All About Feline Aggression – Katenna Jones

Aggression is a normal behavior that is essential to the survival of many animal species. Examples include protecting oneself and family from harm, procuring and retaining resources, establishing and maintaining territorial boundaries, and so much more. Such behaviors can become rather problematic, however, when they occur inside our homes, among our companion cats. As behavior consultants, feline aggression toward human or animal members of the household is a common behavior concern from owners. In this session, attendees can expect to learn about the function of aggression, how to better understand aggression in companion cats, and common contributing factors.

When the Fur Flies: Intercat Aggression – Tabitha Kucera

Inter-cat aggression is one of the most common behavior problems the presenter sees in her behavior consulting business. This distressing problem can occur with cats that are new to one another, as well as with siblings that have always been “best friends.” This session will discuss the various causes of inter-cat aggression between cats who share the same household (note: It will not cover aggression between outdoor cats). We will discuss the identification of problems, prevention strategies, and client recommendations. The session will also cover signs of conflict, types of aggression, the difference between play and aggression, and environmental considerations for cats in conflict.

The presenter will also review the extensive protocol she implements to manage and resolve inter-cat aggression, including the use of scent, pheromones, space sharing, enrichment, desensitization, and counter conditioning. Inter-cat aggression is an issue that often resolves at a glacial pace, so the session will also discuss how to manage client expectations and provide support during the process.

No More Cat Wrangling: Techniques for Force Free Feline Handling – Tabitha Kucera

Many cats feel fear, anxiety, and stress when being handled and/or approached. The effects of feeling this way can lead to reduced quality of life for the patient and animal care teams, an increase in injury to staff, and make owners less likely to bring their cats in for veterinary visits. Fear, anxiety and stress can also make veterinary visits more difficult and lead to lower quality care, fewer diagnostics, and ultimately poorer medical outcomes. Lastly, it can lead to cats being surrendered due to broken bonds between pets and their owners. This is why it is vital for us to do what we can to limit fear, anxiety, and stress in the cats we are working with and provide consistent, positive human to cat social interactions. In this session, we will discuss the effects and how to identify the signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in our cats. We will also discuss tools and handling techniques that can help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in cats thus making the shelter, veterinarian and home an overall less stressful and happier place for cats, visitors, employees, and volunteers. When a cat’s fear and anxiety is reduced, animals will be more adoptable and more likely to stay in long-term, loving homes.

Did You See That? Recognizing Aggressive Behavior in Cats – Katenna Jones

Communication is key to any great relationship and cats are no exception. So often companion felines are misunderstood, written off as vindictive snobs, handled as if they were just small dogs, or dismissed altogether. The truth is, they have their own amazing, well-rounded, and complex behavioral repertoire that we as behavior consultants are responsible for translating to our human clients. In this session, attendees can expect to gain a better understanding of our feline friends’ body language in general, but with a focus on aggression.

Can’t We all Just Get Along? Peacekeeping and Managing Conflict in Multi-Animal and Multi-Species Households – Miranda Workman

Multi-animal and multi-species households are becoming increasingly common. More companion animals are living in close proximity to one another than ever before. When conflicts among animal companions occur, it affects the entire household. Dr. Workman will discuss considerations for addressing inter-pet conflicts while seeking to ensure the safety and good welfare of the entire family.

When the Cat Can’t Stay – Trish McMillan

What are our options when an aggressive or otherwise behaviorally challenged cat is truly unable to stay in their current home? When is it appropriate to relinquish to a shelter, rehome, send a cat to sanctuary, or euthanize? In this presentation, we will go over the ethics around some of these “last ditch” options, when the bond has truly been broken, or when a cat is suffering too much behaviorally in their current home.’