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==Prognosis==
 
==Prognosis==
The outcome does not depend solely upon the cat’s response, which makes prognostication impossible without a complete behavioural history, including details of the dog’s (or other animal’s) behaviour towards the cat.  
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The outcome depends not only on the cat’s response, but also on the behaviour of the animal that is being introduced (often a dog).  
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Placid dogs that have no interest in chasing or persecuting cats are much more likely to contribute to a good prognosis. Unless the dog, or other animal, can be relied upon not to antagonise the cat, then they may never be left alone safely and there is a significant probability that the cat’s welfare will be impaired or the situation may progress to overt [[feline Aggression|aggression]]. Clients who expect to be able to leave their pets together alone without consequences will be disappointed.
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Indicators of a poor prognosis:
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* A cat that has had no positive encounters with dogs during development.
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* A dog that has a history of hostility or territoriality toward cats, or of chasing and hunting wildlife in general.
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* An environment that does not enable a controlled introduction with cat and dog being separated.
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* A previous mishandled introduction process, or history of conflict between dog and cat (the dog has already chased or attacked the cat).
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Likewise, cats that show intensely fearful and avoidant behaviour may never develop sufficient confidence to utilise space and resources in the way that is a necessity for them. These cats also suffer a reduction in welfare and may be better re-homed away from the animals they fear. Part of the judgement when investigating a case has to be whether the client’s demands can realistically be met whilst preserving the animal’s quality of life.
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To be successful, the dog must be responsive to training and show no innate or historical tendency to chase or attack cats, and the cat must have a bold temperament.  
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Part of the judgement when investigating a case has to be whether the client’s demands can realistically be met whilst preserving the animal’s quality of life.
    
==References==
 
==References==
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