Behavioural Consultation and History Taking

The majority of behavioural cases presented in veterinary practice are related to normal feline behaviour. However, it is essential to consider that some alterations in behaviour can also be concomitant with the simultaneous presence of clinical disease. In cats specifically links between lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and soiling indoors stress the necessity for a full physical and clinical examination before any type of behavioural therapy is implemented. It is also crucial to remember that pathologies may cause continuing behavioural problems even when the illness has been clinically resolved. Other examples of conditions which can cause alterations in feline behaviour include:

Diabetes mellitus: cats initially presented for a lapse in house training
Hyperthyroidsim: aggression to both or either other cats or owners

As well as behavioural expressions of physical disease, behavioural symptoms can result as a outcome of shifts in neurochemical equilibriums in the CNS.

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.

Key points in a behavioural history should cover:

Clinical history
Any current drugs being administered
Any former behavioural therapy
The animal’s disposition
Breeding and early upbringing
Current lifestyle
Relationship between pet and owner
The rate of occurrence of problem behaviour and its predictability
A thorough description of the issue, along with information about time of onset and development
The owners response to the issue

(Heath, S. Chapter 5, Common Feline Behavioural Problems – Feline Medicine and Therapeutics.)