There are 12 steps on the Feline Ladder of Aggression, a graphic devised by veterinarian and behavior consultant Sally J. Foote, DVM. But a cat who is feeling particularly threatened can scale the entire ladder in little more than a second, Dr. Foote points out. And some cats will skip steps as they escalate and suppress their body language as they go, taking someone who is handling a stressed, frightened cat even more by surprise.
In other words, you might think your cat is feeling only somewhat stressed and confronted because her ears are flicking — step 2 on the ladder — but in literally no time you are being bitten. The possible result: a serious infection that requires antibiotics. The definite result: a miserable cat whose trust in you has eroded because a memory of fear has now become embedded.
Keep in mind that while a cat can climb the stairs of aggression born of stress extremely quickly, she comes off the top step to begin her descent back down the ladder very slowly. Once distrust forms, it’s hard to dispel.
At the vet’s office and at home
Dr. Foote developed the ladder to help veterinarians provide low-stress care as they handle feline patients. Lower stress levels in a cat yield better diagnostic data (such as more accurate heart rate readings) and, in turn, a better overall picture of a pet’s health status. It’s also easier to do different kinds of health screenings on a calm cat.
But the same lesson applies to your interactions with your feline at home. Touch is stimulating to most cats. If your cat is making it clear that she doesn’t want to be petted, don’t try to stroke her. Don’t even put your hands on her if she’s not in the mood. Chances are you already know these guidelines, but make sure the other people in your house do — particularly children, who in a misguided attempt to demonstrate affection might try to force an interaction that can only backfire.
