Page 1028 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

1020 PART 12 CAT WITH BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

Treatment Treatment with psychotropic medication may be
needed if a diagnosis of OCD is made. Potential side
Avoid allowing the cat access to potentially harmful
effects should be explained to the owner prior to insti-
ingestible materials.
gating any therapy, as most of the drugs are not regis-
Taste deterrents such as bitter apple or chilli can tered for use in animals. Anxiolytic medication should
prove effective and may be more potent if they are always be gradually withdrawn, never suddenly
paired with a distinctive scent such as eucalyptus oil stopped.
or cologne, to provide an additional (olfactory) cue that ● Premedication hematology and serum biochemistry
the material is to be avoided. Thus, the cat learns to analysis is recommended to provide baseline val-
associate the smell of the oil with an unpleasant taste ues, which is especially important if the cat has to
and eventually the scent alone is enough for the cat to stay on long-term or life-time medication. These
avoid the material. This appears to deter some cats if should be repeated every 6–12 months depending
the behavior is of recent origin. on the age and health status of the cat.
● Tricyclic antidepressants such as:
Provide a regular predictable routine to minimize
– Amitriptyline (0.5–1 mg/kg PO q 12–24 h, aver-
stress.
age of 5–10 mg/cat PO q 24 h). Start at the low-
● Provide set times to interact, play and feed the cat.
est dose and increase if no response seen after
Increase environmental enrichment by providing 10 days.
toys and mental stimulation. – Nortriptyline (0.5–1 mg/kg PO q 12–24 h). This
● Provide an indoor garden with grass, catnip and or is useful if cat is very sedated with amitriptyline.
cat mint as a safe source of vegetation, as well as – Clomipramine (0.5 mg/kg PO q 24 h).
environmental enrichment. ● Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as:
– Fluoxetine (0.5 mg/kg PO q 24 h) have proved
Other suggestions reported to help are:
useful in some cases.
● Allow the cat access to dried food all day.
● A minimum treatment period of 6 months is rec-
● Increase the fiber content of the diet by adding
ommended as some medications may take 6–8 weeks
bran or vegetables.
to reach therapeutic levels.
● Provide gristly meat and raw bones to chew on to
– Gradual weaning off medication can be
increase time spent chewing and eating.
attempted when the behavior has been success-
● Give small strips of woolen fabric or sheepskin to
fully managed for 3 months. This can be
ingest with their meal. This must ONLY be done under
achieved by halving the dose every 2–4 weeks as
veterinary supervision, and the owner warned that it
long as the symptoms are still controlled.
could lead to constipation or intestinal obstruction.
Do not use direct punishment as this may increase anx- Prognosis
iety and exacerbate the problem.
● Environmental punishments such as double-sided Treatment takes time and patience so owner commit-
sticky tape or Snappy trainers may help keep cats ment is essential.
away from some areas. A Snappy trainer is a stan-
Prognosis is guarded if an inherited predisposition
dard mousetrap with a red plastic paddle attached to
is suspected. However, most cases can be success-
the moving lever. When the lever is activated, the
fully managed.
paddle flips over. This is designed to scare the cat
but the paddle prevents injury, because the cat can- Prognosis is good in young cats when signs constitute
not get its paw or face caught in the trap. normal investigative behavior.