FM1 Pt2-9 Recongnising Stress in the Caged Cat Flashcards
What emotional states might a caged cat experience?
A caged cat may experience anxiety, fear, frustration, depression, and stress, depending on their personality and early life experiences.
What are signs of anxiety in a caged cat?
Signs include faking sleep, hiding at the back of the cage, immobility, lying in the litter tray, mydriasis, hypervigilance, reduction or inhibition of urination, defecation, eating, and grooming, and flattened body posture.
How does a fearful cat in a cage typically behave?
A fearful cat shows defensive aggression (piloerection, wide eyes, mydriasis, flattened ears, whiskers forward), rapid shallow breathing, heightened startle response, hissing, growling, shaking, drooling, and may involuntarily urinate or defecate.
What are the signs of frustration in an extrovert cat?
Signs of frustration in an extrovert cat include mood swings, attempting to escape, pacing, pawing at the cage, shredding paper, disrupting bedding, and excessive vocalization.
How might an introvert cat show frustration when confined?
An introvert cat may over-groom or lick focused areas, suck or chew on non-edible items, and display stereotypical repetitive behavior.
What are indicators of depression in a caged cat?
Signs of depression include head hanging down, oversleeping, inhibition of grooming, listlessness, anorexia, and withdrawal from social contact with familiar people.
How does chronic stress physiologically affect a caged cat?
Chronic stress can lead to increased blood glucose, blood pressure, tachycardia, tachypnoea, mydriasis, reduced gastrointestinal function, anorexia, altered grooming frequency, and increased susceptibility to disease.
Why is it important to assess and respond to a caged cat’s emotions individually?
Different cats require different approaches based on their emotional state; for example, a frustrated cat needs playtime, while a fearful cat needs a hiding place and gentle interaction.
