Pet care: Yearning to behave like a real cat

Third in a series.

Behavior medicine is all about improved quality of life for everybody, but there can be limits; our genetics are the cards we are dealt. PJ was an inveterate predator despite the steady flow of groceries into his food bowl. Even more than most pussy cats, he had the skills and motivation to thrive in the wild. Sadly, he was rarely allowed outside to behave like a real cat.

It was Aristotle who observed that "nature abhors a vacuum." Unmet needs get met. All PJ wanted for his birthday was a colony of gerbils. With an appropriate outlet for his primal need to stalk and kill he would have never targeted Jenny as his surrogate prey.

Feral cats are survivors. They'll hunt any time of day or night, but the urge rises naturally around dusk when their meals on little legs actively forage. PJ's violence against the woman in his life had occurred on multiple occasions but always between 6 and 9 p.m. That would be a perfect time for Jenny and Phil to uncage a few rodents. But, no, varmints were not a part of their decorating plan.

PJ has always loved both of his people but he'd never tried to injure Phil, a bigger human than Jenny. We can conjecture that, early in PJ's life with his devoted people, his predatory proclivities were triggered by Jenny's smaller size and her quick movements. With repetition, he'd learned to associate the sight of her, during the evening newscast, with acting out his inner savage.

PJ suffered from other sources of agitation. Remember him rubbing his head on Phil's thigh just before Jenny quickly entered the room? His physical exam revealed a chronic ear infection. Pain anywhere in the body is a common influence on reactive behavior. The bobcats and coyotes visiting the yard were further triggers for PJ's angst. He was both predator and prey. Already agitated, his adrenaline running high, he found the sashaying Jenny, wine glass in hand, an irresistible mark.

Despite PJ's natural inclinations, his aggression was unacceptable. Punishment or verbal reprimands might interrupt his ardor while doing nothing to diminish his motivation.

Next week: Can PJ be a cat and a respectable citizen?

• 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 by Zoom group and individually/in person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.