Changes

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

Prevention of fear of other species (dogs):

'''Prevention of fear of other species (dogs):'''

* Cats that are expected to live alongside dogs should be [[Feline Socialisation|well-socialised]] with them during kittenhood.  

* Cats that are expected to live alongside dogs should be [[Feline Socialisation|well-socialised]] with them during kittenhood.  

* Cats should be provided with a number of easily accessible escape routes: baby-gates, high perches etc. These enable to the cat to avoid contact with the dog.

* Cats should be provided with a number of easily accessible escape routes: baby-gates, high perches etc. These enable to the cat to avoid contact with the dog.

* The cat should have at least on dedicated location where it can access food, water, a latrine, and resting sites away from contact with the dog.

* The cat should have at least one dedicated location where it can access food, water, a latrine, and resting sites away from contact with the dog.

* Introductions should be carefully managed.

* Introductions should be carefully managed.

* Dogs should not be introduced to cats unless they are trained to respond to a range of basic commands that enable them to be verbally controlled.

* Dogs should not be introduced to cats unless they are trained to respond to a range of basic commands that enable them to be verbally controlled.

* During all initial encounters the dog should be restrained.

* During all initial encounters the dog should be restrained.

As with all fear and anxiety problems, the key aspect of prevention is experience during the sensitive period; kittens that have had positive experience with dogs are more likely to become adults that are able to cope with living with a dog.

As with all fear and anxiety problems, '''the key aspect of prevention is experience during the sensitive period'''; kittens that have had positive experience with dogs are more likely to become adults that are able to cope with living with a dog.

However, most cases of fear of other species involve the introduction of a dog to a household with a cat, or vice versa. Prevention therefore involves the first encounters between cat and dog.

However, most cases of fear of other species involve the introduction of a dog to a household with a cat, or vice versa. Prevention therefore involves the first encounters between cat and dog.

If the dog and cat are to be introduced in an environment that is unfamiliar to the cat, the cat should be introduced to the environment and allowed to fully settle in before the first introduction. For example, the cat should be initially confined to a room of its own, with food, water, latrine and resting sites. Once the cat is familiar with this room, it can be allowed access to more of the home, with barriers such as baby gates installed to prevent accidental encounters between dog and cat. The cat and dog should then be introduced in a room within the house where the cat is entirely comfortable and has already learned to use hiding and climbing places, and exits.

If the dog and cat are to be introduced in an environment that is unfamiliar to the cat, the cat should be introduced to the environment and allowed to fully settle in before the first introduction. For example, the cat should be initially confined to a room of its own, with food, water, latrine and resting sites. Once the cat is familiar with this room, it can be allowed access to more of the home, with barriers such as baby gates installed to prevent accidental encounters between dog and cat. The cat and dog should then be introduced in a room within the house where the cat is entirely comfortable and has already learned to use hiding and climbing places, and exits.

A synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of facial and flank marking pheromones (Feliway) may be used to reduce underlying anxiety and stress.

A synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of facial marking [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|pheromones]] diffuser (Feliway), plugged-in the room the cat spends most of its time, may be used to reduce underlying anxiety and stress.

The distance a cat must move in order to escape is important. If a cat has to run a long distance it may panic, especially if the floor is slippery. Escape opportunities must therefore be very easily accessible within a few paces.

The distance a cat must move in order to escape is important. If a cat has to run a long distance it may panic, especially if the floor is slippery. Escape opportunities must therefore be very easily accessible within a few paces.

===Preparing the Dog===

===Preparing the Dog===

The dog should be trained to reliably respond to a range of basic commands, and in particular a "leave" command (the dog stops following or chasing a thrown ball, and returns to the owner on command). If the dog exhibits high levels of arousal or territorial behaviour when it encounters a cat in its garden or on the street, then this training is particularly important ad can be tested in these other situations. If a dog cannot be controlled using verbal commands, then it is not ready to be introduced to the cat.  

The dog should be trained to reliably respond to a range of basic commands, and in particular a "leave" command (the dog stops following or chasing a thrown ball, and returns to the owner on command). If the dog exhibits high levels of arousal or territorial behaviour when it encounters a cat in its garden or on the street, then this training is particularly important and can be tested in these other situations. If a dog cannot be controlled using verbal commands, then it is not ready to be introduced to the cat.  

If the planned introduction of a particular dog is delayed by the need for it to be trained, it may be possible to use a stooge dog, that is known to be relaxed around cats, for initial introductions. This enables the cat to become used to introduction to a dog, which will help to increase the its confidence in preparation for the real introduction.

If the planned introduction of a particular dog is delayed by the need for it to be trained, it may be possible to use a stooge dog, that is known to be relaxed around cats, for initial introductions. This enables the cat to become used to introduction to a dog, which will help to increase the its confidence in preparation for the real introduction.

===First Introduction===

===First Introduction===

It can be very difficult to overcome memories of a first encounter between cat and dog that results in intimidation or chasing. From the dog's perspective, this first encounter can be exhilarating and frustrating; the dog becomes highly excited to see the cat and frustrated that it cannot approach or chase it. From the cat's perspective, there may have been feelings of intense fear or panic due to being barked at or purred. The first encounter must therefore be highly controlled, in order to avoid barking, chasing or other behaviours that indicate excitement for the dog and may be frightening for the cat.

It can be very difficult to overcome memories of a first encounter between cat and dog that results in intimidation or chasing. From the dog's perspective, this first encounter can be exhilarating and frustrating; the dog becomes highly excited to see the cat and frustrated that it cannot approach or chase it. From the cat's perspective, there may have been feelings of intense fear or panic due to being barked at or pawed. The first encounter must therefore be highly controlled, in order to avoid barking, chasing or other behaviours that indicate excitement for the dog and may be frightening for the cat.

The dog should be distracted and controlled; leashed, and positively reinforced for staying sitting down or on a bed under close supervision. The cat should be allowed to enter the room and approach to a position from which it is able to watch the dog. With repeated experience, the cat should grow in confidence entering the room. The dog must receive repeated reinforcement for not reacting to the cat, as it moves around the floor, climbs, jumps and plays. Once it is clear that the dog is well controlled, then the same exercises can be carried out with the dog on an extendable leash, and ultimately off leash. Baby gates should remain until it is clear that no problem is developing.

The dog should be distracted and controlled; leashed, and positively reinforced for staying sitting down or on a bed under close supervision. The cat should be allowed to enter the room and approach to a position from which it is able to watch the dog. With repeated experience, the cat should grow in confidence entering the room. The dog must receive repeated reinforcement for not reacting to the cat, as it moves around the floor, climbs, jumps and plays. Once it is clear that the dog is well controlled, then the same exercises can be carried out with the dog on an extendable leash, and ultimately off leash. Baby gates should remain until it is clear that no problem is developing.

There is some evidence that a synthetic form of the F4 fraction of the feline facial and flank marking pheromone (Felifriend) can facilitate interactions between cats and novel social stimuli<ref>Mills, D.S., Dube, M.B., Zulch, H. (2012) Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour. Wiley-Blackwell.</ref>. When applied to the shoulder and neck area of dogs, it may reduce avoidant behaviour by cats. However, this is only safe when the dog has no history of harming or attempting to harm cats. Cats that have already had experience of being chased or injured by dogs may confused by the dissonance between the visual recognition of threat combined with an odour cue that implies safe familiarity. This can induce [[Feline Fear Overview|panic]].

There is some evidence that a synthetic form of the F4 fraction of the feline facial marking pheromone (Felifriend) can facilitate interactions between cats and novel social stimuli<ref>Mills, D.S., Dube, M.B., Zulch, H. (2012) Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour. Wiley-Blackwell.</ref>. When applied to the shoulder and neck area of dogs, it may reduce avoidant behaviour by cats. However, this is only safe when the dog has no history of harming or attempting to harm cats. Cats that have already had experience of being chased or injured by dogs may be confused by the dissonance between the visual recognition of threat combined with an odour cue that implies safe familiarity. This can induce [[Feline Fear Overview|panic]].

==Investigation==

==Investigation==

Diagnosis is based on observation of the behaviour of the cat: its facial expressions, postures and initial attempts at avoidance when in the presence of the fear-eliciting stimulus. However, given that the emphasis should be on prevention it should be assumed that a cat that has not been reared or previously socialised with a particular species is likely to experience fear when meeting members of that species. For example, cats with outdoor access will already have a substantial number of aversive experiences resulting from interactions with dogs. It is important to remember that experienced cats, or cats that feel cornered, may immediately resort to offensive [[Feline Aggression|aggression]].  

'''Diagnosis is based on observation of the behaviour of the cat''': its facial expressions, postures and initial attempts at avoidance when in the presence of the fear-eliciting stimulus. However, given that the emphasis should be on prevention it should be assumed that a cat that has not been reared or previously socialised with a particular species is likely to experience fear when meeting members of that species. For example, cats with outdoor access will already have a substantial number of aversive experiences resulting from interactions with dogs. It is important to remember that experienced cats, or cats that feel cornered, may immediately resort to offensive [[Feline Aggression|aggression]].  

Where the fear is of dogs, the reaction of the dog to be introduced also forms part of the assessment of the problem. Dogs that are known to be hostile toward cats, or routinely chase wildlife and cats will need considerable training to bring their behaviour under command control before it would be safe to introduce them to a cat.

Where the fear is of dogs, the reaction of the dog to be introduced also forms part of the assessment of the problem. Dogs that are known to be hostile toward cats, or routinely chase wildlife and cats will need considerable training to bring their behaviour under command control before it is safe to introduce them to a cat.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment involves three main elements:

'''Treatment involves three main elements:'''

* Improvement of the environment.

* Improving the environment.

* Assessment and training of the dog.

* Assessing and training of the dog.

* Controlled exposure of the cat (primarily desensitisation)

* Controlled exposure of the cat (primarily desensitisation).

The cat’s [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|confidence in its environment]] must be enhanced, especially if the animal it is fearful of is sharing the same dwelling. The cat should be given a dedicated room that contains all the resources it needs, and which has a baby gate that provides a barrier to the dog, but allows the cat to have free access. The cat should also be encouraged to explore, [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|face/flank mark]] and utilise resources in the area that it will share with the cohabiting dog whilst that animal is not present. This also allows a gradual desensitisation to the odours of the dog. Introduction should not begin until the cat shows complete confidence in its environment; if the cat is anxious, inhibited or shows a fear potentiated startle response then introduction should be delayed.

The cat’s [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|confidence in its environment]] must be enhanced, especially if the animal it is fearful of is sharing the same dwelling. The cat should be given a dedicated room that contains all the resources it needs, and which has a baby gate that provides a barrier to the dog, but allows the cat to have free access. The cat should also be encouraged to explore, [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|face/flank mark]] and utilise resources in the area that it will share with the cohabiting dog whilst that animal is not present. This also allows a gradual desensitisation to the odours of the dog. Introduction should not begin until the cat shows complete confidence in its environment; '''if the cat is anxious, inhibited or shows a fear potentiated startle response then introduction should be delayed.'''

Good indicators that the cat is relaxed and confident in the environment include:

'''Good indicators that the cat is relaxed and confident in the environment include:'''

* Restoration of normal levels of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial and flank marking]] of objects

* Restoration of normal levels of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial and flank marking]] of objects.

* Resumption of normal [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Affiliative Behaviour|affiliative]] and play behaviour

* Resumption of normal [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Affiliative Behaviour|affiliative]] and play behaviour.

* Relaxed resting posture (front feet folded under the body whilst laying down)

* Relaxed resting posture (front feet folded under the body whilst lying down).

* Confident movement around the environment without hesitation

* Confident movement around the environment without hesitation.

* Low tendency to startle at sudden noises or movements

* Low tendency to startle at sudden noises or movements.

The primary means of controlled exposure used in these cases is desensitisation, because cats will rarely have the confidence to play or eat food when faced with a dog that they are afraid of. The composite stimulus of the sight, sound and smell of a dog may be more than the cat can cope with, so it is often helpful to break down this composite of stimuli and treat each component individually. Although this may appear to make treatment more laborious, it will actually be quicker and produce a better final outcome. <br/>

The primary means of controlled exposure used in these cases is '''desensitisation''', because cats will rarely have the confidence to play or eat food when faced with a dog that they are afraid of. The composite stimulus of the sight, sound and smell of a dog may be more than the cat can cope with, so it is often helpful to break down this composite of stimuli and treat each component individually. Although this may appear to make treatment more laborious, it will actually be quicker and produce a better final outcome.  

The cat can be desensitised to the odour of the dog by presenting items of used dog bedding to the cat in its safe room. After this initial desensitisation, a dog’s odour can also be presented in a counterconditioning procedure; a new tea towel or a pair of cotton gloves is used to collect body scent from the dog by stroking it all over. This item is then presented to the cat for the cat to sniff. Initially the cat may back away or even hiss, but after a number of presentations the cat should allow itself to be stroked with the cloth, and should hen begin to rub itself against the cloth.  

If the dog is noisy or vocal, it may be appropriate to '''desensitise the cat to dog vocalisations''' using recorded sounds. Sound volume is increased over a number of sessions until the cat is tolerant of playback levels that are close to real levels. Some dogs will bark at a cat in order to intimidate it into running. A cat that has been thoroughly habituated to canine vocalisation is less likely to be startled, so that the dog’s behaviour does not gain the reinforcement of a chase. Desensitisation is likely to be slower if the cat has already learned that dog barking precedes a chase or attack. </br>

 

If the dog is noisy or vocal, it may be appropriate to '''desensitise the cat to dog vocalisations''' using recorded sounds. Sound volume is increased over a number of sessions until the cat is tolerant of playback levels that are close to real levels. Some dogs will bark at a cat in order to intimidate it into running. A cat that has been thoroughly habituated to canine vocalisation is less likely to be startled, so that the dog’s behaviour does not gain the reinforcement of a chase. Desensitisation is likely to be slower if the cat has already learned that dog barking precedes a chase or attack.  

It is very important that the cat does not encounter the dog during the desensitisation of sound and scent as this may cause aversive associations that delay success of behavioural therapy.

It is very important that the cat does not encounter the dog during the desensitisation of sound and scent as this may cause aversive associations that delay success of behavioural therapy.

 

Eventually, the dog will need to be introduced as a '''visual signal'''. The first visual encounter is very important, as cats will become highly avoidant if the dog barks at, or tries to chase, them.  

Eventually, the dog will need to be introduced as a '''visual signal'''. The first visual encounter is very important, as cats will become highly avoidant if the dog barks at, or tries to chase, them.  

The dog must be relaxed, quiet and well trained. It must not lunge or bark at the cat. If the dog is likely to be disruptive, then the introduction should be delayed. In order to avoid wasting time, a relaxed stooge dog could be substituted in the process, so that the cat builds up some experience of seeing dogs before encountering the one it is expected to live with.  

The dog must be relaxed, quiet and well trained. It must not lunge or bark at the cat. If the dog is likely to be disruptive, then the introduction should be delayed. In order to avoid wasting time, a relaxed stooge dog could be substituted in the process, so that the cat builds up some experience of seeing dogs before encountering the one it is expected to live with.  

Initially these introductory sessions should be brief, not longer than 10 minutes, to avoid undue stress to the cat. This also avoids the dog becoming overexcited or frustrated and disruptive during training. Sessions should end with the cat being more relaxed than at the beginning of the session, and stopped if the cat shows signs of increasing arousal or fear. If the cat shows signs of increasing stress during every session, behavioural therapy is likely to lead to a worsening emotional response, rather than an improvement.

Initially these introductory sessions should be brief, not longer than 10 minutes, to avoid undue stress to the cat. This also avoids the dog becoming overexcited or frustrated and disruptive during training. Sessions should end with the cat being more relaxed than at the beginning of the session, and stopped if the cat shows signs of increasing arousal or fear. If the cat shows signs of increasing stress during every session, behavioural therapy is likely to lead to a worsening emotional response, rather than an improvement.

Sessions should progress to include the dog moving around and playing. This should take the form of controlled activities, such as obedience training, and then short bouts of calm play with the dog. The aim is to make these activities controlled and repeatable so that the cat’s response can be monitored and the range of activities expanded without triggering fear. A synthetic analogue of the F4 fraction of feline facial and flank marking pheromone (Felifriend) may be applied to the shoulder and neck area of a dog so that the cat is more likely to accept it as familiar and non-threatening. However, this is less likely to be effective if the cat has already had negative experiences with dogs (especially if there have been negative experiences with the dog to be introduced).

Sessions should progress to include the dog moving around and playing. This should take the form of controlled activities, such as obedience training, and then short bouts of calm play with the dog. The aim is to make these activities controlled and repeatable so that the cat’s response can be monitored and the range of activities expanded without triggering fear. A synthetic analogue of the F4 fraction of feline facial marking pheromone (Felifriend) may be applied to the shoulder and neck area of a dog so that the cat is more likely to accept it as familiar and non-threatening. However, this is less likely to be effective if the cat has already had negative experiences with dogs (especially if there have been negative experiences with the dog to be introduced).

Psychoactive medication may be used to reduce fear and anxiety. Selegiline is licensed for the treatment of behavioural problems with an underlying emotional cause in dogs, and may be the first choice drug in cats with a fear of dogs (following CASCADE). However, in cats that show panic or generalised anxiety, a serotonergic drug may be more appropriate. These drugs take a minimum of 4-6 weeks to reach efficacy.

Psychoactive medication may be used to reduce fear and anxiety. [[Selegiline]] is licensed for the treatment of behavioural problems with an underlying emotional cause in dogs, and may be the first choice drug in cats with a fear of dogs (following CASCADE). However, in cats that show panic or generalised anxiety, a serotonergic drug may be more appropriate. These drugs take a minimum of 4-6 weeks to reach efficacy.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

The outcome depends not only on the cat’s response, but also on the behaviour of the animal that is being introduced (often a dog).  

'''The outcome depends not only on the cat’s response, but also on the behaviour of the animal that is being introduced (often a dog). '''

Indicators of a poor prognosis:

'''Indicators of a poor prognosis:'''

* A cat that has had no positive encounters with dogs during development.

* A cat that has had no positive encounters with dogs during development.

* A dog that has a history of hostility or territoriality toward cats, or of chasing and hunting wildlife in general.

* A dog that has a history of hostility or territoriality toward cats, or of chasing and hunting wildlife in general.

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{{Jon Bowen written

{{Jon Bowen written

|date = June 24, 2014

|date = June 28, 2014

}}

}}

[[Category:Feline Fear and Stress]]

[[Category:Feline Fear and Stress]]