Changes

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Prognosis depends upon the '''owner’s commitment''' to carry out what may be a lengthy course of behavioural therapy, alongside making potentially permanent changes to the cat’s husbandry and environment.

Prognosis depends upon the '''owner’s commitment''' to carry out what may be a lengthy course of behavioural therapy, alongside making potentially permanent changes to the cat’s husbandry and environment.

In cases where cats are being asked to live in large feline groups with several unrelated individuals it is important to consider the welfare implications for the cats concerned. In cases of [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats|inter-cat aggression]] within the household, re-homing should be considered as a viable treatment option rather than a sign of therapeutic failure. Despotic cats that terrorise the neighbourhood carry a poor prognosis unless there is considerable co-operation between owners with regards to confinement, either permanent or on a rota basis.  

In cases where cats are being asked to live in large feline groups with several unrelated individuals it is important to consider the welfare implications for the cats concerned. In cases of [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats in the Same Household|inter-cat aggression]] within the household, re-homing should be considered as a viable treatment option rather than a sign of therapeutic failure. Despotic cats that terrorise the neighbourhood carry a poor prognosis unless there is considerable co-operation between owners with regards to confinement, either permanent or on a rota basis.  

The nature of the aggressive behaviour is important. '''Defensive behaviour has a better prognosis''' because it is possible to reduce the perception of threat and to provide the cat with alternative opportunities to deal with fear [such as through escape or avoidance behaviour]. '''Offensive aggression carries a more guarded prognosis''' unless full recovery from some underlying medical pathology can be achieved. Hyperthyroid cats, for example, carry a good prognosis for reform once the underlying pathology has been treated.  

The nature of the aggressive behaviour is important. '''Defensive behaviour has a better prognosis''' because it is possible to reduce the perception of threat and to provide the cat with alternative opportunities to deal with fear [such as through escape or avoidance behaviour]. '''Offensive aggression carries a more guarded prognosis''' unless full recovery from some underlying medical pathology can be achieved. Hyperthyroid cats, for example, carry a good prognosis for reform once the underlying pathology has been treated.