Work

Owner-Directed Feline Aggression in Thailand: Characteristics, Associated Factors, and a Clinical Comparison of Treatments

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the global increase in cat ownership, some cats exhibit owner-directed aggression, resulting in caregiver injury, infection, and anxiety. Severe cases are commonly treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine; however, adverse effects, particularly transient anorexia, often discourage treatment initiation. Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound with reported anxiolytic properties and minimal anorexic effects, may represent an alternative therapy. This study aimed to characterise owner-directed feline aggression in Thailand, identify associated factors, and compare the efficacy of CBD with fluoxetine. Most caregivers were females aged 20–40 years, and most cats were neutered mixed-breeds aged 1–6 years living indoors in multi-human and multi-cat households. For demographic variables, only human–cat interactions (e.g., petting) were significantly associated with aggression. Handling-induced aggression was universal, with grooming as the most common trigger (56%). In a single-blind, 4–8-week trial, 100 cats were randomly assigned to control, CBD 1 mg/kg/day, CBD 2 mg/kg/day, fluoxetine 0.5–1 mg/kg/day, or combined CBD and fluoxetine. Aggression scores decreased significantly in all treatment groups compared with control (p < 0.05), with no differences among active treatments. CBD at 1 mg/kg/day showed efficacy comparable to fluoxetine without anorexic effects.

Source: Life

DOI: 10.3390/life16020307

Authors: Jarawee Supanta, Worakan Boonhoh, Orachun Hayakijkosol, Tuempong Wongtawan

Institutions: Walailak University, James Cook University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137