Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Fear-related aggression to dogs or other animals outside the home is unlikely to be reported as a problem because the cat is able to avoid these situations and the owner may not even be aware that there is a problem. However, fear of other animals resident on the owner’s property is a common issue.

* Improvement of the environment.

* Assessment and training of the dog.

* Controlled exposure of the cat (primarily desensitisation)

 

 

The first step is to re-establish the cat’s [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|confidence in its environment]], especially if the animal it is fearful of is sharing the same dwelling. The cat should be allowed 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. If the cat is insecure in the environment, perhaps because of a series of previous encounters with the dog, then the use of [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|F3 diffusers]] may help.  

The first step is to re-establish the cat’s [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|confidence in its environment]], especially if the animal it is fearful of is sharing the same dwelling. The cat should be allowed 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. If the cat is insecure in the environment, perhaps because of a series of previous encounters with the dog, then the use of [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|F3 diffusers]] may help.