How to handle my cat's aggression and hissing during outdoor walks?

I would focus on getting him to follow you by using a treat that he really loves (hopefully he is food motivated) inside at first. A clicker can be very helpful for training cats - whenever he is making eye contact with you or following you first you click, then you give a treat. Eventually you can work on a ‘come’ or ‘heel’ or ‘follow me’ command and hopefully he’ll be more likely to come with you when you ask. This website has good info on clicker training. https://shop.clickertraining.com/collections/cat-training-books

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Oliver. He is a very handsome boy!!! So regal. I suspect he smelled or saw something that upset him over at the neighbors and expressed redirected aggression at you when you grabbed him. Redirected aggression is when a cat lashes out at something else when they cannot lash out at the target that originally caused them upset and anger. For now, I’d keep him indoors at all times. He should stop the hissing over the next few days as he calms down. I hope this helps!

It could be stress! I would recommend taking him to a vet to rule out any health issues, especially if the hair loss is enough to cause any balding on him. As for stress inside the house, adding in a pheromone diffuser such as Comfort Zone can help with inter-cat stress. Making sure everyone has access to their own food, water, litter, hiding spots, etc can also help decrease stress. If Dexter likes to go outside, but you are concerned about him being out there, I would also look into a catio. This is a patio that is completely screened in that usually attaches to a window or door and allows your cat to be outside/observe without wandering around and getting injured. It may be just the little nook he needs to relax!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Leo's behavior persists for longer than 2 days then he should see a vet. It is possible that he got bitten by something but I feel that it is probably not likely. If he is not neutered I would suspect this may have something to do with hormones. Any stray cats hanging around outside? Any abnormal behavior should be investigated if it persists. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Unfortunately the new cat is likely causing stress and this is a common feeling reaction to stress. She may not want to go outside as long as that other cat is around. It may be difficult to keep the other cat out of your area unless you want to purchase or build a fence. There are fences available that have curvature to the top that make it difficult for a cat to climb over. There are some things you can do at home that can help to manage her stress. Set aside 30 minutes a day for a vigorous play. Use a pheromone diffuser. There is a special prescription food made by Royal Canin called calm which may help. Use food puzzles. Give environmental enrichment. Lastly, your veterinarian has medications which can help as well. Many cats require a combination of therapies. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he is attacking you and not trying to play then he should be confined, you should always keep him up to date on Rabies, and you should discuss behavior modification drugs with your Vet, like prozac. I would get it in a liquid form you can put in his food. I would purchase feliway diffusers for around the house, one should go in his room. You can play with him but as soon as he gets over stimulated you need to stop and walk away. If he starts to get aggressive and is coming towards you squirt him with a water bottle. It is inappropriate behavior for a cat to attack you and injury you that badly. You need to strongly consider if this is the kind of relationship you want from a pet. This may not be an easy thing to break him of. I hope this helps and i wish you the very best!

It can be very difficult to convince a cat that wants to go outdoors that it’s best to stay inside. You could look into an enclosure like a catio, or you could look into using a stroller or training Bookie to a leash and harness. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-furniture-and-scratchers/outdoor-cat-house/trixie-wooden-outdoor-cat-run