Here are some issues that could be causing outbursts in your British Shorthair:
Being around tiny animals like mice, gerbils, hamsters, and so forth can make even the calmest and kindest British Shorthair lose her composure. When British Shorthairs sense a threat, they will actively seek out and attack small mammals, birds, and other invertebrates. She will pursue them whenever she gets the chance once she finds out they are in the house. It’s a common mistake to try to train this out of your British Shorthair, but in my experience, it’s just not possible. A British Shorthair cannot have its mouser removed, and you shouldn’t try.
A household member’s provocation, whether intentional or completely inadvertent, is another factor contributing to aggression. Should a dog, another feline, or a young child continue to bother your British Shorthair, your cat might react negatively towards the offender.
If the issue isn’t fixed, the cat may become more aggressive overall and lose faith in people and other animals. By stopping the problematic behavior and creating a safer environment, you can address this.
Cats, especially British Shorthairs, can occasionally become aggressive and destructive due to illness or injury. You might not notice anything is wrong right away, particularly if it’s a pulled muscle or sprained joint. The cat may lash out if she is in pain but is unable to express it. Regrettably, dementia can strike elderly cats near the end of their lives, which can turn once-calm cats aggressive.
Your veterinarian can determine the problem and administer the necessary treatment. Although there isn’t a true cure for dementia, the discomfort it causes can be controlled to make your cat’s final years more comfortable. Continue reading to find out more about the reasons behind aggression in typically placid British Shorthairs and how you can assist.
Aggression in British Shorthairs
If I were a British Shorthair cat, I would say, sarcastically, “it depends if you’re a mouse.” Despite their lineage from generations of devoted mousers, this breed does not behave aggressively toward people, other cats, or larger pets.
They’re actually noted for their docility and calm demeanour. As long as the dog is well-mannered and not hostile, they get along well with dogs. Children, especially smaller ones with more dexterous hands, get along well with British Shorthairs. Cats typically hiss, bite, and claw when they find an interaction uncomfortable; a British Shorthair will just leave the situation and retreat to a safe distance without making too much of a fuss. There are exceptions to this, naturally.
When a normally placid cat is sufficiently agitated, aggression may result.
Give your cat the home they need
You have to provide a cat with a secure and loving environment from the moment they enter your home.
To be happy and calm, your British Shorthair must have:
- Your time: You ought to play and spend time with your cat each day. They may wait for you with patience while you are away, but that doesn’t mean they’re okay with being forgotten.
- Give your British Shorthair some personal space; don’t make them spend hours cuddling with you.
- Routine: Because cats are creatures of habit, sudden changes may make them feel uneasy. For cats, stressors like your unpredictable work schedule or frequent changes in feeding schedules are common.
- Cognitive stimulation: To keep your cat from getting bored, provide them with lots of interactive toys and food puzzles to solve.