Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

When dealing with cats who are exhibiting fear-related behaviour problems it is essential for owners to realise that the cat needs to feel in control of the situation and that forcing the cat to confront its fear is unlikely to be effective. Flight is a primary defence strategy for the cat and, therefore, in some cases it may be necessary to block the flight route whilst desensitisation and counterconditioning techniques are applied. Obviously, one of the most important factors in the success of any behavioural treatment for feline fears is the correct application of reinforcement and an understanding of the relative value of resources is essential.

When dealing with cats who are exhibiting fear-related behaviour problems it is essential for owners to realise that the '''cat needs to feel in control of the situation''' and that forcing the cat to confront its fear is unlikely to be effective. Flight is a primary defence strategy for the cat and, therefore, in some cases it may be necessary to block the flight route whilst desensitisation and counterconditioning techniques are applied. Obviously, one of the most important factors in the success of any behavioural treatment for feline fears is the correct application of reinforcement and an understanding of the relative value of resources is essential.  

There are four major areas that need to be addressed during any fear related problem:

The normal feline coping strategy in fearful situations is highly dependent upon familiarity with the environment and the opportunities it provides for escape and avoidance behaviour. In this way, the cat is highly attached and dependent upon its [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territory]] for security, which also means that success in treating fear-based problems is substantially dependent upon the cat’s environment.

The [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core zone]] of the cat’s territory is where it expects to be safest. This is where it may meet familiar conspecifics. Recognition of the core territory is partially dependent upon [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Pheromones|pheromone odour signals]]. The cat expends a lot of time and energy placing face and flank marks within the core territory area, not only to identify elements of the environment as familiar but also to create an appeasing environment for itself. From the cat’s perspective, marking of this kind is very efficient. It enables the cat to recognise a safe location from a set of scent mark ‘mementos’ without having to remember details about its appearance and the events that have happened there. This reduces the cognitive burden of processing and memorising the information. In a new home, these personalised signals will be absent and may even be replaced by the odours of other cats that were previously resident. The anxiety caused creates the conditions for establishing problem behaviour.

# The cat's '''environment'''

 

::It is paramount to remember that [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|the environment plays a major role in cat's ability to cope with fear and stress]].  

 

::Examples of behavioural modification techniques include habituation, desensitisation, counterconditioning and controlled exposure. Selecting rewards which are of sufficient value to override the fear response can be difficult and, with a high priority for flight as a defence strategy in cats it can be difficult to keep cats in the vicinity of the fear-inducing stimulus during processes such as habituation. Flooding is also a risky approach since the panic induced by the lack of opportunity to escape can potentiate rather than ameliorate the condition. Controlled exposure, desensitisation and counterconditioning can be useful techniques and provided that the fear stimulus is diluted sufficiently it should be possible to over ride the flight response. Introducing a cat to an environment for desensitisation may require leading it in on a body harness and extending lead. The cat should be fully acclimatised to the harness and leash for several weeks before using it in a training situation. ''For further information on practical aspects of behavioural therapy for fear problems see the problem-specific information linked below. ''

This attachment to environmental familiarity makes cats very vulnerable to stress when they are relocated through rehoming or when the owners move house. [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour#Introducing a Cat to a New Home/Environment|Proper introduction to a new ‘core territory’]] reduces stress and the likelihood of fear problems. Creating attachment to a new core territory also reduces the risk of the cat straying or trying to return to its original territory after a house move.

# Pharmacological intervention

 

::There a number of reasons why medication may be indicated in cases of feline fear. Cases involving central nervous system pathology, in relation to neurotransmitters, may require medication on a long-term basis and, in situations where the fear-inducing stimuli are either unidentifiable or uncontrollable, long-term or recurring medication may also be indicated. In other cases where medication is necessary as an adjunct to behavioural therapy due to the severity of the fear response and the adverse effect that it has on the learning process, the usual aim is to have short-term drug support.  

Normal exploration of a new environment follows a star-shaped pattern. The animal makes forays into the environment away from an initial safe place. Any fearful event will cause the animal to return briefly to its place of safety. Indeed, successfully learning about a new environment depends upon already having somewhere safe to return to. Without this the animal will experience considerable anxiety and fear, which may create long-term aversions to the stimuli the cat encounters during the first few hours in a new location. For example, a well-socialised cat might enjoy the company of children when they are in an environment that it understands, but the same cat may react fearfully to boisterous children when in a new environment. This kind of encounter can condition fear reactions that continue to plague the cat’s relationship with the children even once it has settled into the new home.

# Modifying the owner's reaction

 

::The final part of the equation when dealing with feline fears is to modify the owner’s reaction to the cat’s behaviour. Unintentional reinforcement of fears is most likely to occur in cats when they flee and escape the stimulus, but owner interaction, both vocal and tactile, may be seen by some cats as reward for their response. Punishment is always going to be counterproductive and techniques designed to make the animal “confront its fear” such as flooding have limitations which have already been discussed.

It is therefore essential that the cat accepts and feels safe in the new environment before encountering any potential stressors.

 

 

Examples of behavioural modification techniques

 Controlled exposure

 

Selecting rewards which are of sufficient value to override the fear response can be difficult and, with a high priority for flight as a defence strategy in cats it can be difficult to keep cats in the vicinity of the fear-inducing stimulus during processes such as habituation. Flooding is also a risky approach since the panic induced by the lack of opportunity to escape can potentiate rather than ameliorate the condition. Controlled exposure, desensitisation and counterconditioning can be useful techniques and provided that the fear stimulus is diluted sufficiently it should be possible to over ride the flight response. Introducing a cat to an environment for desensitisation may require leading it in on a body harness and extending lead. The cat should be fully acclimatised to the harness and leash for several weeks before using it in a training situation. For further information on practical aspects of behavioural therapy for fear problems see the problem-specific information below.  

 

Pharmacological intervention

There a number of reasons why medication may be indicated in cases of feline fear. Cases involving central nervous system pathology, in relation to neurotransmitters, may require medication on a long-term basis and, in situations where the fear-inducing stimuli are either unidentifiable or uncontrollable, long-term or recurring medication may also be indicated. In other cases where medication is necessary as an adjunct to behavioural therapy due to the severity of the fear response and the adverse effect that it has on the learning process, the usual aim is to have short-term drug support.

 

Modifying the owner’s reaction

The final part of the equation when dealing with feline fears is to modify the owner’s reaction to the cat’s behaviour. Unintentional reinforcement of fears is most likely to occur in cats when they flee and escape the stimulus, but owner interaction, both vocal and tactile, may be seen by some cats as reward for their response. Punishment is always going to be counterproductive and techniques designed to make the animal “confront its fear” such as flooding have limitations which have already been discussed.