Frustration in cats

Frustration can occur in cats and sometimes frustration can lead to bites. I heard an analogy about frustration being akin to pushing a vending machine if you haven't received the chocolate bar you've put your money in for. 

Frustration can arise when expectations are not met. This could be a cat not receiving food at a set time and starting to scratch at you or your door frame. A timed feeder that releases food at a set time can be a great way of feeding your cat earlier in the morning when the birds are up!

Here are some body language signs that can be signs of frustration:

-Tail thumping and thrashing
-Skin rippling
-Shoulder grooming/base of tail
-Tail thrashing vigorously

-Constant meowing
-Standing on hind limbs

I've attached a picture below. The ears and tail really tell a tale in frustration.

For some cats training a fun trick such as giving paw or touching the end of a target stick can be a great way of reducing frustration.