Changes

==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.  

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).  

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.

* A cat that has had no positive encounters with dogs during development.

* A dog that has a history of hostility or territoriality toward cats, or of chasing and hunting wildlife in general.

* An environment that does not enable a controlled introduction with cat and dog being separated.

* A previous mishandled introduction process, or history of conflict between dog and cat (the dog has already chased or attacked the cat).

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.

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.  

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==