Feline behaviour Flashcards

Question

Catnip

Answer 1

Herb from the mint family. The active ingredient is Nepetalactone. Works through olfactory stimulation. When cats smell catnip they can exhibit different reactions: Excitation Sedation No reaction at all (seen in about 30% of cats). Because the Nepetalactone reaction is genetically linked. The reaction lasts 5- 10 minutes but cannot be evoked again for at least an hour.

Answer 2

Treatment comes in the form of redirection. Training has 3 components. Provide an appropriate scratching surface. Teach cats to use the new surface. Discourage use of inappropriate surface

Answer 3

Vertical or horizontal depending on cat’s preference. Should be as long or tall as the cat is when fully stretched Material type is important! Sisal, Rug Location, location, location

Answer 4

Placed near where the cat is inappropriately scratching. Show the cats, with your hands Play with the cat around the post inducing them to scratch it – when they do…praise them. Gradually move the post to a different area

Answer 5

Double sided sticky tape Upside down plastic rug runners Tinfoil Sandpaper Aversive odour – using cotton balls (risk as to cats heightened sense of smell Shake a tin can full of change if inappropriate scratching

Answer 6

Fight or flight response Seen during conflicts over resources or when a cat is fearful. During aggressive encounters, cats often growl, hiss and spit An offensively aggressive cat tries to make himself look bigger and more intimidating. A defensively aggressive cat adopts a self-protective posture and tries to make himself look smaller.

Answer 7

A stiff, straight-legged upright stance Stiffened rear legs, with the rear end raised and the back sloped downward toward the head. Tail is stiff and lowered or held straight down to the ground. Direct stare Upright ears, with the backs rotated slightly forward. Piloerection (hackles up), including fur on the tail. Constricted pupils Directly facing opponent, possibly moving toward him Might be growling, howling or yowling.

Answer 8

Crouching Head tucked in Tail curved around the body and tucked in Eyes wide open with pupils partially or fully dilated Ears flattened sideways or backward on the head. Piloerection (hackles up) In an anxious cat, whiskers might be retracted. In a fearful cat, whiskers might pan out and forward to assess distance between himself and the danger Turning sideways to the opponent, not straight on Open-mouthed hissing or spitting Might deliver quick strikes with front paws, claws out

Answer 9

Cats attempt to avoid rather than confront. Distance signalling is used. Scent markings Rubbing Scratching Defecation – not being buried. Time budgeting

Answer 10

Cats hunt Frogs, small mammals, birds as large as ducks and pigeons Stalk quietly Sprint towards prey Kill prey with a cervical bite.

Answer 11

Tinned, meat diet. Cat bibs / bells Don’t let the cat outside. Redirect Play with a toy or laser pointer.

Answer 12

A common problem resulting in several bites Cat aroused by a visiting cat/prey in the yard. Cannot do anything because of windowpane The owner or other pet approaches the aroused cat and gets bit. May not be inhibited. May be a considerable amount of time lag between arousal and bite. If cat appears aroused, distract with a toy

Answer 13

A common behavioural issue Cats hone hunting skills through play Cats display two different types of play behavior: Solitary play is directed toward objects, like toys, skeins of yarn, paper bags, boxes, and rolled-up paper. Social play is directed toward people or other pets. There is no rage, no vocalization, and no emotion. Note: cats have a limited ability to express emotion

Answer 14

Stalking, chasing, pouncing, ambushing, grasping, biting Attack is usually in the form of an ambush and is quick…stealth. Generally, involve at least one fierce bite and shake. Bite inhibition can be learnt through kittens with kitten play. Do not play rough with the kitten, it will learn to play rough back! Redirect play to a toy or give other enrichment.

Answer 15

Some cats don’t like being petted (for long) They may give warning signs. Quickly turn head towards hand Twitching the tail Flattening ears and rotating them back Restlessness Typically: Inhibited bite Runs away. May return rapidly as a friendly cat. No, it still does not want to be pet Play using a toy. Or just let sit next to you.

Answer 16

Painful cats are crotchety. Particularly if handling is painful.

Answer 17

New surroundings, smells, sounds, people, car ride, crate, sound of other animals , etc

Answer 18

Laying on their side Eyes ½ open Ears slightly to the side or erect Tail is still.

Answer 19

horizontal with a light curve

Answer 20

agitation or high arousal

Answer 21

approach with caution

Answer 22

spraying urine, excited or in a friendly greeting.

Answer 23

a friendly gesture.

Answer 24

fearful or defensive aggression

Answer 25

offensive aggression, or conflicting motivations (fear/offensive)

Answer 26

Stretched forward – investigating or greeting. Upright – alert, offensive, defensive, or fearful Held at midline with chin slightly down – disinterest, non threat, or relaxed. Tucked – fear or aggression

Answer 27

Half open – relaxed or neutral Prolonged direct eye contact – threatening Dilated pupils – play, high arousal, excitement, fear, or defensive aggression – or medications Constricted pupils – content or offensive aggression

Answer 28

Forward or slightly to the side – neutral Slightly back to flattened – fear and possible aggression. Back or to the side – offensively aggression Perked forward – interested. Flicking in one direction – listening to something in that direction One ear up & one ear flattened back – in conflict

Answer 29

To the side – relaxed Forward – interested or aroused in a offensive threat Back or held along the cheeks – fear or non threat. An open mouth is common during vocalization. Yawning – either signaling a non threat , content, or trying to diffuse tension

Answer 30

Purr and meow – friendly interactions and greetings Cats who are ill or severely injured will purr - believed to be self soothing. Increase your distance from me – hiss, growl, shriek, spit, and yowl. Yowl or howl – distressed

Answer 31

Approach the kennel or the carrier. Call the cat. Look into the kennel and watch its behaviour Unlike dogs, looking directly at a cat does not provoke aggression (still not advised) Best restraint for a cat is the least restraint.

Answer 32

Front of kennel Purring Body relaxed Meows Tail relaxed. Ears and eyes directed towards you. Leans in towards you as you approach Rubbing face and body on door of kennel

Answer 33

Approach you Meow The tail is raised almost vertically. Rolling directed towards a person may be a friendly gesture. May rub against humans. Remember: even friendly cats may bot like being pet

Answer 34

Back of the cage Eyes open wide Direct stare at you Ears back Body tight - may be crouched Tail Wrapped around body. Lashing extended behind cats Raised hair coat. May hiss, growl, swipe, or lunge if approached. Do not reach out too – they will bite like dogs.

Answer 35

Front of cage Ears forwards Growling Swiping Biting

Answer 36

PPE Gloves Glasses Towel Cover head Restrain body. Cat muzzle

Answer 37

Females reach puberty at 3.5 to 9 months. Males reach puberty at 7 months + Queen: seasonally polyestrus Tend not to come into heat in winter. Cycle is about every 2- 3 weeks. Heat lasts 4 to 10 days.

Answer 38

Obvious personality changes in the female Rubbing head and neck You and furniture Meows a lot. Tries to escape. Raises hind end when stroked, tread ground with back legs. Vocalization Restlessness If touched on back they will crouch on forelegs and elevate the hind quarters (lordosis)

Answer 39

Approaches the tom and crouches before him. Frequent treading and moaning Lifts her hind quarters and crouches on her front limbs. Lordosis Accepts tom. Tom bites and holds scruff of queen's neck. Grasps with front paws Queen licks genital area after mating

Answer 40

approximately 2 months

Answer 41

Queen purrs and socializes May find/build a nest. Up to 36 hours if first litter

Answer 42

fetuses and placenta Placenta is greenish black. Removed and eaten by the queen.

Answer 43

Labour may be interrupted for up to 36h Parturition takes 4 to 42 hours. Dystocia concern? More than 20 minutes of intense labour without a kitten