Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

'''All encouragement for misdirected predatory behaviour should cease'''; no more games with hands or feet as a target. When pounced on, the victim should stop moving and make no sound. This removes any reinforcement for the behaviour and reduces the risk that struggling will trigger deeper biting or raking with claws. The attacks may be startling and painful so the client may need to wear heavy trousers and long sleeved clothes as a protection. Reinforced trousers may sometimes be needed. These are easily available from motorcycling shops and may be made from ballistic nylon or Kevlar reinforced fabric. These resist bite and claw penetration very well. The need for protective clothing is not permanent, and can be phased out as the cat starts to use the environmental enrichment and alternative predatory targets.

'''All encouragement for misdirected predatory behaviour should cease'''; no more games with hands or feet as a target. When pounced on, the victim should stop moving and make no sound. This removes any reinforcement for the behaviour and reduces the risk that struggling will trigger deeper biting or raking with claws. The attacks may be startling and painful so the client may need to wear heavy trousers and long sleeved clothes to protect them. This may include the use of reinforced clothing and shoes that will resist bites and scratches (such as reinforced jeans available from motorcycle stores). The need for protective clothing is not permanent, and can be phased out as the cat starts to use the environmental enrichment and alternative predatory targets. This objective is not only to protect the person, but also to reduce the reaction, and potential reinforcement, that the cat gets from an attack.

'''Environmental enrichment''' should be provided, including activity feeders, timed feeders and a wide range of small lightweight toys to encourage object play. Simple items such as ping-pong balls covered in glitter or painted with marker pens, and large feathers are perfectly suitable. The selection available to the cat should be changed regularly during the day so that there is always something new to attract the cat’s attention.

'''Environmental enrichment''' should be provided, including activity feeders, timed feeders and a wide range of small lightweight toys to encourage object play. Simple items such as ping-pong balls covered in glitter or painted with marker pens, and large feathers are perfectly suitable. The selection available to the cat should be changed regularly during the day so that there is always something new to attract the cat’s attention.

Play with these toys may be further reinforced with attention (not touch), further stimulation using a fishing type toy or the provision of food treats.

Owners should increase the frequency of play, especially at times when the cat is most likely to be active. This should involve toys that maintain the cat's attention away form the owner's hands and feet (such as fishing toys). Play can be further reinforced with attention (not touch) and food treats. Fishing toys and laser pointer games are appropriate since they distance the owner’s hand movements from the play. However caution should be exercised with the laser pointers since an element of frustration can develop if the cat is never able to actually catch the “prey” and physically handle it. For this reason it is advised that laser pointers should never be the sole source of predatory play but should be integrated into a play programme with other toys that the cat can actually catch and “kill”. Play should also involve highly palatable food treats; using the fishing toy or laser pointer to lead the cat to a food treat in a manner that simulates a real hunting event.

Certain times of day are often peak periods for misdirected predatory behaviour. The cat is a crepuscular hunter so that its peak periods of activity will be early morning and evening. The owner should try to provide several short periods of play during the times when it is anticipated that the cat will be at its most active. Fishing toys and laser pointer games are appropriate since they distance the owner’s hand movements from the play. However caution should be exercised with the laser pointers since an element of frustration can develop if the cat is never able to actually catch the “prey” and physically handle it. For this reason it is advised that laser pointers should never be the sole source of predatory activity but should be integrated into a play programme with other toys that the cat can actually catch and “kill”.

Certain times of day are often peak periods for misdirected predatory behaviour. The cat is a crepuscular hunter so that its peak periods of activity will be early morning and evening. Very often cats show the most diverse range of activity in the morning, when feeding often occurs and the owed has been unavailable for several hours. The owner should try to provide several short periods of play during the times when it is anticipated that the cat will be at its most active.  

Cats will often have favourite places from which to launch their predatory attacks, or stalking. Access to these should be blocked off.

Cats will often have favourite places from which to launch their predatory attacks, or stalking. Access to these may need to be blocked off; for example, moving a piece of furniture so that the cat cannot use it to launch an attack.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==