Tools for managing feline problem behaviours: Environmental and behavioural modification

Abstract

Practical relevance: Problem feline behaviour can be managed successfully by early diagnosis and intervention, good first-aid advice in veterinary practice and then, if necessary, a referral to a suitably qualified behaviourist for those cases that are complex. There are a number of tools available to assist in the resolution of problem feline behaviour and this article will cover environmental modification and behavioural modification. Clinical challenges: Problem feline behaviours are not uncommon and the veterinary team often have to rely on their own knowledge to assist clients if a specialist behaviourist is not available. Evidence base: There is a lack of evidence-based information regarding how best to work-up and treat cases of problem feline behaviour in practice; therefore, some recommendations within this article are based on the author’s experience of treating cases in a cat-specific behaviour referral practice over the past 20 years. However, there is evidence available regarding how best to enrich a cat’s environment and how to ensure a cat’s environmental needs are met. Audience: Any veterinarians, veterinary nurses or technicians who are involved in the diagnosis or treatment of problem feline behaviour in practice would benefit from understanding the principles of environmental and behavioural modification.

Análise do conhecimento de responsáveis de gatos domésticos sobre o ambiente dos felinos

“…Referente ao segundo pilar (Tabela 3), quando perguntado aos respondentes acerca da quantidade de recursos disponíveis, 32,9% (263/800) relataram ter um recurso a mais do que o número de gatos, Paz et al (2017) recomendaram essa quantidade em relação às caixas de areia, 30,2% (242/800) relataram ter ao menos duas opções de cada recurso (Ellis et al, 2013;Halls, 2018); enquanto 29% (232/800) e 7,9% (63/800) alegaram ter mais de uma opção apenas para alguns recursos e apenas uma opção de todos os recursos, respectivamente. Heath (2020) afirmou que a distribuição inadequada de recursos possui grande significância nos casos de problemas comportamentais e no comprometimento da saúde física devido ao estresse.…”

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Behavioural Tendencies of Cats and Dogs in Japan

“…Furthermore, the increase in contact interaction may have restricted cats’ free behaviour during the day. Decreased cat play and hunting behaviour can be frustrating factors for cats [ 45 ]. Such changes in cat-owner communication and the house environment may act as stressors for cats [ 46 ].…”

How Cat-Behavior Advisors Can Improve Clients’ Willingness to Adopt their Advice: An Investigation of Advice Severity, Advisor Credibility, and Clients’ Self-Identity

“…In the following, we use the term "cat-behavior advisor" to refer to any professional with specific training in the field of cat-behavior, either with or without a medical background. Although the treatment of behavioral problems among cats depends on the diagnosis, it often involves a degree of environmental modification (Amat et al, 2016;Ellis, 2009;Grigg & Kogan, 2019;Halls, 2018). Environmental modification in the context of domestic cats refers to physical and social adaptations to the home that benefit the cat's health and welfare.…”

“…A guardian of a cat that exhibits problematic behavior without medical cause may receive various recommendations from an enlisted cat-behavior advisor to modify and enrich the home environment (e.g., Ellis, 2009;Halls, 2018). However, the guardian's willingness to adopt these recommendations is essential for success, and compliance is far from guaranteed (Casey & Bradshaw, 2008;Linklater, Farnworth, Heezik, Stafford, & MacDonald, 2019).…”

“…Pontes, & Pomba, 2016;Amat, Camps, & Manteca, 2016;Buffington, Westropp, & Chew, 2014;Grigg & Kogan, 2019). When cat guardians seek help for these problems, they may receive advice that includes a better adjustment of the environment relative to the cats' needs, known as environmental modification or environmental enrichment(Ellis, 2009;Halls, 2018). However, these recommendations often involve a commitment of time and energy on the part of the guardian, as well as an adaptation of the domestic environment.…”