Intercat Aggression Flashcards

Question

How can eating and feeding be used for reintroductions?

Answer 1

* _If they don't eat/take treats_ - too anxious * move them further part * May need to put in separate rooms until the next meal * If they _won't eat in the same room_ * feed and give treats on opposite sides of a closed door * Do this for several days * If no aggression after several days, try them in the same room again * If they _will eat and no aggression_ (under supervision) * Leave together until done and then separate * Do the same distance for the second meal * Can move closer 3rd meal (6 - 8") * If _comfortable after eating meals_ * Can remain together to groom themselves and then separate * **Must be done under supervision at all times** * This is a slow process that _CANNOT be rushed_

Answer 2

* Goal is for cats to become accustomed and comfortable with the sight and smell of each other * One cat in a crate and the other loose * Best to have the aggressor in the crate * Victim can move around aggressor at a distance that is comfortable for it. * Over time, can switch which cat is in the crate * Stop all interactions if the aggressor starts to threaten the victim in any manner * if having only one cat in the crate causes aggression or anxiety for either cat * Put both cats in a crate to feed/give treats * Using double baby gates or a screen door is similar technique to try

Answer 3

* Need to consider if the owner can actually administer oral medications to the cats(s) * Catching and giving medications can cause additional stress * Can potentially increase fear and aggression * It is advisable to first start with: * Behavior modification * Pheromones * Nutraceuticals * **Drug therapy alone is not often effective if no done concurrently with behavior modification and environmental changes**

Answer 4

* Pheromones * Feliway * Feliway Multicat * Feliway Optimum * Nutraceuticals * Anxitane * Composure for cats * zylkene * Solliquin * Foods * Hill's c/d MultiCare stress * Royal Canin calm diet

Answer 5

* Off-label use in cats * Discuss with owner * +/- Signed consent forms * Make sure medicating the cat will not cause undue stress * Could increase fear and aggression * Victim may need it the most * In some cases, BOTH aggressor and victim may need medication * Use medication for at lest 6-12 weeks * If behaviors have changed * Slowly wean off by decreasing dose 25% every 2-4 weeks * Watch for return of aggressive behaviors * If aggression returns, go back to previous dose for several weeks before trying to reduce again

Answer 6

* **Buspirone HCL** 0.5-1.0 mg/kg PO q 8-12hr * may become more assertive and less anxious * **Clomipramine HCL**

Answer 7

* **Fluoxetine (SSRI)** 0.5-1 mg/kg PO SID * **Paroxetine HCL (SSRI)** 0.25-1.0 mg/kg PO q 12-24 hr * **Clomipramine HCL (TCA)** 0.25-1.0 mg/kg PO SID * **Amitriptyline HCL (TCA)** 0.5-1.0 mg/kg PO SID * Buspirone could escalate problems if sprayer is the aggressor

Answer 8

* Many cases of intercat aggression can be managed with treatment * Early intervention is important * Severe aggression and/or those involving injury have a poorer prognosis * Many cases do resolve over time, but can take 6-20 months if severe * May need to remind owners that the best hope they may have in some cases is that the cats will at least tolerate the presence of each other * Unfortunately, in extreme cases rehoming a cat may be necessary

Answer 9

* Head down * Tail away from body * Possibly twitching back and forth * Openings of ears pointing to the side * Ears turned back and up on the ends * offensively aggressive

Answer 10

* Crouching * May hiss * Ears flattened against head

Answer 11

* May arch back * Piloerection * Hold tail straight up * Flatten ears * May become aggressive if cornered

Intercat Aggression Flashcards

(35 cards)