The most common motivational causes of aggression from cats to people include fear, anxiety, frustration and misdirection of predatory instinct. These produce offensive and defensive patterns of aggression. In some cases the human victim may not be the primary target for the aggressive behaviour and a diagnosis of redirected aggression may be made, but from a therapeutic point of view the motivational diagnosis, which is appropriate to the cat’s response to the primary target, is all important in formulating a successful treatment plan.
The victims of cat bite or scratch injuries may be subject to what is commonly called ‘cat scratch disease’ and should seek medical attention.
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