Cat Behavior Problems: Aggression Towards Visitors

Are cats ever comfortable with visitors?

Cats are a social species, but their sociability varies considerably. Some of this variability relates to genetics — personality differences are recognizable even in young kittens.

As kittens mature, their social behavior is influenced by their health and life experiences, which is why gentle socialization is so important during kittens’ socially sensitive developmental period between 3 and 10 weeks of age.

Kittens that have routinely met many people of assorted ages and personalities, both inside and outside their home, can grow into cats that easily acclimate to the range of scents, sizes, colors, and behaviors of visitors to the home.

How can I tell whether my cat is comfortable with a visitor?

In many households, visitors come occasionally and stay just a short while, so a resident cat may never make an appearance, or they may come into the room and sit high on a perch to watch the activity from a safe vantage point. These behaviors suggest a degree of underlying fear.

If your cat is only mildly uncomfortable, she may hesitate briefly and then join the group. If she approaches the visitor with a soft posture, perhaps rubbing along their legs and then settling nearby, she is already comfortable. If she remains out of reach, she is worried and not ready to interact. It is important to respect her position.

If your cat finds a perch and can observe quietly, keep an eye on her to be sure she is resting comfortably. Feed her treats periodically. Most importantly, instruct your guests to please refrain from staring at or reaching toward your cat, as these well-intended gestures will only frighten her.

Why does my cat aggressively pursue visitors to my home?

Cats are territorial by nature. They rub their cheeks and bodies along surfaces to post chemical messages, and they leave visible marks with their urine, feces, and claws. A cat that is very bold or, paradoxically, one that is very fearful, may be highly motivated to keep unfamiliar feline and/or human “invaders” away.

Often, initial experiences with guests set the tone for future visits. Cats use cat-specific signals to express their readiness for a friendly interaction as well as their preference for maintaining space. Humans try their best to interpret this language, but cats can be very subtle, using only a stare or a change in ear position to signal concern.

If a large, barking dog rushes towards a visitor as they enter a house, the visitor would likely freeze or retreat. Yet visitors often disregard a cat’s signals and keep walking. When a cat directly approaches, then pauses just out of reach, staring directly, with ears tightly forward and tail flicking rapidly, the cat is shouting, “STOP, I need a moment.”

"When a cat directly approaches, then pauses just out of reach, staring directly, with ears tightly forward and tail flicking rapidly, the cat is shouting, 'STOP, I need a moment.'"

Consider how frustrated you feel when you try to communicate with another person — but they ignore you. When cats become frustrated, they reach for more intense signals that won’t be overlooked (e.g., growl, hiss, swat, bite). Typically, the higher the cat’s emotional arousal, the greater the chance of a rapid lunge that seems to come out of nowhere and results in a scratch or bite.

Very fearful cats may lunge as well. They value their territory — their home is their haven. A fearful cat could initially hold her ground, crouching nervously as a well-meaning guest enters and reaches to greet her, but she would certainly experience a surge of fear. In future visits, she might proactively lunge forward before a guest has a chance to reach out.

Why does my cat stalk guests inside the home?

Some cats allow guests to enter the home (they don’t “guard” the door), but they respond when the visitor approaches certain areas of their home (e.g., a coveted resting spot). They may send a “stop” warning by quietly sprawling out along the path, tail flicking; or they may assertively approach the visitor, standing tall, ears forward, and staring as the visitor begins to walk.

The guest may be surprised, but often the cat has been watching and staring from a nearby vantage point. As discussed, when low-level postures are ignored, cats may strike without signaling.

Keep in mind that some cats play very aggressively. They may stalk, pounce, or even swat at a visitor they view as a potential play prospect. If you think your cat might be playing, and if no one is in danger, create a video and show it to a behavior expert. 

Why would my friendly cat suddenly lunge at a visitor?

Even friendly cats can suddenly bite or lunge in scenarios such as the following: 

• During extended or unwanted pets: A person may miss a sign that the cat no longer wants to be petted. There could be pain during an interaction — a person may have touched a sore spot. If this behavior is new, ask your veterinarian to check your cat carefully for a source of discomfort.
• When lifted or carried: Cats can be startled, frightened, or experience physical discomfort when lifted by a stranger.
• In response to an unexpected noise or interaction: Cats may startle in response to a sudden movement, raised voice, or loud sound made by or near a visitor.

Why does my cat lunge at a guest that is not interacting with him?

It may seem that your cat is lounging peacefully with you and your guest, when he suddenly lunges “out of nowhere”. Many times, if you watch carefully, you will notice that in the moments before a lunge occurs, your cat has been staring and flicking his tail. In other words, he is starting to signal that something is wrong.

There are several possibilities for this behavior. A cat may be mildly disturbed by a person’s voice or movements and lose tolerance after repeated loud outbursts or exaggerated gestures. Another possibility is that your cat suddenly notices a disturbing scent — an unfamiliar animal or perfume, for example. Cats are so sensitive to odors and pheromones that the mere scent of a cat can trigger an attack.

There are other possible motivations. You know your cat better than anyone: analyze what is happening in the room immediately before the lunge. For example, a frustrated cat may simply want a person to move so they can gain access to a particularly favored chair.

Uncommonly, a cat might suddenly rush into a room and attack a visitor. This behavior most often reflects redirected aggression. That is, the cat was frightened or aroused by an unrelated and inaccessible trigger — perhaps a loud sound — and rushes toward the less familiar “intruder”.

Redirected aggression is dangerous because, in most cases, triggers cannot be predicted or controlled. If you suspect your cat is exhibiting redirected aggression, have your cat examined and then ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist for a thorough behavioral work-up.

Can aggression towards visitors be prevented?

The best way to prevent aggressive behavior is to socialize kittens during their sensitive period. Invite guests to visit often, so that it is normal to have people enter, talk, and move about the house. Invite guests to play with and pet your friendly kitten. Socialization must be done carefully so that the kitten is not overwhelmed; if your kitten is fearful or plays too roughly, talk with a behavior professional.

You can also help prevent aggressive behavior by always supervising guests to be sure they interact appropriately — whether your cat is a young kitten or an adult.

• Ask visitors to refrain from pursuing or reaching for your cat.
• Let your cat make the initial approach when she is ready.
• Let guests know whether it is OK for them to pet or lift your cat.
• If your cat is interested, your visitors can play with a favorite toy or toss her some snacks.

Watch your cat closely to be sure she is comfortable. It is better to remove the cat proactively if she cannot relax or if a person will not respect your cat’s needs.

Can aggression towards visitors be treated?

Yes, there are ways to keep guests safe and help your cat feel better. Behavior treatment is most successful when the causes and triggers are known. Try to identify person-specific traits and specific contexts in which your cat has signaled (e.g., run away, rushed forward, or vocalized), scratched, or bitten a visitor. Once stimuli are identified, behavior modification strategies can be used to help your cat relax, such as desensitization and counterconditioning.

Until triggers have been identified and controlled, and unless the behavior is predictable, you will need to use a physical barrier to ensure your guests’ safety. If your cat tolerates wearing a leash, that is a great option, although some cats redirect their aggression to the person holding the leash when they are aroused (frightened or frustrated). If you are concerned your cat may redirect towards you, then it is best to use a physical barrier such as a tall screen or double baby gate. Though cats are small, the injuries they inflict can be serious.

"Punishment, including shouts and water sprays, should not be used to manage aggression, regardless of the cause."

Your cat can learn to rest, play, and have snacks while safe behind the barrier. Many cats exhibit calmer behavior in response to pheromones, so you may consider placing a Feliway Classic® diffuser in the area. Initially, practice training with a barrier in place when there are no guests. Set up a perch or platform where your cat can relax and observe the visitors. Train your cat to hop onto the perch when asked; this skill will come in handy later.

Visitors should not approach, stare at, or try to interact with your cat when she is in her confined space. Instead, while visitors are relaxing, you can play with your cat and deliver treats. If you notice your cat staring or if guests are becoming too active for your cat’s comfort, proactively guide your cat to her safe perch. Once your cat is consistently comfortable with guests, you can remove barriers — but always supervise. Be ready to lure the cat away or send her to her perch if she begins to stare at a guest. Keep a heavy towel handy to quickly cover your cat if your guest is in danger.

Punishment, including shouts and water sprays, should not be used to manage aggression, regardless of the cause. Punishment causes fear, which can trigger an immediate increase in aggression. If you need a break, or if your cat cannot settle, take her completely out of the area. For some cats, the best solution is learning to relax and play in a quiet room that is fully stocked (food, toys, litter box, cozy bed).

If your cat’s aggressive behavior towards visitors is difficult to predict, have your veterinarian examine for possible physical causes. A consultation with a veterinary behaviorist will then be needed to determine the specific reason for your cat’s behavior and to design a safe, effective treatment strategy.