FM1 Pt1-10 Preventing Problem Behaviours

Question 1

How does chronic stress impact a cat’s physical and behavioral health?

Answer 1

Chronic stress can alter immune function, leading to immune suppression, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and contribute to behavioral problems like over-grooming, self-mutilation, and feline idiopathic cystitis.

Question 2

What are some indicators in a cat’s medical history that might suggest the presence of stressors?

Answer 2

Indicators include a history of cat bite abscesses, cystitis, allergies/hypersensitivities, and recurrent viral infections.

Question 3

Why is it important to identify potential stressors in a cat’s environment?

Answer 3

Identifying stressors allows veterinary professionals to advise owners on minimizing their impact, which can prevent behavioral and health problems.

Question 4

How are medical and behavioral issues related in cats?

Answer 4

Medical conditions like idiopathic cystitis or arthritis can cause behaviors like inappropriate urination, while stress can manifest as anorexia or lethargy.

Question 5

What factors contribute to the increasing recognition of behavior-related problems in cats?

Answer 5

Factors include better understanding of feline behavior, more indoor-only cats, more multi-cat households, and higher cat population density.

Question 6

Why has behavioral assessment historically not been part of routine preventive healthcare for cats?

Answer 6

Behavioral assessment has been overlooked, but recognizing and addressing behavioral risks early is crucial, as prevention is better than cure.

Question 7

How can general practitioners help prevent behavioral problems in cats?

Answer 7

Practitioners can recognize factors in a cat’s lifestyle and environment that increase behavioral risks and provide early advice to owners to prevent problems.

Question 8

Where should litter trays be placed to ensure a cat’s comfort and safety?

Answer 8

Litter trays should be placed in quiet, secluded areas away from food, with easy access and an escape route. Trays should be on each floor of the house.

Question 9

What is the recommended number of litter trays in a household?

Answer 9

There should be at least one litter tray per cat plus one extra, all in different locations.

Question 10

Why is it important to consider a cat’s litter preferences?

Answer 10

Cats have individual litter preferences, and frequent changes in litter type should be avoided to prevent stress and encourage proper use.

Question 11

How should access to the outdoors be managed in a multi-cat household?

Answer 11

There should be more than one access point, and cat flaps should not exit into exposed areas where a cat might be ambushed. Consider cat flaps that recognize microchips.

Question 12

What considerations should be made for a cat’s food and water bowls?

Answer 12

Each cat should have its own food and water bowl in a convenient, private location with an escape route, ensuring no other animals can sneak up on the cat while eating or drinking.

Question 13

How can a cat’s natural feeding behaviors be simulated indoors?

Answer 13

Predatory activities can be simulated by hiding small amounts of food around the house or using food foraging devices, including those for wet diets.

Question 14

What should owners consider about a cat’s water preferences?

Answer 14

Cats may prefer running/dripping water, and might have preferences for glass, metal, or ceramic bowls of a certain shape or size, as well as for certain types of water (e.g., tap, rain, bottled).

Question 15

What are important considerations for a cat’s bed or core area?

Answer 15

The bed should provide privacy with an escape route, and be free from potential ambush by other animals.

Question 16

How can passing places be managed in a multi-cat household?

Answer 16

Ensure that cats have ways to get past another cat that may be blocking a corridor or stairway to avoid conflict.

Question 17

What types of scratching surfaces should be provided for cats?

Answer 17

Cats should have both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces, with vertical surfaces at least the height of the cat at full stretch.

Question 18

Why is it important for cats to have hiding places?

Answer 18

Hiding places help cats feel safe and should be respected as private; the cat should not be removed or disturbed while hiding.

Question 19

How should play and interaction with cats be managed?

Answer 19

Consider whether the cat prefers petting/grooming or play interactions. Provide a variety of toys, rotating or replacing them regularly to maintain interest.

Question 20

What are signs of open conflict between cats?

Answer 20

Open conflict includes stalking, hissing, raising hair, and other visible aggressive behaviors.

Question 21

How can silent conflict between cats manifest?

Answer 21

Silent conflict may involve the assertive cat blocking access to resources, staring at the other cat, or simply approaching to cause the other cat to leave a resource.

Question 22

What behaviors might a threatened cat exhibit in a household with conflict?

Answer 22

A threatened cat may spend more time away from the family, staying in unused areas of the house to avoid the assertive cat.

Question 23

What is the most common cause of conflict between indoor-housed cats?

Answer 23

The most common cause is competition for resources such as space, food, water, litter trays, perches, safe places, or attention from people.

Question 24

How can breeders help prevent behavioral problems in cats through genetics?

Answer 24

Breeders should avoid breeding from fearful animals or those with known behavioral problems to reduce the risk of passing on undesirable traits.

Question 25

Why is early socialization important for kittens?

Answer 25

Early socialization, especially between 2 and 7 weeks of age, helps kittens form positive associations with their environment, influencing their behavior as adults.

Question 26

How can veterinary clinics help prevent cats from forming negative associations with visits?

Answer 26

Following Cat Friendly Clinic principles by treating cats gently and calmly during consultations and hospitalizations can help prevent negative associations.

Question 27

Why should veterinary nurses pass on behavioral advice during consultations?

Answer 27

Providing behavioral advice early can help prevent problems that are harder to treat later, similar to advising on flea and worm prevention.

Question 28

What are some ways clinics can educate cat owners about preventing behavioral problems?

Answer 28

Clinics can provide handouts or web-based information, combine vaccination appointments with behavioral advice, hold kitten clinics, or organize information events.

Question 29

What challenges might arise in organizing kitten ‘parties’ at clinics?

Answer 29

Challenges include the early socialization period, disease risk before vaccinations are complete, and the potential stress for timid kittens.