Redirected Aggression in Cats: Causes and Solutions
- Rachel
- Nov 3
- 13 min read
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Redirected aggression is one of the most common types of feline aggression and can severely damage the bond with other cats and their human guardians. While many relationships can be rebuilt, it takes a lot of time, effort and patience and often results in owners rehoming their beloved furries. Finding a solution can be challenging depending on the cause and severity of aggression; and whether it's directed at other cats or humans.
According to the ASPCA, aggression is the second most common feline behavioural problem seen by animal behaviourists. It's taken less seriously than dogs due to a cat's smaller size, but we should note that they have a lot more weapons, with claws as well as sharper teeth. These can cause deep puncture wounds, infections, abscesses and other complications.
In this article:
Understanding Redirected Aggression
Imagine a scenario:
Cat A is perched on its favourite windowsill observing the scenery when a stray cat strolls brazenly across the lawn. The sight of an intruder on its territory causes Cat A to leap to attention, puffing out its fur like a blowfish.
At that moment, Cat B walks into the room and spots Cat A in a heightened state of arousal. It's easy to see how this might cause a terrible miscommunication, since Cat B thinks it's the source of Cat A's aggression and responds by acting defensively - possibly hissing or growling.
Cat A, who's already irritated by the stray, decides to lash out at its housemate in a classic case of redirected aggression.
This is just one scenario of many and typically happens when an overstimulated cat is unable to reach the source of the fright or whatever has triggered them. Since it can't respond to the stimulus, it displaces or redirects that behaviour onto the nearest available target.
Pet Remedy plug-in diffuser contains a low concentration of valerian and essential oils to work with a cat's natural calming mechanisms when tackling stress and anxiety. Ideal for most pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and birds.
In simple terms, you could describe it as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's not unheard of for cats to attack their human guardians either - it's important to remember that this isn't a logical response, but survival instinct taking over.
Sometimes there can be a delay between the initial arousal and the aggression, from minutes to hours, so the attack seems unprovoked. For example, your cat was startled by a loud noise and hid under the bed.
Unaware of the noise, you find your cat some time later and try to pick it up or stroke it, only to receive a painful swipe in return. This is simply a reflex as your cat is overloaded with adrenaline and hasn't had enough time to calm down.
Other Causes of Redirected Aggression
Seeing or smelling an unfamiliar cat is a common cause of aggression in multi-cat households, but there are some other triggers to be mindful of.
Sudden loud noises like fireworks, thunder or car engines popping.
New environments such as moving house and renovations.
Travelling, vet visits, etc.
Introducing new pets, people or babies.
Seeing or being approached by other animals, especially dogs.
Illness or pain.
Furthermore, I've had the privilege of connecting with many cat parents through this blog who've shared their own experiences with redirected aggression. Some of these include:
Accident or trauma, whereby one cat suffers a minor injury and takes it out on another resident cat.
Owner shouting at their cat and provoking an attack.
Building work on a house, causing one cat to start attacking another.
Fireworks scaring cats into growling or hissing at humans.
In case you're new here, I have my own story regarding redirected aggression that you can read about here.
Aggression looks very similar in cats regardless of the cause, so it's crucial to understand exactly what you're dealing with in order to find the best solution. Learn more about the different types of feline aggression in this detailed post: Aggressive Behaviour in Cats: 8 Types and Causes
Signs of Aggression
As touched on above, most of us can spot an angry feline whether we know what caused it or not. If two or more cats are tearing chunks out of each other then you know there's a problem, but some behaviours are more subtle. Recognising the signs through body language, postures and vocalisations can significantly reduce the chance of it escalating into a full-blown attack.
Some common things to look out for include:
Flattened or pinned back ears.
Tense facial expression.
Wide or slitted eyes.
Direct stare with another cat.
Fluffed up fur (piloerection).
Low or lashing tail.
Hunched, rigid posture.
Arched back.
Hissing, growling or yowling.
Pacing.
This is only a general list as there are some noticeable differences between defensive and offensive aggression that will tell you if an attack is intentional or the cat is simply frightened.
For example, a dominant cat might stand with an arched back and fluffed up coat to make itself look bigger and more menacing. It could even charge at its opponent if it thinks it has no other choice.
A submissive or defensive cat will be in a more crouched position with its head and tail tucked in. It does this to make itself look small and non-threatening in order to avoid an unwanted interaction - clever, right?
If you're experiencing conflict between two or more cats, then determining if there's a bully and a victim will help a great deal when managing and, hopefully, solving the problem. If you spot any of the signs above then it's advisable to remove any other cats from the vicinity as quickly as possible.
For more tips and advice, see this dedicated post: Cat Body Language: Signs of Aggressive Behaviour in Felines
Daintry Cat Calming Spray combines feline pheromones with the natural soothing properties of cedarwood to reduce stress and anxiety. Use around the home or spray onto carriers prior to travelling.
Aggression and Stress
It's also easy for owners to confuse aggression-related signs and symptoms with those caused by stress, especially as the two go hand in hand. It's suggested that stress or anxiety is a cat's emotional response to a perceived threat, and aggression is the behavioural outcome.
We have to remember that a cat's survival instinct is part of their evolutionary DNA, and the "fight-or-flight" mechanism can be the difference between life and death. Cats don't want to fight; it's usually a last resort. For redirected aggression to occur, they must be very stressed indeed.
Learn more here: Signs of Stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment
Cat to Human Aggression
Cats will rarely attack humans if properly socialised, so when this behaviour happens out of the blue, there's likely to be an external stressor. Similar to the example scenario above, aggression can be redirected onto people if you disturbed the cat while it was stimulated or tried to approach it.
Think about it this way: how many times have you snapped at someone when you're in a bad mood, worked up or flustered? You might not claw their eyes out (even if you really want to) but the fact remains that adrenaline can make us do some crazy and uncalled-for things.
It's crucial to remain calm and not add to your cat's stress by shouting at or punishing them. This can escalate the situation, further damaging the cat-human bond and putting yourself at risk of physical injury. It can also cause cats to start associating the negative feeling with their owner, provoking more attacks as well as conflict between other resident cats.
Beaphar Herbal Calming Treats contain hop flowers, Melissa and valerian which is known for its calming properties. They help to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of stress including scratching, spraying and excessive vocalisation.
Here's what you should do to minimise distress:
Unless you or your cat are in immediate danger, leave kitty alone to cool off in its own time. Trying to soothe it may cause further arousal and that's when a cat lashes out, if only to escape the situation.
Ensure there are plenty of hiding places (cat beds, huts, boxes, underbed spaces, wardrobes, etc).
Provide elevated surfaces like cat trees and shelves - think of the wilderness where they'd climb trees to keep a lookout and escape predators.
Avoid actions that cats may consider as threatening: grabbing, yelling, making direct eye contact, shutting inside a room (it's easier to remove yourself than a raging furball with claws!).
Keep a towel handy so that if you need to restrain your cat, you're both protected. You can use whatever you have nearby to block an attack - a cushion, newspaper - preferably anything but your hands.
If you're the target of repeated attacks, try to redirect their focus onto a toy to burn off excess energy. Make sure you use a long-handled toy like a teaser wand to keep a good distance between you and kitty. Reward positive behaviour with treats and ignore the negative - this means ending the play session if necessary.
Always let the cat come to you and don't worry about losing your precious bond. If they want attention then you'll know about it - they are felines, after all!
For a deeper understanding of a cat's body language and how they interact with other cats and humans, this post is essential reading: How to Read a Cat's Body Language, Behaviour and Communication
Redirected Aggression Between Household Cats
Redirected aggression, along with territorial aggression, is one of the most likely causes of fighting in domestic cats and commonly triggered by an unfamiliar feline. If you're lucky then it might be a one-off attack in response to the stimulus, but it can become a more long-standing issue, especially if the target cat retaliates. They may continue to fight whenever they see each other and no longer wish to share a territory.
Health
The first step when dealing with any kind of aggression, whether it's directed at other animals or humans, is to take your cat for a health check-up. I know - getting your cat to the clinic can be a challenge in itself - but if the solution is as simple as a course of medication, isn't it preferable to weeks or months of stress for the whole family?
If you need more vet-related tips and tricks, I've got you covered: How to Prepare Cats for a Vet Visit and Reduce Stress
Establish the Trigger
Assuming your cat doesn't have any medical issues, the next step is to establish the source of fear, stress, anxiety or frustration so you can remove it. This isn't always possible, since we can't simply ask them what the problem is, but if you're observant then they'll show you in their behaviour.
If kitty keeps hanging around a particular window, door or cat flap then you should be on the lookout for a four-legged intruder. In which case, you might want to invest in a suitable cat deterrent or other precautions on the off-chance a stray is urine marking outside the house.
If your cat acts skittish or hides whenever there's a noise that wouldn't ordinarily bother them, it could be trauma from a memory of a similar experience. They can be on alert for hours or days after a triggering incident, and I've witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of aggression between two sibling cats that had previously got along. In that time, I've learned that prevention is better than intervention.
Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting
Physical Conflict
Cases of redirected aggression are almost impossible to predict or prevent, which is what makes it so difficult to solve, and we usually don't know there's a problem until the initial attack. Here are some things you can do when dealing with conflict:
If cats are hissing, growling, yowling or staring at each other, place a piece of cardboard or a cushion between them to block off eye contact. My boys would do everything they could to see around the obstacle just to continue their disagreement, but it should give you a chance to usher them into separate rooms.
Try distracting with a toy and leading cats away from each other - it helps if you have another person so you can work on both cats.
If cats have engaged in a physical fight and you need to intervene, remain calm and don't try to separate them with your hands. Use a long-handled object such as a broom or throw a towel over them before handling.
Keep offending cats separated until there's no visible tension.
Confine cats indoors so you can monitor their behaviour and prevent aggression from extending beyond their domestic territory. The last thing you want is kitty getting into scraps with a neighbourhood rival and bringing more problems back to the home.
Xemz Interactive Feather Cat Toy features a rotating feather that randomly pops out of the holes at different time intervals. The toy starts when cats pass the infrared sensor and has an auto shut-off time of 5 minutes.
When my cats were going through their aggressive phase, there were many instances where I had to break up physical altercations. I never advise using hands, but I often did because it was all I could think of in the moment. Fights can break out at any time, and if you're reading this then it's probably happened to you too.
While they've never lashed out at me, I noticed that Drax started glaring at my hands and giving some serious vocal warnings. I took this as a firm "Back off, b*tch!" and I sure as hell paid attention.
Observation, recognition and understanding go a long way in communicating with your cats, especially where aggression is present. You wouldn't get between two humans beating each other to a pulp, the only difference with cats is that a giant human looming over them increases the fear they're already experiencing.
As a last resort, rather than grabbing cats with your hands, stepping between them or using a leg might be less intimidating. When doing this, I found that my cats naturally backed away from me so one could run off and I was able to prevent the other from chasing; but this really depends on the temperament of your cats.
As far as standard practice goes, never use body parts!
You can find more advice in this dedicated post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats
Separation and Reintroduction
If the fighting persists, you may have to start the separation and reintroduction process. This is a proven strategy recommended by experts and used by animal behaviourists all over the world.
There are several stages that cats must go through:
Separation
Cats are separated for a minimum of 24-48 hours with no visual contact.
Cats are rotated around different rooms or areas of the home so they can swap scents and reacclimatise to each other in a neutral setting.
Reintroduction
Feed cats on either side of a door or baby gate covered with a blanket to maintain the no-visuals rule. Begin by leaving bowls several feet away from the door or barrier and gradually move them closer over the following days.
Start allowing visual contact by opening the door a crack or raising the blanket by an inch. If cats display aggressive behaviour such as hissing or swatting, go back a step and continue the process until they're comfortable seeing and eating next to each other.
Finally, remove the barrier and use toys, play or treats to distract the attention away from the other cat. This helps to build positive associations and aids the bonding process.
For a more in-depth guide where I break down each stage and share my own personal experiences, head over to this post: How to Reintroduce Cats After a Fight in 6 Steps
From my correspondence with other parents, the separation process lasts an average of two weeks. This is by no means a set timeframe and each situation will be unique to your cats. In my case, it was closer to six months before they could be left alone unsupervised.
Other Tips
Territory
It's not unusual for cats to become more territorial as tension builds in the home. To reduce competition, you want to ensure there are enough resources for the number of cats you have: food and water bowls, litter trays, beds, toys, etc). They should be spread around the home, and you can add extra territory with cat trees, wall-mounted shelving, ramps and other kitty furniture.
Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources
Doing this will also ensure that you're prepared for any unexpected outbreaks, so you already have a space set up for each individual cat. For example, we know that Bonfire Night and New Year attract a lot of fireworks. Prepare a safe room in advance and invest in a calming diffuser or spray like Pet Remedy, which is suitable for most domestic pets.
If your cats are extra skittish, you might consider separating them prior to a stressful event so that if one is triggered, they won't have any opportunities to fight.
Feliway Friends plug-in diffuser mimics the pheromones that a mother cat releases to her kittens to help reduce tension and conflict in multi-cat households.
Calming Products
There are lots of products on the market that claim to reduce aggression, many of which are discussed or reviewed on this blog. As touched on above, pheromone diffusers and calming prays replicate the chemicals that cats release during scent marking to create familiarity, reassurance and safety within their environment. They target most stress-related behaviours including scratching, urine spraying, overgrooming, conflict and tension.
Calming supplements made from natural, drug-free ingredients are a good short-term option and have less undesirable side effects than traditional medications, but you should always consult with a vet for the most suitable treatment.
Read my review of two well-known brands here: Calming Supplement Reviews: ZylKene and YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats (Tried and Tested)
Herbal calming treats can be used as an alternative to supplements. You might also have seen collars and spot-ons that release essential oils, such as valerian which is known for its calming properties. Take caution when using anything that changes the smell of your cat, as this could cause them to be more aggressive towards one another.
Summary
There are no guarantees that damage can be reversed, even if cats were bonded for many years before the aggression started. I understand and empathise with how crushing this is for parents, and I'm always here for a chat if you need it!
Your vet is also a valuable source of advice and will be able to refer you to a qualified behaviourist, if you decide to go down that route.
In the event that cats can no longer tolerate living together, rehoming may be considered as an option; but there are lots of practical steps you can take to avoid this. You know your situation - and your cats - better than anyone.
Do's | Don'ts |
✓ Seek veterinary advice. | ❌ Shout at or punish cats. |
✓ Recognise signs of aggression. | ❌ Grab or separate cats with hands. |
✓ Leave cats to cool off in their own time. | ❌ Attempt to soothe an angry cat. |
✓ Establish the trigger or source of aggression and remove it (if possible). | ❌ Force cats to interact with each other or share a space if they don't want to. |
✓ Use distraction techniques with toys and reward positive behaviour. | |
✓ Provide hiding places and elevated surfaces. | |
✓ Separate cats if necessary. |
Mentioned Products
Yaheetech Cat Tree Tower
Bojafa Teaser Wand
Venture Extra Tall Baby Gate
Have you experienced redirected aggression towards yourself or another household cat? Get in touch or share your story in the comments.
