Rethinking the notion of “spite” in feline behavior

Misconceptions about feline behavior can shape how both clients and veterinary teams interpret common problems and, in some cases, how those problems are managed. One of the most common misconceptions, explains Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA, HAB, is the idea that cats act out of spite. In this video interview, expanding on her Fetch dvm360 Conference lecture on feline behavior, Tupler challenges that assumption, arguing that many so-called “problem behaviors” stem from missed or misunderstood cues, leading cats to respond in ways that can be misread as vindictive.

Below is the transcript, lightly edited for clarity.

Tupler: I think there's a lot, but I think the big one is that cats are not spiteful. I truly understand that because cats have really long-term memory. I think this goes both for us as veterinarians and, obviously, for pet parents as well. Cats aren't spiteful; they're not doing this out of jealousy or rage, or because they’re mad that you were gone all day or that you took them to the vet, or because every time they go to the vet, they try to eat the staff.

Cats really aren't like that. I think the biggest misconception is that cats communicate in a way that we are not traditionally familiar with. It is going to be easier for us if we actually teach and understand how cats are communicating and utilize that, instead of making the assumption that the cat is doing this out of spite.

We see that in shelters. Sixty-eight percent of clients who surrender cats think that the inappropriate urination, the destructive behaviors, the scratching, and the attacking their friends when they come over is all from spite. I will say I've had many veterinary professionals who believe the same. We always talk about the "evil cat" that comes in, when in reality, cats have great, amazing memories. What causes a lot of these behavioral problems is that we've missed a lot of cues, and now they are acting in a way that makes it appear that they are spiteful.