Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment involves three main elements:

'''Treatment involves three main elements:'''

* Improvement of the environment.

* Improving the environment.

* Assessment and training of the dog.

* Assessing and training of the dog.

* 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 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.'''

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:'''

* Restoration of normal levels of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial and flank marking]] of objects

* Restoration of normal levels of [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|facial and flank marking]] of objects.

* Resumption of normal [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Affiliative Behaviour|affiliative]] and play behaviour

* Resumption of normal [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Affiliative Behaviour|affiliative]] and play behaviour.

* Relaxed resting posture (front feet folded under the body whilst laying down)

* Relaxed resting posture (front feet folded under the body whilst lying down).

* Confident movement around the environment without hesitation

* Confident movement around the environment without hesitation.

* Low tendency to startle at sudden noises or movements

* Low tendency to startle at sudden noises or movements.

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 sight, 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 final outcome. <br/>

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 sight, 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 final outcome.  

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.  

If the dog is noisy or vocal, it may be appropriate to '''desensitise the cat to dog vocalisations''' using recorded sounds. 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. </br>

 

If the dog is noisy or vocal, it may be appropriate to '''desensitise the cat to dog vocalisations''' using recorded sounds. 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.  

It is very important that the cat does not encounter the dog during the desensitisation of sound and scent as this may cause aversive associations that delay success of behavioural therapy.

It is very important that the cat does not encounter the dog during the desensitisation of sound and scent as this may cause aversive associations that delay success of behavioural therapy.

 

Eventually, the dog will need to be introduced as a '''visual signal'''. The first visual encounter is very important, as cats will become highly avoidant if the dog barks at, or tries to chase, them.  

Eventually, the dog will need to be introduced as a '''visual signal'''. The first visual encounter is very important, as cats will become highly avoidant if the dog barks at, or tries to chase, them.  

The dog must be relaxed, quiet and well trained. It must not lunge or bark at the cat. If the dog is likely to be disruptive, then the introduction should be delayed. In order to avoid wasting time, a relaxed stooge dog could be substituted in the process, so that the cat builds up some experience of seeing dogs before encountering the one it is expected to live with.  

The dog must be relaxed, quiet and well trained. It must not lunge or bark at the cat. If the dog is likely to be disruptive, then the introduction should be delayed. In order to avoid wasting time, a relaxed stooge dog could be substituted in the process, so that the cat builds up some experience of seeing dogs before encountering the one it is expected to live with.