Changes

* Controlled exposure of the cat (primarily desensitisation)

* Controlled exposure of the cat (primarily desensitisation)

 

The cat’s [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|confidence in its environment]] must be enhanced, especially if the animal it is fearful of is sharing the same dwelling. The cat should be given a dedicated room that contains all the resources it needs, and which has a baby gate that provides a barrier to the dog, but allows the cat to have free access. The cat should also be encouraged 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. Introduction should not begin until the cat shows complete confidence in its environment; if the cat is anxious, inhibited or shows a fear potentiated startle response then introduction should be delayed.

 

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.  

Good indicators that the cat is relaxed and confident in the environment include:

Good indicators that the cat is relaxed and confident in the environment include:

* Low tendency to startle at sudden noises or movements

* Low tendency to startle at sudden noises or movements

Specific treatment of the fear problem involves '''desensitisation''' and '''counterconditioning''' methods. Since the cat is fearful of the compound stimulus of the sound, sight, smell and movement of the dog, it is sensible to break down this composite of stimuli and treat each component individually. Although this may appear to make treatment more laborious, it will probably make it quicker and produce a better outcome.

The primary means of controlled exposure used in these cases is desensitisation, because cats will rarely have the confidence to play or eat food when faced with a dog that they are afraid of. The composite stimulus of the sigh, sound and smell of a dog may be more than the cat can cope with, so it is often helpful to break down this composite of stimuli and treat each component individually. Although this may appear to make treatment more laborious, it will actually be quicker and produce a better outcome. <br/>

 

The cat can be desensitised to the odour of the dog by presenting items of used dog bedding to the cat in its safe room. After this initial desensitisation, a dog’s odour can also be presented in a counterconditioning procedure; a new tea towel or a pair of cotton gloves is used to collect body scent from the dog by stroking it all over. This item is then presented to the cat for the cat to sniff. Initially the cat may back away or even hiss, but after a number of presentations the cat should allow itself to be stroked with the cloth, and should hen begin to rub itself against the cloth. It is very important that the cat does not encounter the dog during this introduction process as this may cause aversive associations that delay success of behavioural therapy.

It is beneficial to try to '''associate the odour of the dog with activities that the cat enjoys''', such as feeding or play. This is a counterconditioning-based procedure. Initial reactions to presentation of the dog’s odour, on a cloth or pair of clean gloves, may cause alarm. After a number of presentations the cat may begin to rub against the cloth. At this point, the dog’s odour may be rubbed onto the owner’s clothing (such as trousers) so that, when the cat sniffs and face/flank marks against the owner, the scent of the dog will be picked up. It is very important that the cat does not encounter the dog during this introduction process as this may cause aversive associations that delay success of behavioural therapy or may make it hazardous.

Once the dog’s odour has been introduced, it may be appropriate to '''desensitise the cat to dog vocalisations''', especially if the dog is likely to bark at it. This may be achieved using commercially-available recordings of dog barking and growling, played at low levels. Sound volume is increased over a number of sessions until the cat is tolerant of playback levels that are close to real levels. Some dogs will bark at a cat in order to intimidate it into running. A cat that has been thoroughly habituated to canine vocalisation is less likely to be startled, so that the dog’s behaviour does not gain the reinforcement of a chase. Desensitisation is likely to be slower if the cat has already learned that dog barking precedes a chase or attack.

Once the dog’s odour has been introduced, it may be appropriate to '''desensitise the cat to dog vocalisations''', especially if the dog is likely to bark at it. This may be achieved using commercially-available recordings of dog barking and growling, played at low levels. Sound volume is increased over a number of sessions until the cat is tolerant of playback levels that are close to real levels. Some dogs will bark at a cat in order to intimidate it into running. A cat that has been thoroughly habituated to canine vocalisation is less likely to be startled, so that the dog’s behaviour does not gain the reinforcement of a chase. Desensitisation is likely to be slower if the cat has already learned that dog barking precedes a chase or attack.