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| | Assessment of cases should include: | | Assessment of cases should include: |
| | + | * Full history of the specific problem behaviour the animal exhibits and its evolution over time. |
| | * Evaluation of the suitability of the cat's environment, and the ability of the cat to gain access to essential resources | | * Evaluation of the suitability of the cat's environment, and the ability of the cat to gain access to essential resources |
| | * History of the cat's rearing experience (habituation and socialisation) | | * History of the cat's rearing experience (habituation and socialisation) |
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| | As with dogs, video of the cat when it is alone should form part of the assessment. | | As with dogs, video of the cat when it is alone should form part of the assessment. |
| − | Cats have a uniquely direct relationship with their environment, being able utilise resources as and when they need. In a domestic setting, outdoor access and resources such as food are often under the control of the owner, with the cat only having access by negotiating with the owner. This can be frustrating and stressful, since owners are unpredictable and may spend long times away from the home. Attachment problems in cats are therefore often accompanied by [[Frustration-Related Feline Aggression Towards People|frustration related aggression]] and stress-related [[Indoor Marking - Cat|urine spraying]].
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| − | Owners are often inconsistent in their responses to a cat, sometimes reinforcing attention seeking behaviour and at other times punishing or ignoring it. The unpredictable nature of human interaction creates uncertainty and a lack of control for the cat, leading to increased anxiety.
| + | The aim is to identify environmental deficits or stress factors that contribute to the problem. It is also important to be aware that the absence of the owner may enable the cat to engage in activities that the owner would usually suppress or punish when at home. For example, elimination or destructive behaviour. |
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| − | Cats are also likely to show increased dependence on their owners if the presence of that person guarantees safety in an otherwise stressful environment. For example, the cat may be safe from attack by other cats in the household only when the owner is present, so that the cat cannot eat, drink or eliminate in safety when the owner is absent. A similar situation is seen in cats that are terrorised by neighbourhood cats and refuse to go into the garden unless the owner is present. Specific underlying fear or anxiety problems must therefore be identified and addressed.
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| | ==Treatment== | | ==Treatment== |