Cats that chew their hair and home – abnormal repetitive behaviours

Lecture by

Dr Gary Landsberg

Reviewed by

Chantal Celindano

Dr Gary Landsberg – a Veterinary Behaviour Specialist with a long line of behaviour accreditations and publications (check out ‘Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat) – presents this easy to listen to summary of what to do with those problem cats who attack their owners, eat what they shouldn’t and groom themselves bald! The lecture starts with the basics – describing how stress can influence behaviour and vice versa and reminds the listener to rule out medical problems before we diagnose that psychogenic alopecia case. Next, the cause of stress in the cat is discussed in detail – from a lack of control of the cat’s environment, to negative or insufficient social relationships – with the display of stress and fear as adaptive responses and the link to the gut-brain-skin axis. What is environmentally and socially normal for a cat is discussed in great detail, laying a great foundation for history taking which can be utilised by the listener in every cat consultation. Finally, self-trauma, hyperaesthesia, abnormal repetitive behaviours and more are discussed, with useful recommendations made for behaviour modification and medical management.

My Takeaway Pearls:

· There is a complex interplay between disease, behaviour and stress: Stress in cats contributes to behavioural AND medical problems – medical problems can contribute to stress AND behavioural problems. Don’t underestimate the effects of stress on cats and their power to manifest in all sorts of ways! Hello FIC!
· Cats can present with pica, aggression, or hyperaesthesia – once medical causes are ruled out, rule out stress – which involves evaluation of the cat not having CONTROL in their environment, or having unmet needs. ISFM Environmental Needs Guidelines is a great place to start your journey!
· Remember that a cat’s “time budget” includes about 14% of their day hunting. We shouldn’t overlook this when advising clients about how and when to feed their cat. Can they replicate hunting and eating 8-12 mice a day? Recommending puzzle feeders, hunting mice, food reward training or simply placing small portions of their allocated food into different areas of the home to explore, all of which can emulate this for the pet cat.
· Are we advising clients on enrichment options for their cat? Cats need vertical space, the ability to express hunting behaviour, social interaction, play and a safe place to rest. The humble cardboard box can fulfill a lot of these requirements!
· What if a cat is demonstrating compulsive behaviours, despite environmental and enrichment needs having been met? Try Fluoxetine or Clomipramine. We can also utilise an anxiolytic for situational or adjunct therapy (trazodone, gabapentin, benzos, alpha-casein, stress diets).
If you want to give those wool eating, bald bellied cats gold standard care – this is the webinar for you!

Liked the review? Watch the full lecture here!