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Basic Behavioral Problems
AGGRESSION
> In a narrow sense means to attack
> In a broader sense as a specific
example of agonistic behavior
Common behavioral problems
in Cats
1. Elimination in the house
2. Aggression toward other cats or people
3. Destructive behavior
4. Excessive vocalization
5. Hyperactivity
ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
These activities show dysfunction
in action & behavior
ANXIETY
 Is the apprehensive anticipation of
future danger or misfortune
accompanied by a feeling of
dysphoria (in man) or by somatic signs
of tension (vigilance and scanning,
autonomic hyperactivity, increased
motor activity and tension
Common behavioral problems in Cats
1.Elimination in the house
Due to:
a. Disease state
b. Markings
c. Fear of using the Litter box
d. Surface / location preference
e. Litter box material avoidance
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Common behavioral problems in Cats Common behavioral problems in Cats

2. Aggression toward other CATS 2. Aggression toward other PEOPLE

a. The cat is afraid of the person

a. Fear
b. The cat is playing too rough
b. Play
c. The cat is redirecting aggression
c. Redirected aggression
to a person
d. Pain
d. Pain & neurological disorders
e. Neurological disorders
f. Territorial aggression
g. Possesiveness of food

Common behavioral problems in Cats Common behavioral problems in Cats

3. Destructive behavior 4. Excessive vocalization

a. Scratching objects with claws a. Sexual calls

b. Eating plants b. Territorial threats
c. Play c. Intermale dominance threats
d. Hunger d. Hyperthyroidism
e. Attempts to escape confinement e. Hunger
f. Displacement activities f. Frustration
g. Pain

Common behavioral problems in Cats

5. Hyperactivity

a. Play
b. Hyperthyroidism Behavioral Problem in Dogs
c. Sexual behaviors

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Further readings:

> Merck Veterinary Manual

10th Edition pp. 1443 - 1457