Atkinson Trudi. Practical feline behaviour: understanding cat behaviour and improving welfare

CABI, 2018. — 294 p. — ISBN10: 1780647832, 13 978-1780647838.This book contains all the relevant information that a veterinary nurse or technician needs to understand and handle the behaviour and welfare of house cats, and to offer safe and practical advice to clients.
This approachable and down-to-earth text describes the internal and external influences on feline behaviour; on communication, learning, social behaviour, the relationship between behaviour and disease, and the cat - human relationship. It also provides practical advice on how the welfare of cats in our care may be protected and how behaviour problems should be addressed and how to avoid them. In this book, the author draws on her extensive experience as a veterinary nurse and a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist to provide a rapid reference and an intensely practical feline behaviour resource for owners, breeders, veterinary professionals, shelter and cattery workers and anyone involved in the care of our feline companions. This book has 272 p. and divided into two parts, the first part dealt on understanding feline behaviour and consists of seven chapters namely; the origin and evolution of the domestic cat; the senses; feline communication; social, feeding and predatory behaviour; kitten to cat - reproduction and the behavioural development of kittens; health and behaviour; and learning, training and behaviour. Part two focused on practical feline behaviour and presents five chapters namely: advice for breeders; advice for prospective cat owners; advice for cat owners; advice for veterinary professionals; and advice for other cat carers.Understanding feline behaviour
The Origin and Evolution of the Domestic Cat
The African Wildcat
Domestication
Historical Attitudes Towards Cats
The Modern-day Pet Cat
Current Attitudes Towards Cats and Keeping Cats as Pets
Feline Behaviour
The Senses
Sight
Hearing
Olfaction (Sense of Smell)
Touch
Balance
Feline Communication
Vocalizations
Visual Signalling
Tactile Communication
Olfactory Communication
Social, Feeding and Predatory Behaviour
Social Behaviour
Feeding Behaviour
Predatory Behaviour
Kitten to Cat – Reproduction and the Behavioural
Development of Kittens
Reproductive Behaviour of Tomcats
Reproductive Behaviour of the Queen
Physical and Behavioural Development of KittensOld Age
Stress
The Impact of Stress on Physical Health
The Impact of Stress on Mental and Emotional Health
Acute Stress – the Influence on Physiological Parameters
Assessing Stress
Observable Signs of Stress in Cats
Learning, Training and Behaviour
Why Train Cats
Learning Theory
Habituation
Sensitization
Associative Learning
Factors Influencing Learning
PART TWO: PRACTICAL FELINE BEHAVIOUR
Advice for Breeders
The Responsibility of the Breeder in the Prevention of Behaviour Problems
Selection of Queen and Stud
Pregnancy
Parturition
Pre-weaning Period
Weaning
Early Experience
Maternal Aggression
Education of New Owners
Advice for Prospective Cat Owners
Is a Cat the Best Pet for You
Making the Right Choice
The Importance of Early-life Influences
What to Look For and What to Avoid
Bringing your New Cat or Kitten Home
Advice for Cat Owners
Managing Feline Stress
Indoor Cat or Outdoor Access
A Fenced-off Area
Cat Flaps
Neutering
Other Cats
Cats, Babies and Children
Cats and Dogs
Avoiding House-training Issues
Preventing Human-directed Aggression
Keeping Your Cat Healthy
Contents vii
Advice for Veterinary Professionals
The Journey to the Practice
The Waiting Room
Appointments
Greeting and Speaking to Clients
The Consultation Room
Handling and Examining
HospitalizationAdvising Clients: Prevention and Treatment of Feline
Behaviour Problems
Talks
Nurse/Technician Behavioural Clinics
Handouts
Behavioural First Aid
Referral or Treat ‘In-house
Who to Refer to
Behavioural Pharmacology
Pheromonatherapy
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CA
Neutering
Spay
Castration
Why Neuter
When to Neuter
Introducing an Additional Cat to your Household
Points to Consider Before Getting Another Cat
Correct Introductions: Increasing the Chances that a New Cat and
Resident Cat(s) will Accept Each Other
Keeping the Peace
Helping a Grieving Cat
Do Cats Grieve
How Can We Help
Introducing Cats and Dogs
If You Have a Dog and are Considering Getting a Cat
If You Have a Cat and are Considering Getting a Dog
Introducing a New Cat or Kitten into a Home with a Resident Dog
Introducing a Dog or Puppy into a Home with a Resident Cat
Using a Crate
Cat Flaps
Where to Fit a Cat Flap
Types of Cat Flap
Training Your Cat to Use a Cat Flap
Teaching Your Cat to Come to You When You Call
Cats, Babies and Children
A New Baby
Cats and Children
House-training Your Cat or Kitten
Insufficient Number of Litter Trays
The Location of the Litter Trays
The Size and Shape of the Litter Tray
Covered vs Uncovered Litter Tray
The ‘Wrong’ Type of Litter Substrate
Using an ‘Outdoor’ Toilet
House-training ‘Accidents
If the Problem Persists
House-Training Problem or Scent-Marking
Training Your Cat to Like the Cat Carrier
Medicating Your Cat
Mixing in Food
Physically Medicating the Cat
Applying a Spot-on Treatment
Contents ix
Teaching your Cat or Kitten to Accept Veterinary Examination
Examining the Mouth
Examining the Ears
Examining the Feet and Clipping the Nails
First Aid Advice for Common Feline Behaviour Problems
General Advice for all Problems
House Soiling
Aggression to People
Fighting in a Multi-cat Household
Furniture Scratching
Friend or Foe
Signs of a Friendly Relationship
Signs of a Bad Relationship
Signs of a ‘Tolerant’ Relationship
Approaching, Stroking and Picking Up
The Approach
Picking the Cat Up
Recognizing Stress
Physiological Signs of Stress
Behavioural Signs of StressList of Useful Websites
Recommended Reading List