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How to stop my cats from being aggressive and hissing at my baby?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 5 years and 4 months old | 11 lbs

Cats seem to show aggressive behavior towards infant (3 months old) at time. When he cried for food or cranky they don't react and nothing worries me, but when he cries in pain or if he gets startled they start approaching him with their poofy tails and start hissing. I don't want such behavior from my cats, and my wife needs to trust them around baby to avoid having to give them away. please help! cats are 5 years old, brothers, neutered. Thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 14th, 2019

I suggest you try some Feliway diffusers and some environmental enrichment for them. You can refer to the links below. Feliway is like "happy cat" pheromones and really helps to calm cats down. You need to replace the diffusers every 30 days.

There are many ways to do environmental enrichment. You can refer to the links below or do some additional research.

( https://www.feliway.com/ca_en/Products/FELIWAY-CLASSIC-Diffuser )

( thedrakecenter.com/materials/environmental-enrichment-indoor-cats )

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AejmrLa_Cs4 )

If these things don't work then you should talk to your vet about getting some behavior modification medication for them (like Prozac).

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 22nd, 2017

    Here are some tips to help reintroduce them;

    Take your time over a few weeks and start with only a few minutes a day
    Keep two separate litter boxes
    Reward positive interactions
    Cat houses with areas to hide and have privact
    Try a feliway diffuser in the house now and during the process

    www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=32865

    Here is a link about aggression ;
    https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-handle-an-aggressive-cat/

    Please any any further questions you have so we can help!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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