DM4 Pt2-1 What constitutes problem behaviour Flashcards
What determines if a behavior in cats is considered a “problem”?
A behavior is considered a “problem” based on the individual caregiver’s subjective assessment, which may include vague observations or changes in the cat’s behavior.
Why might normal behaviors be perceived as “bad behavior” in cats?
Caregivers may misinterpret normal species-specific behaviors as bad behavior due to lack of understanding or context.
What are the main categories of problem behaviors in cats?
1) Normal behaviors seen as unacceptable by humans, 2) Learned responses reinforced by people/environment, 3) Neurological/medical conditions, 4) Emotional disorders affecting behavior, 5) Combinations of these factors.
Why is the term “inappropriate” avoided when discussing problem behaviors in cats?
It implies judgment or blame on the cat and can lead to unrealistic expectations; “unacceptable to humans” is preferred.
What are some examples of normal cat behaviors seen as “unacceptable-to-humans”?
Examples include indoor urination/defecation, urine spraying, inter-cat aggression, scratching furniture, predatory behavior, and nocturnal activity.
What might cause learned behavioral responses in cats that are unwanted by caregivers?
These behaviors often arise when cats are inadvertently reinforced by their environment or caregivers.
Give examples of unwanted learned behavioral responses in cats.
Examples include play aggression towards humans, attention-seeking behaviors, and defensive or offensive aggression.
How can a medical condition affect cat behavior?
Medical conditions can directly lead to behaviors that might otherwise be attributed to emotional or environmental issues.
How can neurological abnormalities or medical conditions affect cat behavior?
They can cause unwanted or unusual behaviors that are not acceptable to humans, sometimes even abnormal for the species.
Why might a cat engage in excessive grooming?
Excessive grooming may act as self-appeasement or a displacement behavior in response to environmental stress; however, true psychogenic over-grooming is rare.
What can chronic pain lead to in terms of a cat’s behavior?
Chronic pain or painful associations can cause defensive behaviors, often resulting in fear-related or protective aggression towards humans or other pets.
Why might a cat show aggression due to an illness?
Illness or physical vulnerability may lead to protective aggression as a defense mechanism, possibly due to changes in the scent profile or discomfort.
List some medical conditions associated with aggression in cats.
Conditions include osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism, FLUTD, various diseases (gastrointestinal, dermatological, neurological, endocrine), seizures, sensory deficits, cognitive dysfunction, trauma, toxoplasmosis, vascular diseases, hepatic encephalopathy, encephalitis, meningioma, and lead poisoning.
How can cognitive dysfunction syndrome in older cats affect behavior?
Older cats with cognitive dysfunction may exhibit problem behaviors due to neurological decline.
What is “sickness behavior” in healthy cats under stress?
Sickness behavior includes signs like vomiting, refusal of food, house soiling, reduced activity, decreased food/water intake, and increased sleep, potentially mimicking clinical disease signs.
