My cat is aggressive towards me and other people

1. 59

   Alex Petrowskiposted 14 months ago

   My cat is aggressive towards me and other people
   
   I've had this kitten since she was born. She was handled a lot while growing up. She's around 8 months old. About two months ago she started showing aggression when she gets picked up. It's only gotten worse. She is completely fine if I'm just petting her but as soon as I pick her up she starts growling and if I hold her too long she starts clawing and biting. If I hold her even on my lap she does the same thing. As soon as I put her down she is completely fine.

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2. 76

   fpherj48posted 14 months ago

   Alex....While I admit I am not a cat whisperer, I have been Mom to many feline in my day and feel I can try to suggest a few possible reasons for your dilemma.
   By the info you provide, it would seem to me, because cats are all so uniquely different from one another and of course, very independent in their basic nature, your cat may be:
   1.) Simply trying to tell you she does not LIKE being picked up and isn't going to let you win.
   2.) Perhaps someone (without your knowledge) recently upset or frightened her by being rough and aggressive with her?
   3.) May be simply going through a stage and you need to be patient.  You might try a few different approaches...........OR
   4.) You probably should accept that she will give and receive affection and/or being held, when she damned well pleases and  that's that.
   The best thing you can do with most cats is just  allow them to be who they are and let them set the ground rules for your relationship.  Some cats are lovey-dovey and enjoy being held and cuddled and others want no part of it.
   Good luck.  Meow, Paula

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