It is a known fact that all animals, including
humans, have different methods of dealing with perceived
threats. While aggressive dog behavior
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/aggression-formula-aggressive-behavior-dogs-cats.html?kbid=5918
like dog biting
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/aggression-formula-aggressive-behavior-dogs-cats.html?kbid=5918
is a more common response in canines, cats are more likely to
take to flight. However, cats also choose between flight,
fight, freeze and appeasement when they get cornered in a
situation they perceive as fearful. Cats can also be aggressive
but they may choose to fight only in typical situations.
One of the most common types of aggressive
behavior in cats is aggression that is redirected from the
actual source of threat. Unlike dog aggression,
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/aggression-formula-aggressive-behavior-dogs-cats.html?kbid=5918
that is more likely to be related to dominance, cats are more
susceptible to redirect their aggression to a harmless
bystander.
A cat that perceives threat from a source that is
inaccessible or is aroused excessively by a stimulus is liable
to attack whosoever is close - an object, family member or
another cat in the household. Although redirected aggression is
normal in a wild setting, it is one of the main reasons why some
families give up their cats for good. Owners or other victims
normally remain oblivious of the real reasons behind the
aggression. The general perception is that the cat has become
aggressive without a reason.
Cats enjoy sitting near windows and they are
prone to get excited or fearful if they see another cat outside.
The presence of another cat in the house, visitors, high pitched
noises, a dog or an unusual odor are some of the other
stimulating factors that trigger redirected aggression.
Recovering composure after anxiety or arousal
depends upon the severity of the stimulus that has triggered the
aggression or anxiety. Bringing the cat back to normal behavior
can take months. However, if the cat is continuously exposed to
the same environment that provokes an emotional response, the
aggressive response can get strengthened over time.
Treating feline redirected aggression is
difficult as the stimulus is not easily identifiable. It is
important to understand feline behavior so that you can deal
with redirected aggression in cats. The key to treatment
involves an understanding of these four vital factors:
-
Cats can sometimes inflict serious wounds and
the primary step is to ensure the safety of the family
members. The smallest detectable sensation can make a cat
anxious or fearful and instigate aggressive behavior. In
such extreme cases the cat should be isolated for safety.
-
Identify the trigger. Look outside the window
for signs of an intruder, smells of urine, paw prints,
spaying against the window or nose prints on the window
pane. Try whatever you can to prevent recurrence. Request
your neighbors to keep their cats inside for a certain
period of time or put a curtain over the window.
-
If the cause of the aggression and excitement
is a dog chasing your cat, separate them and ensure that it
does not happen again.
-
If nothing works, take the ultimate step of
using anti-anxiety drugs even though it is difficult to
medicate aggressive and nervous cats.
The instinctive predatory nature of cats is what
makes them concentrate fully on a particular object or animal.
The general idea behind treating redirected aggression is to
consistently desensitize the cat from what seems to trigger the
emotional response. Counter conditioning by offering treats when
the cat remains calm in face of the original trigger too helps
to a great extent.
References:
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/aggression3.html
http://www.kingstownecatclinic.com/Redirected%20Aggression.htm
http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00030.htm
http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/aggression_to_people/redir_to_humans.html
Information:
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