Differential diagnosis and management of human-directed aggression in cats

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2003 Mar;33(2):269-86. doi: 10.1016/s0195-5616(02)00131-6.

Abstract

Human-directed aggression in cats should be evaluated as a multifactorial problem. It results from the combined actions of heredity, environment, learning, human social requirements (or needs), client interactions, lack of understanding of normal feline behavior, unrealistic client expectations, and lack of meeting the cat's basic ethologic needs. Managing human-directed aggression in cats encompasses the use of environmental modification, therapies, and, when and if needed, regulatory drugs so as to increase learning capabilities and adaptation and decrease danger to the human victims.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aggression*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cat Diseases / therapy*
  • Cats
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents