Tabbytudes Cat Behavior Column - May 2003

Much more information about aggression is available in my book PET CARE IN THE NEW CENTURY. Here's a quick overview of some of the common types that affect cats.

Status-related aggression: Cats who want control, and to be in charge, use the "leave me alone" bite to stop petting, for example. You've done nothing wrong - it's simply the cat's dominant personality.

Dominance aggression: Includes food and toy guarding, and redirected aggression. Cats want to "boss" other animals. This may be hereditary. A hallmark of dominance aggression is that it gets worse with discipline.

Fear aggression: Also a genetic component involved. Some cats become aggressive every time they get scared-strangers coming to the house, or a visit to the veterinarian can prompt these cats to wig out and attack.

Intercat aggression: Related to social standing, with older or weaker pets often victimized with the dominant cat blocking access to food, play or attention. Some types of tranquilizers have a side effect that makes cats "friendlier"-so hard case cats may benefit from very tiny doses of Valium. Ask your veterinarian about this.

Territorial aggression: Notoriously hard to correct in cats, this is usually aimed at other cats or people. Such cats may lure other kitties into their territory and then "discipline" them for trespassing.

Most aggressive behavior directed at people arises from misunderstandings between the cat and human. But there are some conditions that result from abnormal brain function. In all cases of aggression, it's best to have a behaviorist diagnose what's going on in order to design the best plan to deal with the situation. Donna, rest assured your cat loves you. I hope you'll both soon come to trust each other again, and this situation will never happen again.

All the best, Amy

Other letters this month included questions about odd scratching targets, cat escape artists, and amorous attraction to sweaters. Every cat develops his own scratching techniques and preferences. I'd never heard of cats clawing oil paintings before-but it makes sense. Linseed oil is a component of the paint, and cats often are attracted to oil-base items.

Clawing carpet is pretty typical, and cats often target edges of stairs or near the wall where they can really get a good grip. Scratch marking is visual, so pulling up the carpet is a GOOD thing to the cat. Citrus-smelling sprays work well to keep cats at bay, but must be regularly refreshed. Feliway also works well-cats won't scratch on top of the cheek scent-marks this product mimics-but again, the scent must be refreshed time and again. Cats often dislike the scent of Vicks so painting a bit of this along the baseboard may keep the cat away for a time. For a more permanent solution, try placing plastic carpet liners at the wall's edge, with the sharp nub-side up.

Plastic carpet liners also work well to keep cats a safe distance from doorways, to prevent mad dashes outside. Many professional breeders train their kittens to stay clear of the doorway, and only cross the threshold when riding safely in a carrier. The trick is to make the entryway to the door unattractive, but not necessarily scary. After all, you don't want the cat to be afraid of going through the doorway. If the cat does escape, tossing a large blanket or towel over him often calms the cat enough to be carried back inside, and also inhibits tooth and claw to protect owners from mishaps. If he'll go into a carrier to be returned home, that's even better. To prevent the next escape, try tossing a favorite toy to distract the cat away from the door while you make your exit. Also, home decorating stores sell sheets of "tacky mats" used to keep throw rugs from skidding on slick floors. These can be placed in front of the door, and most cats are reluctant to walk on the tacky surface.

Tacky behavior is another issue. (How's that for a transition?) Dog owners more commonly must deal with amorous pooches mounting a human's leg. Cat owners are often shocked to discover their cats indulge in mock mating behavior with sweaters, stuffed animals, pillows-and occasionally with other cats. This is normal behavior, by the way. Keep targets locked away or toss the favorite pillow in a hidden room if the minister happens to be visiting. Mounting other cats and grasping their neck is also a dominance display. As long as the two cats don't hurt each other or object, there's nothing to worry about. If it's stressing the target kitty, try painting the back of the cat's neck with bitter apple so the fur tastes bad and the other cat leaves him alone.