Page 265 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

115.e2 Behavioral Problem Prevention, Kittens

Behavioral Problem Prevention, Kittens Client Education
Sheet
VetBooks.ir Differential Diagnosis

BASIC INFORMATION
• Behaviors that are normal but that the client • Help owners understand that exposing the
kitten for very brief moments to brushing,
Definition finds unacceptable handling feet, extending nails, and opening
The first kitten visits are essential for teaching • Behaviors due to the cat’s unmet needs the mouth followed by rewards of play or
the client to understand normal feline behavior • Stress-related behaviors treats can help accustom them to manipula-
and social systems. Accurate knowledge can • Behavioral pathology tion that may necessary in the future.
prevent litter box problems, scratching furni- • Explain that appropriate behaviors must be
ture, biting, and chewing. Initial Database reinforced long term to be maintained.
Observation, history, and physical exam are • All veterinary visits should be as pleasant as
Synonyms usually sufficient. Medical issues underlie possible.
Kitten kindergarten, Kitten Kindy, kitten some pathologic behaviors and require medical ○ Be conscious of the sights, sounds, and
socialization, kitten training investigation (e.g., congenital hypothyroidism, smells that may prove stressful to kittens,
portosystemic shunt, inherited metabolic defects, and try to minimize these stressors
Epidemiology congenital brain disease, anxiety-related behavior). ○ Use rewards, low-stress handling, and
SPECIES, AGE, SEX minimal restraint to produce veterinary
Cats < 3 months of age of both sexes Advanced or Confirmatory Testing visits that are less stressful.
If the client has any concerns about behavioral ○ Panicolytic medication should be used
CONTAGION AND ZOONOSIS issues, videorecording the kitten in multiple early if warranted by distress.
• Humane handling of kittens during weeks 2 contexts provides information about whether
through 8 reduces future risk of aggression. the kitten’s behavior is developmentally normal. Nutrition/Diet
• Kittens can transmit cat-scratch fever • Cats eat many small meals throughout a
(bartonellosis) or other pathogens if they TREATMENT 24-hour day. Foraging devices can enrich
bite or scratch. the cat’s environment and provide mental
Treatment Overview stimulation.
ASSOCIATED DISORDERS Goals: • Newer food toys may encourage more
Increased risk of abandonment/euthanasia if • Educate clients about normal feline species-typical eating patterns and exercise
normal behavior and social systems are not behavior. if used for meal feeding, as can hiding dry
understood and the cat’s needs are not met • Advise clients how to prepare for their kitten food in multiple locations to encourage
with respect to bedding, feeding, exercise, hunting.
Clinical Presentation and health care requirements. • Place water bowls apart from food bowls to
HISTORY, CHIEF COMPLAINT • Reduce the risk of surrender/euthanasia. encourage water consumption and mimic
Client complaints may involve litter box use, • Decrease stress at veterinary visits. more natural behavior.
chewing undesirable/inappropriate objects, • Early recognition of behavioral problems
and scratching and/or biting humans/other with referral to a veterinary behavioral Behavior/Exercise
animals. specialist if needed (treatment is easiest with Age-appropriate physical and mental stimula-
early intervention) tion is necessary, especially for indoor cats.
PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS These can include
Observation of kitten-client interactions and Acute and Chronic Treatment • Scratching posts: stable/anchored; horizontal
behavior can flag behavioral issues. • Discuss toileting hygiene with pet owners; and vertical (kittens prefer horizontal); large
this includes multiple litter boxes in different to allow stretching; can be homemade
Etiology and Pathophysiology rooms and scooping at least once daily. • Indoor gardens: grass, catnip or catmint for
Feline behavioral problems often occur at social • Teach clients that rewards (e.g., treats, petting, cats to explore and eat
maturity (2-4 years old). Early intervention for brushing, play with toys, verbal praise) should • Tunnels, paper bags, and cardboard boxes
preventing problems and for enhancing clients’ be given for appropriate behaviors. as hiding places that encourage physical/
understanding of normal feline behaviors can • Inappropriate/unacceptable behaviors (e.g., mental exercise
reduce the likelihood of difficulties later. Cats scratching at people) should be redirected • Commercially available toys such as the Bizzy
are often kept for only ≈2 years after the start to more appropriate behaviors (e.g., chase Kitty, Cat Track, Kitty Kong, Pippolino, and
of behavioral problems. the toy, not the human’s foot). Cat Dancer can provide physical and mental
• Many behavioral complaints (e.g., scratching exercise.
DIAGNOSIS furniture) are normal behaviors. With educa- • Two kittens: may be appropriate for com-
tion, clients can learn to meet the cat’s needs panionship and interactive play, but best if
Diagnostic Overview (e.g., burlap-covered log for scratching). littermates
• Preventive health care for cats must include • Discuss the importance of providing a • Train behaviors on cue: train cat to come,
behavioral guidance to maximize long-term stimulating and safe environment for the sit, roll over with/without clickers, target
health and welfare. If clients have realistic kitten, including opportunities to climb and stick.
expectations, abandonment/euthanasia may explore. Discuss the advantages and chal- • Agility training: negotiating varied stimuli
be preventable. lenges of maintaining cats entirely indoors. provides physical and mental exercise (www.
• Veterinary visits should not be scary or • Educate clients that cats should not be catagility.com/resources/; agility.cfa.org/).
stressful for anyone and should involve verbally or physically punished.
the use of a stress scale and a standardized • Teach clients how to train the kitten to Recommended Monitoring
behavior questionnaire (AAHA behavioral associate the cat basket/carrier with pleasant Call clients weekly for the first month to
guidelines) at each visit (see sample experiences so that future trips in the carrier monitor progress and troubleshoot to increase
questionnaire). can be more pleasant for all concerned. client compliance.

www.ExpertConsult.com