Changes

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

When taking the history it is important to fully characterise every incident:

When taking the history it is important to fully '''characterise every incident''':

*The cat’s posture before, during and after an “attack”.

*The cat’s posture before, during and after an “attack”.

*The contexts in which the attacks typically occur.

*The contexts in which the attacks typically occur.

The behavioural history usually indicates that the problem began with inappropriate play, directed at hands and feet or involving chasing games. This has been actively encouraged by the owner, for example games that involve running fingers over the backs of sofas or encouraging attacks on feet or hands under the duvet. The games become less enjoyable as the cat becomes larger and able to inflict injuries. There is a progression to more serious ambushes in which the cat waits for the owner and then lunges at or attacks them. There may be an element of frustration that the owner no longer playfully reciprocates the behaviour.  

The behavioural history usually indicates that the problem began with inappropriate play, directed at hands and feet or involving chasing games. This has been actively encouraged by the owner, for example games that involve running fingers over the backs of sofas or encouraging attacks on feet or hands under the duvet. The games become less enjoyable as the cat becomes larger and able to inflict injuries. There is a progression to more serious ambushes in which the cat waits for the owner and then lunges at or attacks them. There may be an element of frustration that the owner no longer playfully reciprocates the behaviour.  

In many cases of misdirected predatory behaviour the attack, or the preparatory stalking behaviour that preceded it, is being inadvertently rewarded by the human response. The cat gains attention, further play or simply revels in the victim’s reaction to being pounced on.

'''In many cases of misdirected predatory behaviour the attack, or the preparatory stalking behaviour that preceded it, is being inadvertently rewarded by the human response'''. The cat gains attention, further play or simply revels in the victim’s reaction to being pounced on.

One feature of predatory behaviour that differentiates it from play, is that the claws are usually extended and the bite is not inhibited. Bite intensity is under control of reflexes fed with information from local mechanoreceptors around the mouth, so that the victim’s movements will drive the bite to intensify. Elderly people and children are particularly at risk from this sort of behaviour and injuries are likely to be serious.  

One feature of predatory behaviour that differentiates it from play, is that the '''claws are usually extended and the bite is not inhibited'''. Bite intensity is under control of reflexes fed with information from local mechanoreceptors around the mouth, so that the victim’s movements will drive the bite to intensify. Elderly people and children are particularly at risk from this sort of behaviour and injuries are likely to be serious.  

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

==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 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'''.

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.

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[[Category:To Do - Behaviour GGP]]

[[Category:To Do - Behaviour BS]]

[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]

[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]

[[Category:Feline Aggression Towards People]]

[[Category:Feline Aggression Towards People]]