Cat Behavior
How cat behavior appointments work at Latah Creek Animal Hospital
Cats are a distinct species with specialized psychological needs. Is your cat anxious or displaying undesirable behavior? We can help!
Common cat behavioral concerns:
- Feline House Soiling (urination, spraying, defecation)
- Scratching the Furniture
- Overgrooming
- Inter-cat Issues (fighting, bullying, introducing new cats)
- Dislike or fear of an individual in the home, including children
- Separation anxiety
How cat behavior appointments work at Latah Creek Animal Hospital
Dr. Megan Bauer has a special interest in behavioral medicine. We offer behavior consultations to clients whose pets have mild to moderate behavioral issues. Cat behavior focuses largely on environmental management and understanding natural cat behaviors to work with, rather than against, your cat.
Medication options will be discussed and prescribed if appropriate. You will be asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire on your cat’s behavior before the appointment. You may also be asked to take pictures or videos of the behavior and environment.
Your cat will need an initial health consult to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Medications may be prescribed at this appointment as well, if appropriate, so that they have time to take effect before behavioral/environmental modification is discussed.
The behavioral visit comprises a 1-hour visit, either in person or virtually, to discuss your cat’s behavioral concerns in-depth, as well as to discuss behavioral modification and environmental management. Adjustments can also be made to your medications at this time, if needed.
You will be asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire on your cat’s behavior before the appointment. You may also be asked to take pictures or videos of the behavior and environment.
Your visit also includes two 15-minute follow up phone consultations: the first, approximately 4 weeks after your visit, is with a member of our cat behavior team who will discuss your cat’s progress and enrichment.
The second, approximately 8 weeks after your visit, will be with Dr. Megan to discuss your cat’s progress and determine if next steps are needed. These next steps may be alterations to your behavioral modification plan, medication adjustments, or additional visits or phone consults.
Consultation with Veterinary Behaviorists: Severe or refractory behavioral issues may need to be referred to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. The closest board-certified veterinary behaviorist is Dr. Chris Pachel at Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Please contact them to find out if teleconsultation is an option for your pet.