Description

During an incidence of causal play, the cat may suddenly begin

biting and scratching. The playfulness escalates to an unacceptable

level of aggressiveness. The aggressiveness is most often

directed toward other cats or humans but may occasionally be

directed toward dogs.

Causes

Inadequate or inappropriate socialization of kittens to people and

other cats may be a cause. Cats that are bottle-raised have not been

taught what is appropriate during play by their mother or littermates.

They may not realize that their behavior is unacceptable.

When people use their hands or feet as toys, they may inadvertently

teach the cat that it is acceptable to bite or claw those

appendages. Genetics may also play a role, because some cats

seem to become more aroused than normal when they play.

Clinical Signs

The cat may stalk, chase, and leap onto people, then bite or claw

them. The bites can be deep. Prior to the attack, the cat may assume

a predatory posture. It may stare at the person or other animal,

the pupils may dilate, and the tail may twitch. Moving targets are

attacked more often than stationary ones. An episode of apparently

normal play between two cats may escalate into fighting.

Diagnostic Tests

The diagnosis is usually made from a careful and thorough history.

It is necessary to distinguish this form of aggression from dominance

aggression between cats, redirected aggression by a highly

aroused cat that cannot reach its preferred target, and intolerance

of petting. The circumstances that precipitate these other disorders

and the clinical signs associated with them may seem similar, but

careful scrutiny of the circumstances and signs often reveals characteristic

differences.

Treatment Options

Providing adequate amounts of exercise and time for play helps

to prevent this form of aggression. Make sure the cat has a

variety of toys. Gently correct young kittens when their behavior

becomes unacceptable, and redirect them to playing with their

toys.

Discourage cats from batting at your hands or feet during play.

If a predatory body posture is seen, stop playing with the cat and

avoid any jumping, running, or shouting. Interrupt play between

cats that appears to be escalating into more aggressive wrestling

or fighting.

For cats that become highly aroused, medical therapy with fluoxetine,

sertraline, clomipramine, amitriptyline, or other similar

agents may be tried. During the initial phase of therapy, people

who may be targets of the attacks should wear protective clothing

until the cat’s behavior can be trusted.

Follow-up Care

Recheck visits are often scheduled to monitor the cat’s response

to modifications made to its environment and to any medications

used. Some cats can be weaned from medications within 1-3

weeks, whereas others require long-term therapy. Laboratory tests

may be recommended to monitor for drug side effects if they are

used for a prolonged period. It is important to report any escalation

in the cat’s aggression to your veterinarian. Some aggressive cats

can do serious harm to people.

Prognosis

Prognosis is generally good if appropriate, consistent intervention

is applied to the situation. In some cats, the signs resolve completely.

In other cats, play aggression can be triggered by anyone

who does not follow the steps needed to interrupt and de-escalate

the situation. All people who come into contact with these cats

should be warned of their behavior and taught the most effective

methods of interacting with them.

Be honest with your veterinarian about your feelings toward

the cat. If you are afraid of the cat, then discuss other options, such

as placing the cat in a different home.