Feline Behavior and Welfare
- 1st Edition - December 3, 2024
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Editor: Valarie V. Tynes
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 8 6 8 - 0
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 9 3 8 - 0
Feline Behavior and Welfare provides current and updated information for the veterinary practitioner regarding normal feline behavior and problem behavior. It includes solid bac… Read more
Purchase options
Institutional subscription on ScienceDirect
Request a sales quoteFeline Behavior and Welfare provides current and updated information for the veterinary practitioner regarding normal feline behavior and problem behavior. It includes solid background on feline ethology as well as practical information on preventing, diagnosing, managing and treating the most common feline behavior problems. Written by noted experts in the field of behavior and welfare, the book covers normal behaviors, prevention of feline behavior problems, and treatment of feline behavior problems. It presents cats as unique reflections of their nearest ancestor and explains how the nature of feline behavior poses problems when we confine cats to our homes.
Preventive strategies are presented in clear and practical terms, with problem behaviors covered in an easy to reference style so that clinicians can readily locate answers to some of clients most frequently asked questions. This book will be a valuable resource for anyone working with cats.
- Analyzes the domestication of the cat, its social structure, and what makes it unique from a behavioral perspective
- Discusses important trends and issues that can arise in reproductive, maternal, ingestive and elimination behaviors
- Offers concise, easy-to-review chapters for optimal reader referencing
Animal behaviorists and veterinary workers focusing on felines, Advanced undergraduate and graduate students in veterinary behavior and veterinary medicine studies
- Feline Behavior and Welfare
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Contributors
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction: The cat: Its history, evolution, and changing role in society
- Recommended reading
- Section A: Normal feline behavior
- Chapter 1 Senses and communication
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Vision
- Color vision
- Ultraviolet vision
- Vision in Siamese cats
- Audition
- Deafness in cats
- Taste
- Olfaction
- Vomeronasal organ
- Catnip response
- Touch
- Sensory hairs
- Communication
- Auditory (vocal) communication
- Visual communication
- Olfactory communication
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 2 Ontogeny and development of behavior
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Visual system development
- Auditory system development
- Gustatory system development
- Olfactory system development
- Tactile system development
- Locomotion, play, and sleep development
- Socialization and learning
- References
- Chapter 3 Social behavior
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Developmental aspects of normal behavior
- Neural control of behavior
- External factors that elicit social behaviors
- Chemical signals
- Visual signals
- Auditory signals
- Tactile signals
- Other external factors
- Internal factors that influence social behaviors
- Chronic stress
- Pain and disease
- Sex and reproductive status
- Relatedness and familiarity
- Paternal genes
- Clinical problems related to social behavior
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 4 Reproductive behavior
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Early hormonal and neuronal control of male sexual behavior
- Courtship and mating behavior
- Male reproductive success
- Factors associated with male reproductive success
- Paternal behavior
- Early hormonal and neuronal control of female sexual behavior
- The estrous cycle
- Characteristics of anestrus
- Characteristics of proestrus
- Characteristics of estrus
- Characteristics of metestrus
- Pregnancy
- Parturition
- Features of the contraction phase
- Features of the emergence phase
- Features of the delivery phase
- Features of the placental phase
- Litters
- Litter characteristics
- Maternal behavior
- Female familial behavior
- Surgical considerations
- Reproductive behavior problems
- Male reproductive behavior problems
- Female reproductive behavior problems
- References
- Chapter 5 Feeding and drinking behavior
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Developmental aspects of normal behavior
- Suckling
- Weaning
- Feeding
- Requirements
- Energy and nutrient regulation
- Choice of meal frequency
- Effects of early experience on food acceptance
- Olfaction, taste, and texture
- Palatability
- Food preferences/preference tests
- Other influences on food preferences and food intake
- Feeding practices and changes
- Behavioral indicators of food or taste preferences
- Behavioral responses to water bowls or food bowls
- Predation
- Plant ingestion
- Clinical problems
- Obesity
- Behavioral consequences of restricting calories
- Pica
- Prolonged suckling
- Cross-sucking in kittens
- Inappropriate predatory/play behavior
- References
- Chapter 6 Elimination behavior
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Elimination as waste removal
- Development of urination and defecation behavior
- Urination as communication
- Sex and urine marking
- Territorial vs informational
- Marking for social cohesion
- Fecal marking
- Neural control of elimination
- Elimination problems
- References
- Chapter 7 Grooming behavior
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Functions of grooming
- Development of grooming behavior
- Neural control of grooming behavior
- Factors that elicit grooming behavior
- Factors that suppress grooming behavior
- Common problems associated with grooming behavior
- Overgrooming
- Destructive scratching
- References
- Section B: Prevention of feline behavior problems
- Chapter 8 Preadoption/prepurchase counseling
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- The cat
- Breed and temperament
- Age
- Gender and neutering status
- Source
- Previous experience
- The household
- Size of the household
- Children in the home
- The routine of the household
- The macroenvironment
- Owner’s expectations and physical health
- Financial expectations
- Time available for pet care
- Existing cats in the household
- Other existing animals in the household
- Ability to make changes to the home environment
- Potential for frequent transport
- Access outside
- Health and behavior information
- Preventative care
- Preadoption/prepurchase history
- The relationship between health and behavior
- Behavioral development
- Other important information
- Setting up for success in a single-cat household
- Before the first day
- The first day
- The first weeks
- Early health concerns
- Introducing the cat to the family
- Introducing the cat to nonfeline pets in the household
- Introducing a geriatric cat into the household
- Setting up for success in a multicat household
- Setting up the house
- Introducing cats
- Pheromones, supplements, diets, and psychotropic medications
- Synthetic pheromone products
- Supplements and diets
- Psychotropic medications
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 9 Meeting the cat’s environmental needs
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Environmental enrichment
- The unique environmental needs of cats
- Creating an optimal feline environment
- Climb up and hide under
- Multiple resources in multiple locations
- Promote the hunt!
- Safe and positive social interactions
- Smell
- Outdoor enrichment
- How knowledge of cat enrichment informs veterinary care
- Behavior problem prevention
- Assessing environmental usage
- Assessing social interactions
- Prevention and treatment of illness
- Conclusions
- References
- Chapter 10 Behavior problems of the kitten
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Recognition and management of behavior problems in kittens
- House soiling
- Inappropriate play and predatory behavior
- Petting-related aggression
- Anxiety, fear, and fear-related aggression
- Destructive behavior
- Suckling, pica, and overgrooming
- Excessive nocturnal activity
- References
- Chapter 11 Reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary clinics
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Why cats don’t like to go to the vet
- Sensory information
- Understanding what your patient is trying to tell you
- Specific considerations for illness/aging
- How to make the exam better
- Medicating the scared or shy cat
- Fearfully aggressive or feral cats
- Transportation stress
- Hospitalization
- It’s not over when the exam is over: What to do when the cat gets home
- How to medicate a cat at home
- References
- Chapter 12 Understanding the role of stress and physical illness in behavioral health
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Stress and health
- The stress response
- Stress and lower urinary tract signs
- Stress and urine marking behavior
- Stress and repetitive behaviors
- Improving well-being
- Environmental modifications
- Individual animal modifications
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 13 How cats learn
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Nonassociative learning in cats
- Associative learning in cats
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Learning from social partners
- Learning from conspecifics
- Learning from humans
- Conclusions
- References
- Section C: Problem feline behavior
- Chapter 14 Social conflict between cats
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Aggression defined
- Classification of aggression between cats
- Diagnosis of aggression between cats
- Treatment of aggression between cats
- Creating a safe environment
- Environmental modification
- Behavior modification
- Psychoactive drug treatment and neutering
- Prognosis for aggression between cats
- References
- Chapter 15 Human-directed aggression
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Prognosis
- The neuroscientific basis of feline aggression
- Diagnosis
- Defensive aggression
- Predatory like behavior
- Treatment
- Safety instructions, management, and owner education
- Environmental enrichment
- Behavior therapy interventions
- Psychoactive treatment
- Prescription diets
- OTC or pet products
- References
- Chapter 16 Feline house soiling
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Prevention
- Prevalence
- Diagnosis
- Motivations for marking behavior
- Motivations for toileting behavior
- Management and treatment
- Cleaning the affected areas
- Management and treatment of marking
- Management and treatment of toileting
- References
- Chapter 17 Destructive behavior
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Prevention
- Diagnosis
- Management and treatment
- What about declawing?
- References
- Chapter 18 Feline overgrooming behaviors
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Overview of the problem
- Presentation
- Differential diagnosis and diagnostics
- Management and treatment
- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome
- Overview
- Presentation
- Differential diagnosis and diagnostics
- Management and treatment
- References
- Chapter 19 Pica and other ingestive behavior problems
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Overview of the problem
- Definition
- Nonnutritive items ingested or chewed by cats
- Plant ingestion
- Breeds
- Gender of cats
- Age of onset
- Age at which cats presented for study/consultation of pica
- Prevalence
- Feeding schedules and appetite
- Outdoor vs indoor cats
- Effects of neutering
- Medical findings
- Behavioral findings aside from pica
- Stress and pica
- Other associations
- Diagnosis
- Pica as a nonspecific sign of a medical condition other than an anxiety disorder
- Pica, a consequence of Giardia infection
- Pica as a nonspecific sign of a behavior disorder
- Management, prevention, and treatment
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 20 Problems with excessive vocalization
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Prevention
- Diagnosis
- Identifying the problem
- Why does my cat cry so much?
- Management
- Treatment
- My cat won’t shut up… and I’m exhausted!
- References
- Chapter 21 Behavior problems of the aging cat
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Prevention or early intervention
- Diagnosis
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
- Pain
- Management and/or treatment
- Pain
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
- Pharmaceuticals
- Natural supplements
- SAMe
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Therapeutic diets
- Behavioral and environmental management of the aging cat
- References
- Appendix A Frequently used medications for feline problem behaviors
- References
- Appendix B Client handouts
- Feline Destructive Scratching
- Substrate
- Position
- Size
- Location
- Changing your cat’s behavior
- Why not declaw?
- How to play with your cat
- Play is critical to well being
- Always
- Never
- Do
- Don’t
- Introducing the new cat
- Prepare for the new arrival
- “Trading places” and comingling of scents
- Controlled introductions
- Together at last!
- Providing the ideal litter box for your cat
- How do you do that?
- Creating and maintaining harmony in the multicat household
- Are your cats BFFs?
- What are important resources for cats?
- What do you do if conflict does occur?
- Helping your cat to love their carrier
- Start with the right carrier
- Make the crate great!
- Finding your cat’s favorite treats
- You can habituate your cat to car travel
- Teaching your cat to take medication
- Appendix C Questionnaires and screening forms
- Feline patient history form
- Learn about why your cat is eliminating outside the litter box and how you can deal with it
- Cognitive decline screening form (Denenberg, et al. 2003)
- Feline osteoarthritis pain survey
- Index
- Edition: 1
- Published: December 3, 2024
- Imprint: Academic Press
- No. of pages: 294
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780323998680
- eBook ISBN: 9780323999380
VT
Valarie V. Tynes
Valarie Tynes is a Veterinary Services Specialist at Ceva Animal Health. She received her PhD in Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. Dr. Tynes has been board-certified by the American College of Animal Welfare and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists since 2003, on both of which she has held prestigious positions such as President, Certification Committee Chair, and Secretary/Treasury. Dr. Tynes is a frequent speaker at professional meetings around the world. She has authored numerous articles and chapters on a variety of behavior-related topics, and she is the editor of Behavior of Exotic Pets. Dr. Tynes is also the author of Miniature Pig Pet Care, part of A Quick Reference Guide to Unique Pet Species, on the Veterinary Information Network. She also owns Premier Veterinary Behavior Consulting, based in Sweetwater, Texas.
Affiliations and expertise
Veterinary Services Specialist, Ceva Animal Health, TX, USARead Feline Behavior and Welfare on ScienceDirect