Related Experiment Videos
Cat aggression redirected to people: 14 cases (1981-1987)
1Department of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|March 15, 1990
Summary
Redirected aggression in cats, often triggered by external stimuli like other animals, can be managed by avoiding triggers. Careful management offers a favorable outcome for this common feline behavior problem.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Behavior
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Redirected aggression in cats is a poorly documented behavioral issue.
- It is often misdiagnosed as idiopathic aggression or other behavioral abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and management of redirected aggression in cats.
- To identify common arousing stimuli and evaluate management strategies.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 27 cases of cat aggression toward people.
- Behavioral histories were analyzed to identify triggers for aggression.
- Management involved avoiding or eliminating identified stimuli and client education.
Main Results:
- 14 of 27 cases were diagnosed with redirected aggression.
- The most common trigger was the presence of another cat.
- Management led to improvement in 9 out of 12 cats with follow-up data.
Conclusions:
- Redirected aggression in cats is a distinct behavioral syndrome.
- Identifying and managing arousing stimuli is key to successful treatment.
- Despite its severity, favorable outcomes are possible with appropriate intervention.