If a situation cannot be avoided, then you can attempt gradual desensitization by briefly exposing the cat to the stimulus that causes the fear from a distance, and then rewarding non-aggressive behavior with food and praise.
Most of the time, this comes down to individual personality differences. However, some cats might be less affectionate because they didn't have enough socialisation with humans when they were young. A cat's behaviour and personality are shaped through an interplay of genetics and early experience as a kitten.
Your Secret Weapon for a More Affectionate Cat: Treats and Catnip! When your cat comes out of hiding and near you, reward them with a treat. The idea, again, is to get your cat to associate you with positive feelings, and they may even begin to seek you out so they can get more treats.
Try slowly moving a fishing rod toy across the floor a meter or two away from them to see if they stalk it, or slowly bat a ping pong ball towards them to see if they chase it. Catching toys releases happy hormones in cats' brains and so playtime is a great way to bond with them and may lead to head bumps eventually!
In order to train your fearful cat to not be aggressive, you need to be able to recognize their triggers. Scared cats quickly learn that aggressive behavior makes the scary "thing" go away. Once this behavior is learned, they will use it repeatedly to ward off the trigger.
Noise, boredom, or too much competition for resources such as food or the litter box can all cause aggression. Make sure you provide plenty of access to calm “escape” spots, playtime, and other resources.
Redirect the behaviour – once you have interrupted an aggressive advance by ignoring and moving away, toss a toy for the cat to initiate appropriate play. You can then reward them for 'good' behaviour. Learn how to predict when play aggression is likely to occur and redirect the behaviour before it happens.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praising good behavior can work wonders with your cat. When you see them doing something desirable such as scratching their post instead of your furniture, or using the litter box rather than your shoe, reward them with a treat immediately.
Aggression. A cat can be aggressive for many reasons, including pain or illness, fear, stress, or overstimulation. If your cat is lashing out, check in with your vet first, particularly if the aggression is a new behavior. The cause can be medical, so your vet will first look for a health issue.
The introduction must be gradual. Following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do.
"Try to quickly establish a routine to not only bond with them but also to keep your cat healthy." That means a consistent daily schedule of meal time, play time, alone time (particularly, if you work outside of the home), and even time dedicated to brushing, if needed.
Hugging your arm or leg and biting you is a classic cat hunting move. When cats catch large prey, they will often grasp it with their front legs and then bite it while 'bunny kicking' with their back legs. If your cat is doing this to you, they are misdirecting their hunting behaviour onto you.
Play Aggression
If a person's hands and arms are too close to the cat during play, the cat may bite, scratch, and pounce on the person, leading to injuries. Cats may also lunge from under beds during play aggression episodes.
Cats bite for so many reasons: They could be overstimulated or showing affection; if they're babies, they could be teething; they could be depressed or scared; or they could be angry or sick. Why do cats love bite? Veterinarians speculate that cats often love bite when they get overstimulated.
Whether you've got a vet coming to your home or are gearing up to get them in their cage, setting an angry cat at ease with the gentle Feliway fumes is very much recommended. For particularly violent or aggressive cats, your vet may even prescribe a mild form of cat diazepam.
Catnip to Calm Cat Aggression
If you believe your cat is becoming anxious, try giving them some catnip. It will get them excited enough to tire them out, which can help if their aggression stems from built-up energy. Catnip infused with CBD, like Holistapet's catnip spray, may provide even better results.
Aging cats may have behavior changes like forgetting where you put their litter box, being less active, or acting more aggressive.
All of the experts agreed that if your cat is hissing at you, then they're definitely upset. If a full-grown cat is hissing, it's a surefire sign they're unhappy and potentially feeling threatened. But Nagelschneider noted that hissing, growling, and swatting are all normal behaviors in kittens as they try to develop.