no edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:  
{{KeyPoints
 
{{KeyPoints
 
|points = <br>
 
|points = <br>
*There is crossover between aggression associated with human interaction and other types of aggression.
   
*In order to prevent aggression owners need to understand how to interpret basic feline modes of communication.
 
*In order to prevent aggression owners need to understand how to interpret basic feline modes of communication.
 
*[[Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome|Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome]] is an important differential in cases where cats are showing unpredictable aggression in association with owner interaction.
 
*[[Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome|Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome]] is an important differential in cases where cats are showing unpredictable aggression in association with owner interaction.
*The pattern of interaction between owner and cat must be modified.
+
*Identify maximum duration of contact the cat will tolerate. Contact duration must not exceed this amount during training, and should generally be restricted to less than half the maximum duration.
*Prognosis for these cats is usually good as long as owners do not allow themselves to relapse into inappropriate behaviour as the cat becomes more affiliative. However if the attacks have been serious and unanticipated prognosis is guarded to poor.  
+
*List the tactile interactions that the cat will and will not tolerate.
 +
*Condition the cat to associate the already well tolerated interactions with the delivery of a food reward.
 +
*Once the cat shows positive signs of anticipation during these sessions then the client may proceed down the list towards the less well-tolerated types of contact.
 +
*Recognise signs of rising aggression and irritation so that training does not provoke an attack.
 +
*Play and other interactions should be substituted for touch until the cat is genuinely confident to be handled.
 
}}
 
}}
   
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
 
It is not uncommon for owners to report that their cat is perfectly friendly at a distance but is prone to showing aggressive behaviour in association with close physical contact or restraint.  
 
It is not uncommon for owners to report that their cat is perfectly friendly at a distance but is prone to showing aggressive behaviour in association with close physical contact or restraint.  
Line 72: Line 74:     
Owners should be taught to reciprocate these kinds of greetings in a similar manner, for example calling the cat’s name in a high-pitched voice, or making slow blinking eye contact. They must realise that the cat that sits in close proximity has already made its greeting and may not, on this occasion, have any desire to be touched. '''Physical contact should generally be restricted to times when the cat initiates it'''.  
 
Owners should be taught to reciprocate these kinds of greetings in a similar manner, for example calling the cat’s name in a high-pitched voice, or making slow blinking eye contact. They must realise that the cat that sits in close proximity has already made its greeting and may not, on this occasion, have any desire to be touched. '''Physical contact should generally be restricted to times when the cat initiates it'''.  
  −
====Summary of Treatment - Aggression Related to Human Interaction====
  −
*Identify maximum duration of contact the cat will tolerate. Contact duration must not exceed this amount during training, and should generally be restricted to less than half the maximum duration.
  −
*List the tactile interactions that the cat will and will not tolerate <font color="red">[see list?]</font>.
  −
*Condition the cat to associate the already well tolerated interactions with the delivery of a food reward.
  −
*Once the cat shows positive signs of anticipation during these sessions then the client may proceed down the list towards the less well-tolerated types of contact.
  −
*The owner should be taught how to recognise signs of rising aggression and irritation so that training does not provoke an attack.
  −
*Play and other interactions should be substituted for touch until the cat is genuinely confident to be handled.
      
==Prognosis==
 
==Prognosis==
Line 92: Line 86:       −
{{unfinished}}
   
[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]
 
[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]
[[Category:To Do - Behaviour BS]]
   
[[Category:Feline Aggression Towards People]]
 
[[Category:Feline Aggression Towards People]]
[[Category:JBowen prereview]]
+
[[Category:JBowen reviewing]]
Author, Donkey, Bureaucrats, Administrators
53,803

edits