How to Stop a Cat from Biting and Scratching
- In This Quick Guide:
- Rule Out Physical Problems
- Modify Behavior
- Keep Everyone Safe
- Destructive Scratching
Cats can and sometimes do display aggression toward people by biting and scratching. It’s unpleasant and potentially dangerous to live with an aggressive cat, so let’s look at some of the reasons why your cat may be biting and scratching, as well as some potential solutions.
Rule Out Physical Problems
As with other behavior problems, the first step in dealing with aggression is to rule out a physical problem. If your cat is ill or in pain, touching or disturbing her can trigger defensive aggression. Even a healthy cat can occasionally get cranky because of acute pain—if you’ve ever accidentally stepped on your cat’s tail or toe, you know about this! If your new cat shows aggression or if your established cat suddenly turns crabby, take her for a check-up.
Fear can also bring on defensive aggression. For instance, if a cat is cornered, injured, or otherwise frightened, he might hiss, spit, swat, and bite to protect himself. Pain can trigger fear, so if your cat appears irrationally fearful, see your vet. Similarly, if you startle your cat, especially when he’s asleep, his first response will often be a defensive one.
Petting can occasionally trigger a bite. Some vets and behaviorists believe that the “bite to the hand that pets” phenomenon, which most cat lovers have experienced at some time, might be due to irritation or even pain brought on by repetitive petting. (Imagine shaking hands with someone who keeps on shaking until you can’t stand it anymore. You might not bite, but I bet you’d want to!) It’s also important to realize that some cats just don’t like to be cuddled or petted.
Modify Behavior
If you’ve ruled out physical problems, then it’s time to manage and hopefully change the behavior. First, try to determine what triggers the aggression. If a particular person or pet causes your cat to bare his claws, see if you can figure out why. Is the dog pushy? Does your son clomp around in big clunky shoes? Sometimes even a simple change—training the dog to leave the cat alone or having your son change his shoes in the house—can fix the problem. Also consider general stress or change in the environment. Have you moved recently, put in new carpet, changed the furniture around, or added a new family member?
You might be able to stop your cat’s aggressive behavior through counterconditioning, a technique in which you offer a reward for the behavior you want and ignore the unwanted behavior. For instance, if your cat reacts aggressively to being picked up, start by simply touching him while he’s on the floor and simultaneously giving him a treat. When he’s relaxed with that (which might take several encounters), up the ante a little by running your hand down his side, still giving him a treat. Then get your hand under his belly without lifting him. Work from there to lifting up on his belly but without raising his paws off the floor, then lift him just a little, then a little more, and so on. Be patient, and don’t try to push him too quickly. The key to success is not to pass his tolerance limit. At the first sign he might be getting cranky, back off slightly. Stay at that level until he’s relaxed and comfortable with the stimulation, then proceed again slowly. This approach will take a while, but the results will be more dependable than any attempt at a quick fix.
Keep Everyone Safe
Remember, above all, that the first priority when dealing with an aggressive animal is to keep others—human and animal—safe. An angry or frightened cat can cause a great deal of damage with those sharp teeth and claws, so don’t take chances with yourself, other people, or other pets. If your cat poses a danger during the normal course of household activity, seek help immediately from a qualified behaviorist who can evaluate the behavior and develop a treatment plan.
Destructive Scratching
Cats scratch to sharpen their claws, and to mark objects with their scent. Your job is to encourage your cat to scratch and mark “legal” objects—scratching posts and similar items—and discourage them from marking and shredding drapes, furniture, carpets, and other off-limits items. If your cat has scratched drapes, furniture, or other items in your house, he has left his scent on them. In addition to encouraging him to scratch where you want him to, you need to remove his scent from the “illegal” places. Clean the areas thoroughly, then apply an enzyme cleaner designed to remove the scent. Follow the manufacturer’s directions; some are premixed, others need to be activated with water. Then make the area inaccessible until the habit is broken, or spray it with a pet repellant. (Test the repellant first—some might repel you, too!)
You can’t completely prevent your cat from scratching—even declawed cats go through the motions to apply scent. But you can teach your cat to scratch only certain objects. Be sure the scratching post is convenient, preferably near your cat’s favorite sleeping spot. Many cats like to scratch when they wake up, perhaps to refresh their scent. Your cat will return to the spots that already carry his scent, so it’s important to get her to scratch the post, marking it as hers.
If your cat just won’t use his scratching post, try a different type. When he does use the proper place, praise him and, at least at first, give him a little treat. Positive reinforcement is very effective.
Another option that works well for some cats is soft plastic covers that slide onto the cat’s claws to prevent her from using them destructively.
With patience and discipline you can curb your cat’s aggressiveness and stop them from biting and scratching. Good luck!
From The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting and Owning a Cat by Sheila Webster Boneham, Ph.D.
