Main behavioral changes in cats

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i8.17351

Keywords:

Aggressiveness; Behavior; Feline; Management.

Abstract

This work aims to carry out a literature review on the main behavioral changes in cats, discussing in an objective and clear way their possible causes, forms of prevention and treatment, as well as a brief summary of the basic needs for well-being of the domestic feline. A narrative review was carried out, using scientific articles, monographs, theses and dissertations published and available in online databases: Periodical Capes (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Google Scholar, in addition to specific books on the topic. Aggression was the most studied and discussed change related to cat behavior in the consulted literature, followed by scratching in unacceptable places and elimination in inappropriate places. It was observed that the neglect of the basic needs of felines is the main cause of behavioral changes and that guardians should be made aware of the food, management and environmental needs of pet cats. It is noteworthy that the proactive approach of the veterinarian is of fundamental importance, notably in the process of raising awareness of the tutor, in teaching about proper management, about environmental enrichment and in the search for undiagnosed diseases, in order to minimize disorders related to the feline behavior, abandonment and euthanasia.

Author Biography

Andréia Vitor Couto do Amaral, Universidade Federal de Jataí

Unidade Acadêmica Especial de Ciências Agrárias

References

AAFP. (2004). Feline Behavior Guidelines. American Association of Feline Practitioners, 6–43.

Amat, M., & Manteca, X. (2019). Common feline problem behaviours: Owner-directed aggression. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(3), 245–255. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19831206

Bain, M., & Stelow, E. (2014). Feline aggression toward family members: A guide for practitioners. Veterinary Clinics of North America - Small Animal Practice, 44(3), 581–597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.01.001

Bamberger, M., & Houpt, K. A. (2006). Behavior Diagnoses in Cats : 736 Cases ( 1991 – 2001 ). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 229(10), 1602–1606.

Bastos, P. A. de L. M., Jardim, M. P. de B., Farias, L. F. de, Ramos, C. H., Souza, H. J. M. de, & Vasconcelos, T. C. de. (2020). Micção inapropriada em um gato doméstico: tratamento bem sucedido com fluoxetina. Pubvet, 14(5), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v14n5a567.1-6

Beaver, B. V. (2003). Feline behavior: A guide for veterinarians (2a. ed.) St. Louis, MO: Saunders.

Beaver, B. V. (2004). Fractious cats and feline aggression. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 6(1), 13–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2003.09.011

Bowen, J., Heath, S. (2005). Behaviour problems in small animals: Practical advice for the veterinary team (1a. ed.) Philadelphia: Saunders.

Borges, A. C. do N., Costa, A. L., Bezerra, J. B., Araújo, D. S., Soares, M. A. A., Gonçalves, J. N. de A., Rodrigues, D. T. da S., Oliveira, E. H. S. de, Luz, L. E. da, Silva, T. R., & Silva, L. G. de S. (2020). Epidemiologia e fisiopatologia da sepse: uma revisão. Research, Society and Development, 9(2), e187922112.

Borns-Weil S. (2019). Inappropriate Urination. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 49(2), 141–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.10.003

Bradshaw, J. (2018). Normal feline behaviour: … and why problem behaviours develop. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20(5), 411–421. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X18771203

Calixto, R., & Justen, H. (2018). Avaliação do efeito da castração e de variáveis ambientais sobre a marcação por urina e fezes em gatos (Felis catus). Acta Scientiae Veterinariae, 35(2), 145. https://doi.org/10.22456/1679-9216.15960

Carney, H. C., Sadek, T. P., Curtis, T. M., Halls, V., Heath, S., Hutchison, P., Mundschenk, K., & Westropp, J. L. (2014). AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 16(7), 579–598. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X14539092

Casey, R. A. (2016). Human directed aggression. In Voorjaarsdagen European Veterinary Conference. Proceedings of the European Veterinary Conference Voorjaarsdagen. The Hague, The Netherlands

Chapman, B. L. (1991). Feline aggression. Classification, diagnosis, and treatment. The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice, 21(2), 315–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-5616(91)50035-8

Cozzi, A., Lecuelle, C. L., Monneret, P., Articlaux, F., Bougrat, L., Mengoli, M., & Pageat, P. (2013). Induction of scratching behaviour in cats: Efficacy of synthetic feline interdigital semiochemical. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(10), 872–878. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X13479114

Curtis, T. M. (2008). Human-Directed Aggression in the Cat. Veterinary Clinics of North America - Small Animal Practice, 38(5), 1131–1143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.04.009

CVMA, The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. (2019). Scratching behaviour is normal in cats. https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/scratching-behaviour-is-normal-in-cats

Da Graça Pereira, G., Fragoso, S., Morais, D., De Brito, M. T. V., & De Sousa, L. (2014). Comparison of interpretation of cat’s behavioral needs between veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and cat owners. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 9(6), 324–328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2014.08.006

Dantas L. (2018). Vertical or Horizontal? Diagnosing and Treating Cats Who Urinate Outside the Box. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 48(3), 403–417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.12.007

De Lima, C. M., Xavier Grala, C., Boff, G. A., Hoeppner Rondelli, M. C., & De Oliveira Nobre, M. (2021). ESTUDO DA FREQUÊNCIA DE ALTERAÇÕES COMPORTAMENTAIS EM FELINOS DOMÉSTICOS. DESAFIOS - Revista Interdisciplinar Da Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, 7(4), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.20873/uftv7-8138

DePorter, T. L., Bledsoe, D. L., Beck, A., & Ollivier, E. (2019). Evaluation of the efficacy of an appeasing pheromone diffuser product vs placebo for management of feline aggression in multi-cat households: a pilot study. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(4), 293–305. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X18774437

DePorter, T. L., & Elzerman, A. L. (2019). Common feline problem behaviors: Destructive scratching. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(3), 235–243. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19831205

Ellis, S. L. H. (2018). Recognising and assessing feline emotions during the consultation: History, body language and behaviour. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20(5), 445–456. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X18771206

Ellis, S. L. H., Rodan, I., Carney, H. C., Heath, S., Rochlitz, I., Shearburn, L. D., Sundahl, E., & Westropp, J. L. (2013). AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(3), 219–230. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X13477537

Elzerman, A. L., DePorter, T. L., Beck, A., & Collin, J. F. (2020). Conflict and affiliative behavior frequency between cats in multi-cat households: a survey-based study. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 22(8), 705–717. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19877988

Gazzano, A., Bianchi, L., Campa, S., & Mariti, C. (2015). The prevention of undesirable behaviors in cats: Effectiveness of veterinary behaviorists’ advice given to kitten owners. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 10(6), 535–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2015.07.042

Goins, M., Nicholson, S., & Hanlon, A. (2019). Veterinary professionals’ understanding of common feline behavioural problems and the availability of “cat friendly” practices in Ireland. Animals, 9(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121112

Halls, V., & Heath, S. (2015). Treatment in cases of feline house soiling. The Veterinary Nurse, 6(8), 462–467. https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2015.6.8.462

Heath, S. (2009). Aggression in cats. In D. F. Horwitz, D. S. Mills (Eds.), BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine (2a ed; 223-235). Gloucester: BSAVA.

Henzel, M., Ramos, D. (21 agosto, 2018). O uso de feromônios sintéticos na clínica veterinária comportamental. Boletim Apamvet, p. 17-21.

Horwitz, D. F. (2008). Managing Pets with Behavior Problems: Realistic Expectations. Veterinary Clinics of North America - Small Animal Practice, 38(5), 1005–1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.04.006

Horwitz, D.F. (2001). Feline Aggression. In: Houpt, K. Recent Advances in Companion Animal Behavior Problems. Updated: NOV 07, 2012. https://www.ivis.org/library/recent-advances-companion-animal-behavior-problems

Horwitz, D. F. (2019). Common feline problem behaviors: Urine spraying. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(3), 209–219. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19831203

Ley, J. (2021). Aggression - Cats. In: S. Denenberg (Ed.), Small Animal Veterinary Psychiatry. (pp. 180-190). Gloucester: CABI.

Koche, J.C. (2011). Fundamentos de metodologia científica: Teoria da ciência e iniciação a pesquisa. Editora Vozes, Petropoles, RJ, 185p.

Martell-Moran, N. K., Solano, M., & Townsend, H. G. G. (2018). Pain and adverse behavior in declawed cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20(4), 280–288. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X17705044

Mengoli, M., Mariti, C., Cozzi, A., Cestarollo, E., Lafont-Lecuelle, C., Pageat, P., & Gazzano, A. (2013). Scratching behaviour and its features: A questionnaire-based study in an Italian sample of domestic cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(10), 886–892. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X13481468

Mentzel, R. E. (2016). Agressividad en el gato doméstico. In G. C. Contreras (Ed.), Etología Clínica Veterinária del Gato: Guía practica de abordaje para médicos veterinarios (pp. 135-160). Santiago: RIL editores.

Moesta, A., & Crowell-Davis, S. (2011). Intercat aggression - General considerations, prevention and treatment. Tierarztliche Praxis Ausgabe K: Kleintiere - Heimtiere, 39(2), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1623563

Moesta, A., Keys, D., & Crowell-Davis, S. (2018). Survey of cat owners on features of, and preventative measures for, feline scratching of inappropriate objects: a pilot study. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20(10), 891–899. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X17733185

Muller, G., Ecvbm-ca, D., & Lille, C. V. De. (2010). Urination in Cats. 20(1), 37–43.

Neilson, J. C. (2004). Feline house soiling: Elimination and marking behaviors. Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice, 19(4), 216–224. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ctsap.2004.10.003

Pachel, C. L. (2014). Intercat aggression: Restoring harmony in the home: A guide for practitioners. Veterinary Clinics of North America - Small Animal Practice, 44(3), 565–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.01.007

Palacio, J., León-Artozqui, M., Pastor-Villalba, E., Carrera-Martín, F., & García-Belenguer, S. (2007). Incidence of and risk factors for cat bites: a first step in prevention and treatment of feline aggression. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 9(3), 188–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2006.11.001

Paz, J. E. G., Machado, G., & da Costa, F. V. A. (2017). Fatores relacionados a problemas de comportamento em gatos1. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira, 37(11), 1336–1340. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0100-736x2017001100023

Ramos, D. (2019). Common feline problem behaviors: Aggression in multi-cat households. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(3), 221–233. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19831204

Ramos, D., Reche-Junior, A., Henzel, M., & Mills, D. S. (2020). Canine behaviour problems in Brazil: A review of 180 referral cases. Veterinary Record, 186(18), E22. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105539

Rodan, I. (2010). Understanding Feline Behavior and Application for Appropriate Handling and Management. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 25(4), 178–188. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.001

Saldarriaga, J. C. (2007). Manejo comportamental de un felino con eliminación inadecuada/ Reporte de caso. CES Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, 2(1), 35-40–40. https://doi.org/10.21615/365

Seksel, K. (2014). Fear, Aggression, Communication, Body Language and Social Relationships in Cats. European Journal of Companion Animal Practice, 24(3), 20–27. www.sabs.com.au

Statement, A. P. (2017). AAFP Position Statement: Declawing. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 19(9), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X17729246

Vitale, K. R. (2018). Tools for Managing Feline Problem Behaviors: Pheromone therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 20(11), 1024–1032. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X18806759

Wassink-van der Schot, A. A., Day, C., Morton, J. M., Rand, J., & Phillips, C. J. C. (2016). Risk factors for behavior problems in cats presented to an Australian companion animal behavior clinic. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 14, 34–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.06.010

Wilson, C., Bain, M., DePorter, T., Beck, A., Grassi, V., & Landsberg, G. (2016). Owner observations regarding cat scratching behavior: an internet-based survey. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 18(10), 791–797. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X15594414

Zhang, L., Plummer, R., & McGlone, J. (2019). Preference of kittens for scratchers. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 21(8), 691–699. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X18795258

Published

15/07/2021

How to Cite

SCHÄFER, R. G. .; ROMANI, A. F. .; MEIRELLES-BARTOLI, R. B. .; RAMOS, D. G. de S. .; AMARAL, A. V. C. do. Main behavioral changes in cats . Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 10, n. 8, p. e44110817351, 2021. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v10i8.17351. Disponível em: https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/17351. Acesso em: 23 nov. 2024.

Issue

Section

Review Article