Feline aggression comprises the aggressive interactions of domestic cats with other cats and with people, which are classified by context—status-related, fear-related, play-related, redirected, or associated with the introduction of a new cat—rather than treated as one condition [1][2]. Many forms are variants of normal feline behaviour rather than pathological [1]. Owner-directed aggression is common, is often associated with a stress response, and is more likely in cats poorly socialised to humans or kept indoors only, and it can lead to relinquishment [3]. Because aggressive episodes are often not witnessed, diagnosis relies on a detailed interview and video recording [3]. In veterinary settings, fear escalated into aggression is managed by low-restraint handling, desensitisation, and counterconditioning [4].
- feline aggression
- intercat aggression
- owner-directed aggression
- fear-related aggression
- redirected aggression
Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies • Small Animals • Veterinary • Health Sciences
References
- Bonnie V. Beaver; Fractious cats and feline aggression. J. Feline Med. Surg. 2004, 6, 13-18. [CrossRef]
- S. Crowell-Davis; A. Moesta; Intercat aggression – general considerations, prevention and treatment. Tierärztliche Prax. Ausg. K Kleintiere / Heimtiere 2011, 39, 97-104. [CrossRef]
- Marta Amat; Xavier Manteca; Common feline problem behaviours: Owner-directed aggression. J. Feline Med. Surg. 2019, 21, 245-255. [CrossRef]
- Stefanie Riemer; Carmen Heritier; Ines Windschnurer; Lydia Pratsch; Christine Arhant; Nadja Affenzeller; A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Animals 2021, 11, 158. [CrossRef]