ANIMAL DOCTOR

Please help save Thud's life! I would take him in, but I have two cats myself.

R.M.L., Edina, Minn.

Episodes of wild attack behavior in cats seem to be on the rise. Besides putting people like your mother (who are on anti-coagulant medication) at risk, cat scratches and bites can transmit harmful bacterial infections.

First, you need to determine whether the attacks are aggressive, or playful fighting or prey-catching behaviors. If the behavior is not aggressive, quickly redirect the cat to distracting and entertaining toys. A cat-mobile or a strip of fake fur on a string attached to a short pole can provide an outlet for play-crazy cats. Another companion-cat playmate could also be very helpful.

If the behavior is aggressive and not play-motivated, the veterinarian should test the cat for hyperactive thyroid, a common problem. For aggressive cats with a clean bill of health, consistent, corrective conditioning with a water pistol or a course of treatment with Elavil or Valium can turn things around.

Some cats hate to be touched in certain areas, like the belly or base of the tail, or enjoy just a few strokes but can't take intense contact or being held for long. Cat bites and scratches can often be avoided by attuning yourself to the cat's likes and dislikes, and by setting boundaries -- like no "ambush" and rough play, especially in the evening, until the fishing pole and play-lure are taken out at a set time for crazy fun. But no petting or physical contact should be allowed at this time.

Michael Fox, author of many books on animal care, welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees in medicine and animal behavior. Write to him in care of United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

2006United Feature Syndicate Inc.