Changes

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

The most important aspects of fear related problems in cats are early socialisation and genetic background  [[Feline Socialisation|‘socialisation’ period]] of the cat ends at around 7 weeks. The breeder is therefore responsible for exposing the kittens to a wide range of people and other species before homing.

The most influential factors for fear of people in cats are early socialisation and genetic background. Studies indicate that fearfulness/boldness is a heritable trait that is strongly influenced by paternity<ref>McCune, S. (1995) The impact of paternity and early socialisation on the development of cats' behaviour to people and novel objects. ''Applied Animal Behaviour Science''. 45(1-2), 109-124.</ref>. Since [[Feline Socialisation|‘socialisation’ period]] of the cat ends at around 7 weeks, breeders must take responsibility for exposing kittens to a wide range of people and other species before homing.

* Do not pick kittens that are the progeny of aggressive or fearful parents.  

* Kittens that are the progeny of aggressive or fearful parents should be avoided.  

* Avoid choosing kittens that have been reared in impoverished or barren environments.

* Avoid choosing kittens that have been reared in impoverished or barren environments.

* When introducing new cats to an environment, provide them with a secure space that includes all major resources and a number of hiding places.

* When introducing new cats to an environment, provide them with a secure space that includes all major resources and a number of hiding places.