AggressivenessThe
tendency of a cat to scratch, bite or bully. Fights between cats are not limited
to the mating season, but may come about over territorial rights or food. Often
aggressive behavior is irreversible and due to psychological disturbances.
Feline
aggression can be a very serious matter. With their sharp teeth and claws, cats
are capable of doing some serious damage to people, dogs, and other cats. Aggression
problems can stem from physical ailments, so consult with your veterinarian to
rule out medical conditions first, but most often aggression is a behavior problem
classified as : territorial, play/predatory, redirected, fear or pain induced. Territorial
aggression among cats in the same household is the most common feline aggression
problem. Introduction of a new adult cat will usually provoke aggression. However,
aggression can also occur between cats that had lived peacefully together for
years. Once you get more than two cats, the possibility of territorial aggression
surfacing gets pretty high. By the time you have four or five cats, it is very
high. It is hard to stop territorial aggression. Sometimes, it can help to separate
the cats in different areas of the house for a few days. Switch the areas they
are confined to so they get used to the other cat's smells, sounds, etc. Then
reintroduce them. Redirected
aggression occurs when a cat sees another cat but cannot reach it and attacks
a human or another cat in the household instead. To treat redirected aggression,
remove the cat to a quiet dark room and isolate him until he is calm. Don't try
to handle the catpush it with a cardboard shield to maneuver it into a quiet
room. Feline
aggression directed towards people is usually predatory or playful. Most cats
will outgrow this behavior by the time they are a couple of years old. Stalking
and pouncing on a person's feet or ankles is typical of predatory aggression.
If the cat is young, the aggression is probably play oriented. In these cases,
the bite is usually inhibited, but if you do not correct the cat for playing too
roughly, it may never learn to inhibit its bite. A shelter cat I grew very fond
of, Norton, was a perfect example of this. He would practically tear up our hands
and arms when we pet him, but he was only trying to play. Playful aggression is
best redirected towards swinging toys. Toys that work best are "Cat Dancers"
(furry balls, feathers, etc. on a string, wand, or attached to a small fishing
rod for efficient "casting" and interesting motion as it is reeled in).
Some people just tie a toy on a string to their belt to provide a better target
then their ankles. This also provides a lot of exercise which is a good release
of the pent up energy in kittens and young cats. Irritable
aggression usually occurs when the cat is being stroked too roughly or excessively.
Our cat Dizzy displays this behavior when anyone other than Jason touches her.
Petting the cat more gently and for shorter times should resolve this problem.
Obviously, if your cat is displaying signs of irritability ( twitching tail, tense
muscles, growling) stop petting her. Always
exercise caution when handling an injured animal. Cats can not understand your
good intention and will strike out to protect themselves if they are in a vulnerable
position. Cats suffering medical conditions will bite or scratch a person who
unknowingly touch a sensitive area. Children can provoke pain induced aggression
in cats by simply playing too rough, Young children should never be allowed to
handle cats unsupervised. A
fearful cat will hunch down, body close to the ground, ears flat and tail held
low. Stray cats or cats never socialized by humans will often be afraid of them.
Its best not to approach a cat displaying fear induced aggression, but if
you must - wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants and gloves. Pick up the cat in
a thick blanket or towel making sure his head and feet are covered - and place
him in the carrier.
|