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*Predatory behaviour is functionally and mechanistically different to aggression.

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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Although often classified with other forms of aggression, predatory behaviour is functionally and mechanistically different to aggression. Cats are highly adapted to carry out a specific pattern of hunting behaviour. They have a small stomach and pared down biochemical processes, which are designed to cope with a large number of small fresh meals each day, rather than a single large one. One very common misconception amongst cat owners is that hunting is a behaviour which is performed in order to satisfy hunger. In fact, these two aspects of feline behaviour are independent of one another. A hungry cat will engage larger prey and deliver a kill bite more rapidly, but a well-fed cat will still continue to hunt. Innate hunting responses are triggered by stimuli such as sudden movements or shrill noises.

Although often classified with other forms of aggression, predatory behaviour is functionally and mechanistically different to aggression. Cats are highly adapted to carry out a specific pattern of hunting behaviour. They have a small stomach and pared down biochemical processes, which are designed to cope with a large number of small fresh meals each day, rather than a single large one. One very common misconception amongst cat owners is that hunting is a behaviour which is performed in order to satisfy hunger. In fact, these two aspects of feline behaviour are independent of one another. '''A hungry cat will engage larger prey and deliver a kill bite more rapidly, but a well-fed cat will still continue to hunt'''. Innate hunting responses are triggered by stimuli such as sudden movements or shrill noises.

As a result, a cat that is denied the opportunity to engage in hunting real prey or appropriate toys will often display predatory behaviour toward other rapidly moving objects such as human ankles and hands. Human shrieks and protests simply drive the behaviour on. The behavioural sequences involved in predation are practiced and perfected through object play so that in some texts the terms ‘misdirected play’ or ‘play-related aggression’ are used to describe a predatory form of behaviour that occurs in the absence of any genuine prey.

As a result, a cat that is denied the opportunity to engage in hunting real prey or appropriate toys will often display predatory behaviour toward other rapidly moving objects such as human ankles and hands. Human shrieks and protests simply drive the behaviour on. The behavioural sequences involved in predation are practiced and perfected through object play so that in some texts the terms ‘misdirected play’ or ‘play-related aggression’ are used to describe a predatory form of behaviour that occurs in the absence of any genuine prey.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

All encouragement for misdirected predatory behaviour should cease; no more games with hands or feet as a target. When pounced on, the victim should stop moving and make no sound. This removes any reinforcement for the behaviour and reduces the risk that struggling will trigger deeper biting or raking with claws. The attacks may be startling and painful so the client may need to wear heavy trousers and long sleeved clothes as a protection. Reinforced trousers may sometimes be needed. These are easily available for motorcycling shops and may be made from ballistic nylon or Kevlar reinforced fabric. These resist bite and claw penetration very well. The need for protective clothing is not permanent, and can be phased out as the cat starts to use the environmental enrichment and alternative predatory targets.

All encouragement for misdirected predatory behaviour should cease; no more games with hands or feet as a target. When pounced on, the victim should stop moving and make no sound. This removes any reinforcement for the behaviour and reduces the risk that struggling will trigger deeper biting or raking with claws. The attacks may be startling and painful so the client may need to wear heavy trousers and long sleeved clothes as a protection. Reinforced trousers may sometimes be needed. These are easily available from motorcycling shops and may be made from ballistic nylon or Kevlar reinforced fabric. These resist bite and claw penetration very well. The need for protective clothing is not permanent, and can be phased out as the cat starts to use the environmental enrichment and alternative predatory targets.

Environmental enrichment should be provided, including activity feeders, timed feeders and a wide range of small lightweight toys to encourage object play. Simple items such as ping-pong balls covered in glitter or painted with marker pens, and large feathers are perfectly suitable. The selection available to the cat should be changed regularly during the day so that there is always something new to attract the cat’s attention.

Environmental enrichment should be provided, including activity feeders, timed feeders and a wide range of small lightweight toys to encourage object play. Simple items such as ping-pong balls covered in glitter or painted with marker pens, and large feathers are perfectly suitable. The selection available to the cat should be changed regularly during the day so that there is always something new to attract the cat’s attention.

Play with these toys may be further reinforced with attention [not touch], further stimulation using a fishing type toy or the provision of food treats.

Play with these toys may be further reinforced with attention [not touch], further stimulation using a fishing type toy or the provision of food treats.

Certain times of day are often peak periods for misdirected predatory behaviour. The cat is a crepuscular hunter so that its peak periods of activity will be early morning and evening. The owner should try to provide several short periods of play during the times when the cat is anticipated to be at its most active. Fishing toys and laser pointer games are appropriate since they distance the owner’s hand movements from the play. However caution should be exercised with the laser pointers since an element of frustration can develop if the cat is never able to actually catch the “prey” and physically handle it. For this reason it is advised that laser pointers should never be the sole source of predatory activity but should be integrated into a play programme with other toys that the cat can actually catch and “kill”.

Certain times of day are often peak periods for misdirected predatory behaviour. The cat is a crepuscular hunter so that its peak periods of activity will be early morning and evening. The owner should try to provide several short periods of play during the times when it is anticipated that the cat will be at its most active. Fishing toys and laser pointer games are appropriate since they distance the owner’s hand movements from the play. However caution should be exercised with the laser pointers since an element of frustration can develop if the cat is never able to actually catch the “prey” and physically handle it. For this reason it is advised that laser pointers should never be the sole source of predatory activity but should be integrated into a play programme with other toys that the cat can actually catch and “kill”.

Cats will often have favourite places from which to launch their predatory attacks, or stalking. Access to these should be blocked off.

Cats will often have favourite places from which to launch their predatory attacks, or stalking. Access to these should be blocked off.