by the American Association of Feline Practitioners
When obtaining a history, encourage early detection or prevention
of behavior problems by asking the following questions:
• Does your cat urinate or defecate outside of the box?
• Does your cat spray? (Spraying occurs when a cat backs up to a vertical
surface, kneads his or her feet, and flicks the tail tip
while projecting urine.)
• Does your cat show signs of aggression to people, including hissing,
biting, or scratching? To any specific family members?
To strangers?
• Does your cat exhibit any fearful behaviors that concern you?
• Does your cat show any destructive behaviors, such as scratching or
chewing
objects in the home?
• Does your cat have any problematic interactions with other cats or pets
in the household?
•
Has there been any change in your cat’s behavior or disposition?
•
Do you need any further information regarding your cat’s
behavior?
The behavioral history and medical examination are critical to an accurate diagnosis. Comprehensive histories, which include a behavioral
assessment; physical examinations; and diagnostic testing are needed to differentiate between behavioral and systemic conditions.
For example, a cat that is inappropriately urinating may have any number of conditions that are associated with this behavior, including
feline lower urinary tract disease/interstitial cystitis, or arthritis that makes it difficult to get into the litter box. Or, a cat that presents
with anorexia and lethargy may have an underlying medical problem, or may
simply be stressed by changes in its environment. The psychological well-being
of the patient may be harmed to the point that it is also causing systemic disease.