Changes

There are four major areas that need to be addressed during any fear related problem:

There are four major areas that need to be addressed during any fear related problem:

# The cat's '''environment'''

:1) The cat's '''environment'''

::It is paramount to remember that [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|the environment plays a major role in cat's ability to cope with fear and stress]].  

::It is paramount to remember that [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|the environment plays a major role in cat's ability to cope with fear and stress]].  

# Behaviour modification techniques

:2) '''Behaviour modification''' techniques

::Examples of behavioural modification techniques include habituation, desensitisation, counterconditioning and controlled exposure. Selecting rewards which are of sufficient value to override the fear response can be difficult and, with a high priority for flight as a defence strategy in cats it can be difficult to keep cats in the vicinity of the fear-inducing stimulus during processes such as habituation. Flooding is also a risky approach since the panic induced by the lack of opportunity to escape can potentiate rather than ameliorate the condition. Controlled exposure, desensitisation and counterconditioning can be useful techniques and provided that the fear stimulus is diluted sufficiently it should be possible to over ride the flight response. Introducing a cat to an environment for desensitisation may require leading it in on a body harness and extending lead. The cat should be fully acclimatised to the harness and leash for several weeks before using it in a training situation. ''For further information on practical aspects of behavioural therapy for fear problems see the problem-specific information linked below. ''

::Examples of behavioural modification techniques include habituation, desensitisation, counterconditioning and controlled exposure. Selecting rewards which are of sufficient value to override the fear response can be difficult and, with a high priority for flight as a defence strategy in cats it can be difficult to keep cats in the vicinity of the fear-inducing stimulus during processes such as habituation. Flooding is also a risky approach since the panic induced by the lack of opportunity to escape can potentiate rather than ameliorate the condition. Controlled exposure, desensitisation and counterconditioning can be useful techniques and provided that the fear stimulus is diluted sufficiently it should be possible to over ride the flight response. Introducing a cat to an environment for desensitisation may require leading it in on a body harness and extending lead. The cat should be fully acclimatised to the harness and leash for several weeks before using it in a training situation. ''For further information on practical aspects of behavioural therapy for fear problems see the problem-specific information linked below. ''

# Pharmacological intervention

:3) '''Pharmacological intervention'''

::There a number of reasons why medication may be indicated in cases of feline fear. Cases involving central nervous system pathology, in relation to neurotransmitters, may require medication on a long-term basis and, in situations where the fear-inducing stimuli are either unidentifiable or uncontrollable, long-term or recurring medication may also be indicated. In other cases where medication is necessary as an adjunct to behavioural therapy due to the severity of the fear response and the adverse effect that it has on the learning process, the usual aim is to have short-term drug support.  

::There a number of reasons why medication may be indicated in cases of feline fear. Cases involving central nervous system pathology, in relation to neurotransmitters, may require medication on a long-term basis and, in situations where the fear-inducing stimuli are either unidentifiable or uncontrollable, long-term or recurring medication may also be indicated. In other cases where medication is necessary as an adjunct to behavioural therapy due to the severity of the fear response and the adverse effect that it has on the learning process, the usual aim is to have short-term drug support.  

# Modifying the owner's reaction

:4) Modifying the '''owner's reaction'''

::The final part of the equation when dealing with feline fears is to modify the owner’s reaction to the cat’s behaviour. Unintentional reinforcement of fears is most likely to occur in cats when they flee and escape the stimulus, but owner interaction, both vocal and tactile, may be seen by some cats as reward for their response. Punishment is always going to be counterproductive and techniques designed to make the animal “confront its fear” such as flooding have limitations which have already been discussed.

::The final part of the equation when dealing with feline fears is to modify the owner’s reaction to the cat’s behaviour. Unintentional reinforcement of fears is most likely to occur in cats when they flee and escape the stimulus, but owner interaction, both vocal and tactile, may be seen by some cats as reward for their response. Punishment is always going to be counterproductive and techniques designed to make the animal “confront its fear” such as flooding have limitations which have already been discussed.