Ask The Vet: How do we deal with cat aggression?

We have a beautiful Persian cat. He is very loving but sometimes bites when we stroke him. We might be sitting quietly with him on our lap, when he suddenly jumps up and bites us. He eats very good cat food and has all he wants. Please advise as to what is the cause for this behaviour and what can be done. - Kala Humaidi

Dr Martin wyness: Aggression in a pet needs proper handling. The first step is to diagnose the type of aggression we are dealing with. Different types as also different species, such as cats and dogs, need different treatment approaches. Disciplinary measures, for example, do not work well for cats. There are five main types of problem aggression seen in cats:

- Fear: Cats respond to a fearful situation such as being picked up unexpectedly. The response is a defensive aggression - it will subside when the reason for the fear is gone. If a person is bitten due to feline fear aggression it is usually because the cat is being restrained by them at the time.

- Misdirected predation: This is a result of the cat's normal hunting instincts which have an inadequate outlet in the domestic situation. Such cats might attack the ankle of someone walking past.

- Redirected: Where the cat is angered by the presence of, for example, an intruder feline seen walking outside. Unable to get to the real source of anger, the cat may bite whoever is nearest.

- Frustration: Where the cat does not get its own way and you, the owner, happen to be nearby. Most cats that show this behaviour have been hand reared and fed on demand from an early age.

- Petting and biting: Where a cat that is petted reaches his tolerance threshold and suddenly bites.

In your situation it sounds like the "petting/biting" type; you should aim to increase the threshold before aggression develops. This can be done by increasing handling frequency but stopping before the cat gets fed up, indicated by a slight flick of the tail, an ear moving to a slightly downwards/backwards position or a change in facial expression.

Always allow the cat to escape when he wants. On no account attempt to restrain an angry cat. He will only gain confidence as he gets used to the idea that he can escape when he wants. Do not allow children to chase and hold a cat that does not really want to interact with them.

Children can be extremely rough and the cat has only his teeth and claws with which to defend himself. This advice is good for all cats, even those that do not scratch or bite. Cats need space on their own without children constantly handling them.

Address your letters to Animals, C/o Gulf News, P.O. Box 6519, Dubai. Or fax on 04-3429720. Martin Wyness can be contacted at the British Veterinary Center, Abu Dhabi. Email: britvet@emirates.net.ae; Website: www.britvet.com