Cats may exhibit many kinds of abnormal interactions with each other, with humans, and with other species.

Aggression is a type of abnormal behavior where a harmful action is usually directed towards another cat or a human.

Abnormal Feline Interactions: Aggression

There are many types of aggression in cats.

Cats may be aggressive towards people because they are afraid. This may happen if the cat did not have positive interactions with a variety of people during the key socialization period from 3-16 weeks of age. These cats may be shy and unwilling to approach people. They may become aggressive if cornered and unable to escape. Frequent, gentle handling by people at an early age helps prevent this type of aggression. This is most commonly seen in late-adopted feral cats.

Inappropriate play is another behavior that may lead to abnormal interaction with humans. When kittens begin to play with each other and their mother at an early age, they learn to inhibit their bite and retract their claws, thus learning the proper limits. Cats that never learned to temper these responses may play too aggressively with humans, and people can be injured.

Another example of abnormal interaction is play aggression. Episodes most often involve young cats (less than 3 years old) weaned at an early age, or hand-raised and bottle-fed. Often these cats are the only cat in the household. They may be described as “vicious,” but their motivation is play- predatory behavior towards a moving object, most often the hands, feet, legs, or ankles of a family member. Cats will crouch, waiting with a focused stare. Their tail twitches then they stalk, chase, scratch and bite their inappropriate “prey.” Usually they do not growl.

Owners must never let kittens or cats play directly with their hands or feet. This will only encourage inappropriate play and play aggression. Use interactive toys. Throw small balls, crumpled paper, or foil. Drag feathers with a wand. Cats need an outlet for their energy, so daily vigorous play sessions of 15-20 minutes or more are helpful. During an “attack”, distract the cat away from your legs or feet by throwing small balls or toys to redirect the play activity. Don’t be a fun target! Consult with your veterinarian for specific advice on modifying this behavior. Attack cats can cause harm to people and this behavior must be controlled.

Petting intolerance is aggression associated with petting your cat. Behaviorists consider this to be “assertion” or “status-related” aggression. As you begin petting your cat (petting is usually initiated by the owner), his tail may flick, his ears twitch, and he may rumble a low growl. His body becomes tense, the skin ripples, and his pupils dilate. Suddenly, he bites, and jumps away. Learning to recognize these clear signals given by your cat before he bites is important in preventing the behavior. Heed his warning signs and stop petting before he bites. His petting tolerance may be very short, perhaps only 30 seconds. Be aware of petting “forbidden” areas of his body. He may only enjoy being stroked on his head or neck. Also, some cats need to initiate the petting sessions themselves. Cat bites should always be brought to the attention of your physician.