Understanding Biting and Scratching in Cats
Biting, scratching, and other forms of aggressive behavior can occur in cats and may be directed at another cat, people, or other animals. There are several reasons why cats may act this way. The most common are described in this handout, along with some suggestions on how to avoid being bitten and how to get help if your cat is acting aggressive.

TYPES OF AGGRESSION
Territorial aggression. This occurs when a cat believes its territory has been invaded by a nonresident cat. It can be triggered by introducing a new cat into the house, the appearance of outdoor cats, or when an existing cat reaches sexual maturity. It generally involves one cat chasing and/or ambushing another, while the victim frequently becomes extremely fearful and hides a great part of the time. Both male and female cats can display territorial aggression.

Dominance aggression. This may occur in conjunction with territorial aggression. However, instead of chasing, one cat will usually stalk or lie in wait for the other. It is most often a problem with non-neutered males. In some respects it is similar to dominance aggression in dogs, since it involves a higher-ranking cat attacking one it views as lower-ranking.

Fear/Defensive aggression. The aggression occurs because the cat is afraid or threatened, is defending itself against harm, and usually thinks there is no escape. It may be a reaction to a threat from another cat, or may happen when a person reaches for the cat, or when the cat is frightened by a loud noise. This is the most common reason that cats bite people.

Play-related aggression. This is rough and persistent play which results in injury to people or another animal. It is often seen with young cats who do not have appropriate outlets for playful behavior and whose owners may have encouraged combative types of play directed toward their hands and feet.

Redirected aggression. This occurs when the original target that aroused the cat is not accessible. For example, a cat indoors may see another cat outside invading his territory, become aroused and ready to attack, then turn and chase another cat or a person inside the house.

Predatory aggression. This is usually preceded by chasing, stalking, and other hunting behavior. Cats will sometimes hunt prey even if they are well-fed, and can learn to hunt even if their mother did not.

Pain-induced aggression. Cats, like most other animal species. may become aggressive if they hurt because of an injury, arthritis or other painful condition. Moving, touching, or restraining the cat, even reaching to do these things, may lead to a bite from the cat.

Maternal aggression. Mothers who have a new litter of kittens may be very protective of their offspring and become aggressive toward anyone who attempts to approach the kittens. Typically this reaction is most intense for the first day or two after delivery, but some cats will not tolerate anyone, even family members, who get too close for several days or a week.

Irritable aggression. It is not uncommon for some cats to bite after being petted for a time. While the behavior is not well-understood, one of the theories explaining this behavior is that the cat is responding to being petted as it would so social grooming from another cat. This is acceptable for short periods, but results in aggressive behavior when the person does not respond to the cat's signals to stop. These can include tail twitching, quick changes in ear position, restlessness, tenseness, or biting intention movements (turning the head as though ready to bite).

AVOIDING BITES
There are several things you can do to reduce the chances of being bitten or scratched by a cat. First, pay attention to how your cat is acting. If your cat crouches when you approach, flattens his ears, dilates his pupils (wide-eyed look), twitches his tail slowly, growls or hisses, then he may be likely to bite or scratch if you attempt to handle him. Second, don't force your cat to do something she doesn't want to do. Some cats may not like being picked up or held, especially by visitors. If your cat is trying to avoid someone, don't force her to interact with them. Third, if you have a kitten, don't play roughly with him or ever encourage him to pounce or attack your hands or feet. It may seem cute at 6 weeks of age, but it will teach your cat to think of people as a fun target and increase the chances he'll continue to bite and bite harder as he grows up. Direct playful attacks onto toys or other appropriate objects.

SOLVING AGGRESSION PROBLEMS
Don't use punishment. Cats do not respond well to being punished, yelled at, or hit. They are likely to become frightened if you try to punish them, which will either cause them to avoid you or to become even more aggressive as a way to defend themselves.

Seek qualified help. There are behavioral modification techniques and medications which can help reduce a cat's aggressive behavior. In order for them to work, a correct diagnosis of the problem must be made and a treatment plan tailored to the situation developed. A professional animal behaviorist, someone who understands animal learning theory and behavior, can help you implement such a program. For more information, contact your veterinarian.

Written by Scott Line DV\I. PhD (Animal Humane Society) and Suzanne Hetts. PhD (Denver Dumb Fnends League). If this material is reproduced, please credit the Animal Humane Society and Denver Dumb Friends League.