggression

• Restraint
• Frustration (e.g. pouncing on a laser pointer but there’s nothing there – tip: throw down a furry toy mouse for your cat to pounce on so he can complete his predatory sequence)
• Another cat behaving aggressively
• Fear
• Pain
• Punishment
• Stress
• Rough play
• Loud noises or other environmental factors the cat perceives as threatening
• Lack of socialization or handling as a kitten

Medical Causes of Cat Aggression

If your cat is regularly displaying aggressive behavior, it is always best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues first.

I included pain in the list of triggers above, but let’s now take a closer look.

Pain

Painful conditions such as arthritis, wounds, abscesses, and other injuries can cause cats to become aggressive. 

If your cat is in pain, he may lash out as a way of protecting himself. 

Make sure you have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if pain is the underlying cause of his aggression.

Case Study: Oakley – Back Pain From Old Injury

Our rescued street cat Oakley has a dent in his spine from where our vet thinks he must have been hit by a car.

Although we manage Oakley’s pain with medication and exercise, sometimes, if you accidentally touch him there, he will lash out and bite.

This doesn’t mean he is an aggressive cat. 

It just means he is trying to prevent himself from getting hurt in a place he already associates with pain and a frightening experience.

Dental Disease

If your cat is experiencing pain or discomfort in the mouth, he may become aggressive when approached or handled. 

Regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent dental disease and thus reduce the risk of aggressive behavior.

Underlying Medical Condition

Medical problems such as hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and central nervous system disorders can also cause aggression in cats. 

Considering Behavioral Medications

Behavioral medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help reduce fear and anxiety. 

It’s important to note that these types of medications may have side effects and should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Having said that, it is essential to first ascertain why your cat gets angry and what his triggers are – because you may simply be able to avoid them altogether.

Consulting A Feline Behavior Specialist

If your vet determines that your cat’s aggression is behavioral, they may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or feline behavior specialist.

The specialist can work with you to identify the triggers that cause the aggression and develop a plan to modify your cat’s behavior. 

Please know that seeking professional help is in no way a sign of failure.

In fact, if you’re at your wits’ end with your angry kitty, it is a responsible and caring decision that can help improve your cat’s quality of life and keep everyone safe.

Preventing Anger in Cats

I’ve already talked about providing multiple resources, a safe space, and acting calmly around your kitty, but here are a couple of last tips to help him be calm at a baseline level:

Establish A Routine

Cats thrive on routine, so it’s a good idea to establish a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and other activities. 

This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which means your cat will be calmer all around.

Avoid Rough Play

By providing your cat with an outlet for his innate hunting instincts, you can help prevent boredom and frustration, which can lead to aggression. 

However, rough play can trigger aggression in cats, so it’s best to avoid it. 

While playtime is important, make sure to stop before your cat becomes overstimulated or starts to show signs of agitation.

Mental Stimulation

Providing mental stimulation (e.g. through food puzzle toys, wand toys, or chasing games that allow your cat to tap into his instinctual predatory behavior) is a great way to get your cat to use his brain.

When your cat engages his rational brain to work out a challenge or solve puzzles, it helps inhibit his emotional brain, making his baseline mood state calmer all around.

This is why it’s so important to keep your cat under threshold at all times and prevent him from going into emotional overdrive.

Remember those small frontal lobes? Best not to provoke them in the first place, if at all possible!

Before You Go

Now you know everything you need to know about how to calm an angry cat.

But what if we throw something else into the mix? What happens if you need to get your angry cat to the vet?

Recommended Products

• Cat Calming Music
• Feliway® Pheromone Diffuser
• Rapicca Heat/Fire Resistant Welding Gloves 
• Rescue Remedy®
• Tuna Flavor Temptations Cat Treats

Resources

• Cat Burrito Wrap [Video] – Krista Sirois
• Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression – Cornell Feline Health Center
• PLAY – Animal Emotions/Module 4 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses
• RAGE – Animal Emotions/Module 8 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses
• SEEKING – Animal Emotions/Module 6 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses

NEED HELP FROM A CAT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST?

If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a certified feline behavior consultant. They will be able to offer you tailored advice for your cat(s) and situation.

Good places to start are:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior