Human-directed aggression and pica in a 1-year-old cat, which worsened following international relocation

Abstract

Case summary A 14-month-old female spayed Arabian Mau cat was presented for preparation for international air travel and relocation. It was also showing aggressive behaviours towards its owners and visitors to the home, with daily episodes of jumping at, scratching and biting the owners’ hands and legs. In addition, the cat was chewing on and ingesting wool and fabric items. Diagnoses of aggression occurring as misplaced play/predatory behaviour, fear-based aggression towards visitors and pica were made, and recommendations were given for both the behavioural presentations as well as to prepare for the family’s relocation to a new country and home. These recommendations included the use of long-acting psychotropic medications, which were declined at the time. After arrival in the new home, the cat’s aggression and pica worsened, so the owners requested a follow-up appointment. At this point, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine was initiated and after 6 weeks of medication, the owners reported a significant improvement in all behavioural signs. Relevance and novel information There is limited published information on the development and/or worsening of behaviour problems after stressful or traumatic events, such as international relocation. Furthermore, the management of concurrent behavioural presentations, such as, in this case, human-directed aggression and pica, can be challenging. This case provides an example of how this may be achieved. Finally, this case shows how the use of long-acting psychotropic medication, such as the SSRI fluoxetine, can be important and effective in managing feline behaviour problems.