Feline Aggression

Question 1

You come across a cat in your backyard. You want to see if it belongs to someone, so you start to approach it slowly. As you get closer the cat starts to crouch and its fur stands up.You notice its ears are pinned back and it starts to hiss at you. How would you categorize this type of aggression?

1. Offensively aggressive.
2. Defensively aggressive.
3. Submissively aggressive.
4. Predatory aggressive.

Answer 1

2. Defensively aggressive.

Question 2

True or False:

Most cats really enjoy being petted on their tummies.

Answer 2

False.

Question 3

You are sitting on the couch watching TV and your cat jumps on your lap. You start petting your cat thinking she is enjoying this. After a couple minutes, she turns and bites your wrist and runs away. What type of aggression occurred here?

1. Play
2. Redirected
3. Overstimulation
4. Territorial
5. Fear

Answer 3

3. Overstimulation

Question 4

Cats display many types of aggression, most of which are normal. Some of their aggressive behaviors are directed against other cats, other animals or people. Which of the following types is not usually directed towards people?

1. Fear aggression
2. Redirected
3. Territorial
4. Play

Answer 4

3. Territorial

Question 5

True or False:
Some cats raised in isolation or who do not have early socialization can become aggressive and this type of aggression can easily be overcome with time.

Answer 5

False. Many times these animals will need medication to try and get them through their aggressive but most times they do not develop well behaviorally.

Question 6

Which of the following is the best way to manage overstimulation aggression in cats?

1. Continue to pet the cat it will eventually tolerate petting (desensitization).
2. Use a mild punishment like, yelling when a cat bites you.
3. Understanding the warning signs and stop petting the cat.

Answer 6

3. Understanding the warning signs and stop petting the cat.