Changes

==History Taking==

==History Taking==

As with other areas of veterinary practice, a thorough history is paramount. In a behavioural context history taking must be especially thorough and can be a very long process. Initially, it must be determined what the issue is from the client’s perspective and what they are expecting as a solution. It is important to collect information about the cat’s environment and not centre solely on the presenting behaviour. The history should also cover the medical background of the cat, the upbringing of the animal, current lifestyle and information about the specific problem which is of concern.

Detailed history taking is the most important aspect of reaching a diagnosis in behavioural medicine.  

*The problem from the client's perspective and their expectations of treatment.

*Individual cats (origin, development, influential experiences, personality traits, history of sociability with other cats and people, current and past health, current and past drug treatments).

*The physical environment (including resource availability and distribution, opportunities to perform normal behaviour and avoidance and escape responses).

*The social environment (relationship with other resident cats, people and other animals).

*The relationship with the owner.

*Methods of treatment already used by the owner (including punishment)

*The owner's level of knowledge of normal cat behaviour

*Detailed description of specific events (including context, triggering events/stimuli, and the individual's response).  

Key points in a behavioural history should cover:

Prognosis is considerably affected by owner expectation; it may not be possible to achieve complete harmony between a group of cats, but if this is the only acceptable outcome for an owner then the prognosis will be poor.

Historical information and observation may be supplemented with videos or visits to the animals normal environment.

*Relationship between pet and owner

*A thorough description of the issue, along with information about time and age of onset, duration of episodes, frequency and development including any alterations in pattern.

 

Considering what happens before and after the problem behaviour is also important as this can often provide a clue to the stimulus. In addition videos or visits to the animals normal environment may be useful.

===Social Structure within the Home===

===Social Structure within the Home===