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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
The nature of aggressive responses in cats is strongly related to their natural behavioural responses and to their [[Feline Social Behaviour|social]] and [[Feline Communication Behaviour|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.
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The cat’s primary defence strategy is to '''escape or avoid conflict'''. Cats do not possess a repertoire of appeasement behaviours to halt or modulate [[Feline Aggression Towards Cats|intra-specific aggression]] so physical confrontation may result in serious injury to both parties. If escape is impossible, then cats will frequently freeze and deliver a range of threatening behaviours, including postural and vocal signals, designed to repel or hold the threat at bay. Meanwhile, the cat is re-evaluating its opportunities for an escape. Attacks may be sudden and brief, and again aimed at repelling the threat so as to re-open an opportunity for escape.
 
The cat’s primary defence strategy is to '''escape or avoid conflict'''. Cats do not possess a repertoire of appeasement behaviours to halt or modulate [[Feline Aggression Towards Cats|intra-specific aggression]] so physical confrontation may result in serious injury to both parties. If escape is impossible, then cats will frequently freeze and deliver a range of threatening behaviours, including postural and vocal signals, designed to repel or hold the threat at bay. Meanwhile, the cat is re-evaluating its opportunities for an escape. Attacks may be sudden and brief, and again aimed at repelling the threat so as to re-open an opportunity for escape.
  
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