The Bossy Cat And Owner-Directed Aggression

Veterinary Practice News ^ | 2/8/2012 | Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, Dipl. ACVB

[EBH]

Owner-directed aggression in dogs has been written and talked about at length, but feline owner-directed aggression has received less attention. In dogs, “conflict aggression” has replaced “dominance aggression” as a more accurate description of the behavior’s motivation.

The change occurred because pundits no longer accept the premise that the relationship between dogs and their owners is governed by pack mentality, as neither dogs in the wild nor, as it turns out, wolves seem to organize themselves along these lines. With this in mind, it seems ludicrous to discuss dominance or status-related aggression in cats, as they do not organize themselves into packs and should have no biological drive to establish themselves in any kind of order.

But is it so ludicrous to consider that there may sometimes be a particularly bossy cat that calls the shots with others in a household? I think not.

One social arrangement of cats has been described as a “despotic hierarchy,” a system in which one cat assumes control over all others who, barring the odd pariah, live peaceably as subordinates. Another more fluid, social situation between house cats involves a sort of time share arrangement in which one cat may avail himself of a preferred sunny location on a windowsill through lunchtime, subsequently deferring to another in non-peak hours. Because of observations like these, it seems that status must play some role in inter-cat relationships and, if this is so, then owners, too, might find themselves included in the arrangements.

[SunkenCiv]

Dogs Have Owners, Cats Have Staff.

[momtothree]

The “experts” were two people that actually ran a feral/stray cat rehab place. One lady was in my county and the other lady in a separate county. They had advised this: if a kitten is over 3 months old (male) and 2 months (female).. the possibility of socialization is small. If they are successful, it would take months and months of intensive interaction. SK was about 4-5 months based on her teeth and female. One lady actually told me the “kind” thing to do would be to put her down and adopt a small kitten. We had an intense family discussion and came to the conclusion that we were willing to put in the time/effort and we were the only ones that this kitten had in the world. Five months later.. she loves the girls and is “warming” up to the men in the household. Okay.. she’s a bit weird but what cat isn’t? LOL!

[who knows what evil?]

One lady actually told me the “kind” thing to do would be to put her down and adopt a small kitten.

(Rolls eyes.)