Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

When dealing with cats who are exhibiting fear-related behaviour problems it is essential for owners to realise that the '''cat needs to feel in control of the situation''' and that forcing the cat to confront its fear is unlikely to be effective. Flight is a primary defence strategy for the cat and, therefore, in some cases it may be necessary to block the flight route whilst desensitisation and counterconditioning techniques are applied. Obviously, one of the most important factors in the success of any behavioural treatment for feline fears is the correct application of reinforcement and an understanding of the relative value of resources is essential.  

When dealing with cats who are exhibiting fear-related behaviour problems it is essential for owners to realise that the '''cat needs to feel in control of the situation''' and that forcing the cat to confront its fear is likely to lead to a worsening of the problem. However, since avoidance and escape are the primary defence strategies for the cat, it may in some cases it may be necessary to prevent escape from a room whilst desensitisation and counterconditioning techniques are applied. Instead, the cat is given hiding places in the room, so that it has enough control to feel safe, but is still present to be exposed to the stimuli being used in behavioural therapy.

There are four major areas that need to be addressed during any fear related problem:

There are four major areas that need to be addressed during any fear related problem: