Cats are territorial and sometimes surprisingly emotional creatures. Environmental or social changes can trigger extremes in our cats' behaviour which, although disturbing to see, are quite normal.

Fear or defence
Extreme fear may provoke hissing, spitting, swatting - and escape. Territorially defensive cats may stalk, make a shrill sound or howl, and even pounce on perceived intruders. Both fear and territorial defence may lead to biting.

Causes
Both emotions are often triggered by the sight, smell or sounds of unfamiliar cats outdoors. In some cases, however, the source of aggression is simply never identified. An extreme reaction can be redirected to the nearest available target, such as another cat in the home, or even a member of the cat's human family.

Treatment
You may first want to take your cat to the vet to rule out any general medical conditions that may contribute to this behaviour.

Provided your cat is in good physical health, your vet will either be able to offer you appropriate behavioural advice, or refer you to a behavioural counsellor, such as the Centre for Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE).

COAPE
'Phone: 0800 783 0817
Web: www.coape.co.uk

Alternatively members of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors work solely on veterinary referral.

APBC
'Phone: 01386 751151
Web: www.apbc.org.uk