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Behavioral Problem Prevention, Kittens 115.e3

Short Behavior Questionnaire—Kittens
VetBooks.ir Please tell us about your cat’s behavior: Diseases and Disorders
Date: __________________ Client’s name: _____________________________________
Cat’s name: ___________________ Cat’s date of birth: __________□known / □estimated
Breed: ___________________________ Sex: □MC □M □FS □F
Age at adoption: __________□weeks / □months
Is your cat: □ Indoor only □ Outdoor only □ Indoor/outdoor
Questions Yes No Unsure
1. Do you have any concerns, complaints, or problems with urination in the house now?
2. Do you have any concerns, complaints, or problems with defecation in the house now?
3. Does your cat destroy any objects or anything else (e.g., furniture, rugs, clothes) by chewing, sucking, or
eliminating on them now?
4. Does your cat mouth, bite, suck, or nip anything or anyone?
5. Does your cat make any sounds about which you are concerned?
6. Does your cat avoid, seem uncomfortable with, or otherwise avoid loud noises (e.g., storms, fireworks)?
7. Does your cat show any signs of hissing, growling, or biting?
8. Have you ever been concerned that your cat is aggressive to people?
9. Have you ever been concerned that your cat is aggressive to cats?
10. Have you ever been concerned that your cat is aggressive to animals other than cats?
11. Has your cat ever bitten or clawed anyone, regardless of the circumstances?
12. Has anyone ever told you that they were afraid of your cat?
13. Has your cat had any changes in sleep habits?
14. Has your cat had any changes in eating habits?
15. Has your cat’s ability to move around or jump on the bed changed?
16. Is your cat behaving in any way that worries you or about which you would like more information?

PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME • Teach clients how best to transport cats to Overall KL, et al: Handling cats humanely in the
and from the veterinary clinic. veterinary hospital. J Vet Behav Clin Appl Res
New-kitten clients are open to learning, and 1:84-88, 2006.
the outcome should be favorable. Encourage Client Education Overall KL, et al: The AAFP behavioral guidelines
questions and sharing of photos/videos. Kittens, like puppies, become well-behaved and for cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 227:70-84, 2005.
accepted members of society if they have Rodan I, et al: AAFP and ISFM feline-friendly
handling guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 13:364-375,
PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS adequate training and exposure to people and 2011.
situations. Rodan I, et al: Feline behavioral health and welfare,
Comments St. Louis, 2015, Saunders.
• Educate clients that rewarding appropriate SUGGESTED READING Seksel K: Training your cat, Melbourne, Australia,
behaviors and redirecting inappropriate Seksel K: Preventative behavioral medicine for cats. 2001, Hyland House.
behaviors work best. In Horwitz D, et al, editors: BSAVA manual of
• If behavioral problems persist, referral to a canine and feline behavioural medicine, Gloucester, RELATED CLIENT EDUCATION
veterinary behavioral specialist early; cat will UK, 2002, British Small Animal Association, pp SHEETS
likely not “grow out of it.” 75-82.
Prevention ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED Castration (Routine): Considerations and
Planning
• Offer advice before pet selection, including READINGS Consent to Perform Castration, Feline
information on what grooming, nutrition, Hammerle M, et al: AAHA canine and feline behavior Consent to Perform Microchip Implantation
health care the adult cat will need. management guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc Ovariohysterectomy (Routine): Considerations
• Attendance at kitten socialization and train- 51:205-220, 2015. and Planning
ing classes helps clients to have realistic Landsberg G, et al: Kitten development. In Little S,
expectations about their cat. editor:. The cat: clinical medicine and management, AUTHOR: Kersti Seksel, BVSc, MA (Hons), FANZCVS,
St. Louis, 2011, Elsevier. DACVBM, DECAWBM
Technician Tips Landsberg G, et al: Handbook of behavior problems EDITOR: Karen L. Overall, VMD, MA, PhD, DACVB
of the dog and cat. St. Louis, 2012, Saunders.
• Regular contact with clients to educate/assist Little S: The cat: clinical medicine and management,
with behavior modification increases client St. Louis, 2011, Elsevier.
compliance. Overall KL: Manual of clinical behavioral medicine
• Kitten classes are an excellent way to get to for dogs and cats, St. Louis, 2013, Elsevier.
know and earn the respect of clients and to
bond the kitten and client to the practice.

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