Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Underlying medical problems should be investigated and treated. The pattern of interaction between owner and cat must be altered:

Underlying medical problems should be investigated and treated.  

Owner education is key to effective treatment, as they must be convinced to make permanent changes to the ways in which they interact with the cat.

Specific recommendations will depend on the individual case, but could include:

*Train the owner to give '''eye contact''' and '''vocal greetings''' instead of physical contact or handling. The owner must resist the temptation to pick the cat up.

*Train the owner to give '''eye contact''' and '''vocal greetings''' instead of physical contact or handling. The owner must resist the temptation to pick the cat up.

*The owner must also be able to identify early signs of aggression and irritation, such as growling vocalisation, tail swishing and ears folded back.

*The owner must also be able to identify early signs of aggression and irritation, such as growling vocalisation, tail swishing and ears folded back.

*Tactile contact

*Tactile contact

Owners should be taught to reciprocate these kinds of greetings in a similar manner, for example calling the cat’s name in a high-pitched voice, or making slow blinking eye contact. They must realise that the cat that sits in close proximity has already made its greeting and may not, on this occasion, have any desire to be touched. '''Physical contact should generally be restricted to times when the cat initiates it'''.  

Owners should be taught to reciprocate these kinds of greetings in a similar manner, for example calling the cat’s name in a high-pitched voice, or making slow blinking eye contact. They must realise that the cat that sits in close proximity has already made its greeting and may not, on this occasion, have any desire to be touched. '''Physical contact should generally be restricted to times when the cat initiates it'''.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==