Line 41: Line 41:     
==Feline Aggression Studies==
 
==Feline Aggression Studies==
<font color="red">better title needed. Not sure whether below is too UK based</font>
+
<font color="red">Better title needed. Not sure whether below is too UK based</font>
 +
 
 
Within the general feline population house soiling and spraying are considered to be amongst the most common major problems, with aggression featuring far less than it does in the dog. However, recent figures from the annual report [2003] of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors [APBC] showed that 23% of referred feline cases involved [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats|aggression towards other cats]], making it the second most commonly referred problem after indoor marking [25% of cases]. A further 13% of the reported feline cases involved aggression towards people. Aggression is therefore a significant concern for many cat owners. Data on referral rates of feline aggression cases to individual behavioural clinics varies widely, with some clinics experiencing referral rates of 13% of their total caseload and others 25%.
 
Within the general feline population house soiling and spraying are considered to be amongst the most common major problems, with aggression featuring far less than it does in the dog. However, recent figures from the annual report [2003] of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors [APBC] showed that 23% of referred feline cases involved [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats|aggression towards other cats]], making it the second most commonly referred problem after indoor marking [25% of cases]. A further 13% of the reported feline cases involved aggression towards people. Aggression is therefore a significant concern for many cat owners. Data on referral rates of feline aggression cases to individual behavioural clinics varies widely, with some clinics experiencing referral rates of 13% of their total caseload and others 25%.
   Line 51: Line 52:     
The nature of aggressive responses in cats is strongly related to their natural behavioural responses and to their social and communication systems in the wild. The cat has a range of subtle body postures and facial expressions which can be used to diffuse tension and avoid physical conflict and, for a solitary hunter, this is important in order to prevent injury and consequent threat to the individual’s survival. In addition cats use a range of vocalisations to further increase the success of communication so that fighting is usually the ‘last resort’ defence strategy.
 
The nature of aggressive responses in cats is strongly related to their natural behavioural responses and to their social and communication systems in the wild. The cat has a range of subtle body postures and facial expressions which can be used to diffuse tension and avoid physical conflict and, for a solitary hunter, this is important in order to prevent injury and consequent threat to the individual’s survival. In addition cats use a range of vocalisations to further increase the success of communication so that fighting is usually the ‘last resort’ defence strategy.
      
==Aggression Towards People==
 
==Aggression Towards People==