Do you have an affectionate, cuddly cat? Or do you have a furry little grump on your hands? Kitties all have their own unique purrsonalities. Some are sweet and lovable, while others are a bit feisty. Fluffy can also switch gears quickly between the two. A local Anderson, IN vet offers some insight into kitty crankiness below.

Things That Annoy Cats

Some things that just naturally annoy our feline friends. Being rubbed the wrong way—literally—is a big one. Fluffy can be a bit picky about when and how she is held or petted, and for how long. Other things that set these little furballs on edge? Loud noises and commotion. While some cats are pretty bombproof in this area, others will bolt for cover at the clang of a kitchen pan.

Rough Play

Our feline pals can be a bit confusing in this area. They’re the only one of our animal companions that show affection by, well, attacking us. This is because Fluffy’s ‘hunting’ and ‘play’ modes overlap so much. Teach your furball not to bite hard or use her claws when she’s playing. You can also use toys that you control from a distance, like wand toys or laser pointers. This will encourage your frisky pet to attack her playthings, not you. Another thing that can help? Just tell your kitty to play nice!

Aggression

True aggression is a different story. Cats that are angry or defensive will flatten their ears, puff their fur out, hiss, growl, and/or lash their tails. You’ll also see a change in Fluffy’s facial expression. For instance, she may hold her whiskers back. Aggression can happen because of a temporary annoyance, or due to something ongoing. Kitties also sometimes get angry because they feel scared, threatened, or jealous, or as they are adjusting to major changes. Mama cats get very defensive about kittens. Fluffy may also actually be angry that the neighbor’s cat dared to walk across HER yard again, but may take it out on you. If your furball isn’t usually a hissing ball of rage, a sudden change in her anger levels could very well be indicative of a medical issue. If you can’t spot an obvious trigger for your feline buddy’s anger, schedule an exam ASAP. If your furball gets the thumbs-up from the vet, you may want to contact a pet behaviorist.

Do you have any questions about your furry friend’s health or care? Contact us, your local Anderson, IN animal clinic, anytime!