Library

Cats + Behavior & Training

  • Cat Behavior Problems: Nocturnal Activity

    Algunos gatos son más activos por la noche o se despiertan muy temprano por la mañana. Debido a que muchos propietarios están trabajando fuera de casa durante el día, el gato pasa las horas diurnas en reposo y descansando, especialmente si es la única mascota de la casa.

  • Behavior Counseling: Aggression - Introduction

    La agresividad se define como una amenaza o acción lesiva dirigida hacia otro individuo. En animales, las conductas agresivas son un medio de comunicación.

  • Cat Behavior Problems: Aggression Redirected

    La agresividad en los gatos puede ser un problema serio y peligroso para los propietarios. Hay muchas razones por las que los gatos pueden ser agresivos: un buen diagnóstico ayuda a emitir un pronóstico y un plan de tratamiento adecuados.

  • Cat Behavior Problems: Aggression Towards Other Household Cats

    En general, los problemas de agresividad entre gatos que viven en la misma casa pueden prevenirse o reducirse con una socialización temprana, paciencia a la hora de introducir el gato nuevo y disponiendo bandejas sanitarias, platos y espacio adecuados para cada gato.

  • Dogs and cats use aggressive signals to communicate and can often do this without causing injury. It is important to learn to recognize subtle signals to prevent an escalation of aggression. Some aggression reflects underlying medical and behavioral illness. Any aggressive behavior in dogs and cats should be assessed to determine the cause and establish a safety protocol. Aggressive behavior in dogs and cats can lead to serious injury to people and other pets.

  • Many behavioral concerns reflect normal behavior and can be resolved with simple training. Other behaviors reflect behavioral abnormalities or may have underlying medical or physical causes. A veterinary behaviorist is trained to assess and treat both normal and abnormal behaviors and can identify medical conditions that can affect behavior. An accurate assessment from the start can improve the outcome.

  • There is a wide range of non-pharmaceutical products designed to improve a pet's behavior. There is little oversight for many of these products which means that any given product may not work for your pet. Ask your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter product for your pet. The label “natural” does not guarantee a product is safe to use in dogs and cats.

  • Dogs and cats that experience frustration may exhibit displacement behaviors or may redirect aggression toward another target. Conflict can also trigger repetitive behaviors that appear to have no function, known as stereotypic behaviors. A compulsive disorder is diagnosed when a repetitive behavior occurs frequently enough to interfere with a pet's quality of life.

  • Behavioral problems can develop for many reasons. Genetics and the environment both contribute to behavior. When problematic behaviors arise, particularly if they develop suddenly or occur in older pets, it is important to screen for underlying medical conditions. The behavioral history provides valuable information to assist in determining the root cause for any behavioral concern.

  • Many behaviors are normal but problematic for a particular person or household. Some behaviors are not normal and may be unsafe for the pet or for others. The first step is to ask your veterinarian to examine your pet for signs of physical illness. Then, a behavior consultation can be scheduled to assess the behavior and design an appropriate treatment strategy.