Cat Aggression Towards Humans
Together, let’s rebuild your cat’s relationship with you and those around you
Clinical Animal Behaviourists in Birmingham Wolverhampton Derby Stoke-on-Trent Solihull Burton-upon-Trent Dudley Halesowen Redditch Kidderminster Stafford Stourbridge Walsall Tamworth Lichfield West Bromwich Atherstone Aldridge Evesham Tipton Cannock Bromsgrove Smethwick Willenhall Oldbury Droitwich Spa Uttoxeter Rugeley Stone Stourport-on-Severn Brierley Hill Wednesbury Brownhills Alvechurch Telford and Wrekin Shropshire Sandwell Wyre Forest Wychavon Sutton Coldfield Coventry North Warwickshire Coleshill Nuneaton Bedworth Cheshire Cheadle Bridgnorth Shifnal Newport Oswestry Shrewsbury
Cat aggression towards humans can be concerning. As a devoted cat owner, experiencing difficulties with your relationship such as aggression, biting or scratching from your cat can be disheartening and stressful. These behaviours can strain the bond you share with your cat and may leave you feeling anxious or worried about your interactions. Together, let’s improve your cat’s aggression towards humans.
A reluctance to interact, or displays of aggression isn’t a reflection of your care or love for your cat. Rather, it’s a sign your cat might be uncomfortable, fearful or frustrated. Cats, like all creatures, have unique needs and ways of expressing their emotions. Domestic life may occasionally fail to meet these instinctual needs, leading to challenging behaviours.
Here to help with aggression in cats
As cat behaviourists, our goal is to help you decode these behaviours, understand their root causes, and guide you on ways to build a more positive relationship with your cat. By examining your cat’s environment, daily routines, and interactions, we can identify potential triggers and devise a personalised plan to address them.
Whether it’s through removing sources of worry, addressing your interactions with your cat, and addressing their needs, we’ll work together to reduce the problem behaviours you’re experiencing, and build more harmony between you and your cat. We will also teach you about cat body language and communication signals, to help you understand your feline friends better.
Remember, overcoming cat aggression towards humans takes time and patience. But with consistent effort, professional guidance, and a lot of love, we can help your cat feel more secure and confident. Together, we can work towards a happier, more peaceful life for your precious companion.
Meet Your Feline Behaviourists
Zoe Demery
Zoe has a doctorate in animal cognition and behaviour, and she is one of the few independently accredited clinical cat behaviourists in the UK (CCAB). She is also a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, registered with ABTC, and certified by IAABC as a cat behaviour consultant. Zoe is a proud committee member of FAB Clinicians and chairs the feline subcommittee.
Since starting practice in 2012, she has helped dozens of cats and their caregivers around the world better understand each other. Zoe also mentors budding cat behaviourists.
Megan Richardson
Megan has always known that she wanted to work with cats and she has always been fascinated with feline behaviour and training. She worked in a variety of different types of animal collections, especially in feline boarding and rescue catteries, which developed her passion for feline welfare and behavioural rehabilitation.
Megan graduated from Harper Adams University with a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, then grew her clinical behaviour practice with cats and before joining Second Nature in 2020. Megan is one of our feline behaviourists based in Staffordshire, but travels all over the Midlands helping cats and their owners better understand each other.
“My indoor-only cat became aggressive towards me whenever she saw the neighbour’s cat. Redirecting her vigilance onto healthier activities like play and making her feel more secure in our home has been transformative. Blocking the window view also helped immensely. She’s calmer and happier now. I’m deeply thankful for the expert advice that brought peace back into our home.”
Comprehensive support
- We visit you at your home in person or online, for an initial assessment generally lasting 2 hours and ideally, everyone in the household should be present.
- We take a full and detailed case history. Together we work out a treatment plan that is realistic and tailored to you and your cat’s needs.
- You receive relevant information sheets, which tie in with the behaviour plan for your cat.
- Soon after the consultation, a report is sent to you, which is later copied to your vet. This outlines the reasons behind the problem and highlights the key steps of the plan.
- Your vet is kept informed of how your cat progresses.
- Plans are updated with new material for you to work on.
- We schedule one 1-hour follow-up session about a month later, which is conducted via an online video link.
- We are available for optional weekly check-ins for 8 weeks after your initial consultation. Each week you can book a 15-minute call through our online calendar, or send us an email or WhatsApp message.
- If during the development of the case, the additional expertise of a veterinary behaviourist is required, then I integrate their advice into the plan. I work closely with select, independently accredited cat vet behaviourists, who will review and discuss your cat’s case with your vet.
- More follow-up support available as needed.
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Molly’s story
Molly, an ex-stray, had a pronounced fear of visitors. She would often hide, hiss, or even bite if a visitor attempted to stroke her. Her owner, Tom, was eager to help her overcome this anxiety. We began by establishing a safe space in Tom’s home for Molly, where she could feel secure. We then introduced a gradual exposure strategy, allowing Molly to observe visitors from this safe zone, without forcing interaction. Positive reinforcement was key; we encouraged Tom to offer Molly treats during visits to create positive associations. Over time, Molly’s reactions softened – she became more likely to approach guests of her own accord out of curiousity. This case illustrates the importance of gradual, positive reinforcement in helping cats adjust to challenging situations.
Next steps
1. Vet referral
Feline behaviour problems are often caused by underlying physiological issues, so we need to address these first
3. History form
Give us some background about your cat and your relationship
4. Consultation
Let’s get started on the plan to dealing with your cat’s behaviour
Recommended
by vets
you may be able to
claim on insurance
“As a vet, I have referred many of my patients to Zoe – she works absolute miracles on cats!”
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FAQ
Have a more general question? Check out our general FAQ.
Prefer to chat things through a bit more?
Contact Us
Give us a buzz by email or phone
0121 299 0188
Is it okay to bring our cat to one of your behaviour clinics?
How should I go about arranging a vet referral for my cat?
Remember that vet visits are stressful for cats; so do chat through the different options with your vet first. For example, if you are having problems between cats in the household, taking one cat out can make things worse. One way to make the experience less stressful is to leave your cat transport box out for several days, then feed your cat(s) inside it.
Otis, Grace & Dom
Finn & Deborah
Harry & Phantom
Hettie, Lily & Chester
Charlie & Milo
The help you have given us has been so useful with our two cats who weren’t getting along. It has enabled us to make some changes which appear to be gradually helping the cats live more happily. The continued support and contact have worked well for us. Thank you, Angela.
Marley & Elaine
Billie, Tammy & Mary
Zoe, I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support with my cats. Your advice has been invaluable. The problems with my cats eased so much, as I was at my witts end. I would highly recommend you to anyone that has problems with their pets. Thanks again. Mary
Riley & Paul
If you are looking to make your cat's worries about people or a loved one a thing of the past, contact us to get started.
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