Pet care: Sorting out a good cat gone bad

Second in a series.

Quiz: Why would PJ attack his person Jenny?

a) He didn't like the way she smelled.

b) She was dressed like a sparrow.

c) PJ is a natural predator who was already agitated.

d) He blames his mother for his problems.

Cats are not dogs with short ears nor do their motivations resemble other species, including ours. They follow their own rules, regarded by some as wild animals we keep as pets. Those who fit best in a loving home were genetically programmed to adapt. Exposure to gentle interactions with people and other domestic creatures, since early kittenhood, is another plus. Strictly indoor kitties need more.

Jenny and Phil adopted PJ as a kitten. He was treated with kindness by them and by their Chihuahua, Micky. PJ was a good cat most of the time but a deeper dive revealed unsettling events — what his pet parents described as "bullying."

Micky is a little guy the neighbors might never notice. Smaller than PJ, and a veritable canine saint, Micky does his best to mind his own business. When happily exiting through the pet door for his evening trip to the loo, he's been mercilessly ambushed by a lurking orange tabby. PJ carries out these surprise attacks much as he would if he were stalking prey.

If PJ had to survive in the wild, he would spend his evenings quietly lying in wait for an unsuspecting bird or rodent to blunder into view. Silently, he would bide his time for the optimal moment. With a surge of violence and singular intent, he would spring on his unsuspecting quarry, claws and teeth quickly disabling his lunch.

Shouldn't indoor feline hunters and canine counter surfers know their food will continue to appear? We love our pets and they love us back but they remain stubbornly motivated by the genetic wiring in their brains. But that didn't mean that Jenny had to accept life as a surrogate rodent.

The correct answer is c)

Next week: Fight feline ferocity? What else triggered PJ?

• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.