ABCCT Stage 4 Sections Review (pg. 57-58)

What are the steps and precautions owner should take when introducing their cat(s) to another cat(s)?

- A cat or kitten new to a household should be initially set up in her own room, complete with her own feeding and watering station, litterbox, toys and some cat furniture. - While a cat gets used to her room in her new home, the resident cat(s) are exposed to her scent through the door. - When the new cat is comfortable with her area, she can then be allowed to roam the rest of the house while the other cats are confined in a separate room. - Exchanging the new cat's bedding with the resident cat's (or cats') helps owners introduce each feline to the other's scents. - Cats should then be fed meals of a favorite food (such as a preferred wet food flavor) on each side of a door that separates them. - When the door is opened for the first time, a pet gate or other barrier should be in place, allowing cats to see one another without being able to physically reach one another. - If there is any sort of aggressive reaction, such as hissing, growling or charging, a towel or visual block should be placed over the barrier and end the introduction. - Owners should allow 24 to 48 hours to pass before attempting another introduction. - If there is no tension between the cats after several barrier interactions, and the barrier-free feedings are equally amicable, the barrier can be completely removed. - The entire process will take at least 2 weeks and could require upwards of 6 weeks.

Describe Kitten Kindergarten and explain its purpose:

- A relatively new concept in cat socialization and the prevention of future behavior problems. - They are conducted to socialize in-house kittens at veterinary clinics or animal shelters prior to adoption. - During each session, kittens are allowed supervised interaction with one another while owners are provided with important information, training tools and/or training techniques they can use at home.

What are the steps and precautions owner should take when introducing their cat(s) to small animals, such as fish, hamsters or birds?

- Cats are natural predators and they should not be allowed near unprotected small animals they might view as prey, such as rodents, fish, small birds, small reptiles and amphibians. - Cats could knock over and/or reach into cages, terrariums, aquariums or other small animal habitats. - While these can provide mental and visual stimulation for cats, all small animals should also have areas in their enclosures where they can hide from prying eyes. - Cats' predatory instincts are largely influenced by animal's behavior during interaction. - If an animal acts like prey (scurrying, flitting or swimming this way and that, running or flying away, or attempting to hide) a cat is very likely to treat it as prey. - Small animals, such as hamsters or canaries, instinctively exhibit prey behavior to escape from predators. - It is equally instinctive for a cat to chase and hunt animals behaving in this manner. - It is not something a cat can control and should never be punished for it. - Ferrets and cats can easily become friendly and enjoy playing together, but cats should always have access to areas inaccessible to ferrets. (Supplying vertical expansion, such as cat shelving and cat trees, is sufficient.) - Some cats can be socialized to behave appropriately with large birds—i.e., more than 12 inches in length— such as cockatoos and African greys. - Cats and birds should be supervised at first, to make sure their interaction is friendly and neither injures the other.

What steps and precautions should owners take when introducing their cat(s) to children?

- Children should not be allowed to have unsupervised interaction with a cat until they fully understand how to interact with and handle a cat appropriately. - Children should also be taught how to read and understand basic cat body language and vocal signals, especially those associated with overstimulation and fear, such as a wagging or whipping tail and growling or hissing. - Children should learn that playtime and exercise are essential for their cats' well-being. Every time they engage in a rousing play session, they are helping their cat. - Laser pointers should never be given to children, since shining them into a cat or human's eye can cause permanent damage or blindness. - Children should also be instructed to put away any toys with strings once play is over to avoid the possibility of cats ingesting them, which could cause severe and potentially fatal health issues. - Additionally, cats should always have access to areas that children cannot reach: "cat-only" zones. - Children must know to never interrupt a cat in or near a litterbox, as well. - To get a cat used to some of the sights and sounds before a baby arrives, owners could use a doll to simulate how they will act with their infant. - Recordings of typical baby sounds can also be used to desensitize cats beforehand. - The recording should be first played at a low volume, and then slowly increased, until it reaches the levels a baby typically would make. - Note: When using desensitization techniques, the volume should be increased gradually to prevent a fear response. - When the baby does arrive, the parents/owners will need to supervise any interactions. - During cat-to-baby introductions, owners will need to use positive reinforcement. - The cat should be praised and rewarded whenever she chooses to approach the infant. - If the cat reacts fearfully, the interaction should not be forced; allow the cat to approach the infant in her own time.

Why is it important that all members of a household know how to properly pickup and hold a cat?

Knowing the proper way to pick up a cat is essential knowledge for every trainer and owner. Even cats who do not enjoy being held for extended periods might need to be occasionally picked up.

Explain the 4th behavior prevention step:

The ideal time to get a kitten used to different places and experiences is between 2 and 10 weeks of age. Early exposure to a variety of situations, locations, people and pets, in conjunction with positive reinforcement, will alleviate many potentially stressful or problematic situations before they even occur.

Explain how to properly pickup and hold a cat:

To correctly pick up a cat: - Slip your hand underneath her front legs and place it on her lower chest. - Then, use your other hand to scoop up her back legs and tuck them underneath her body. - Lift evenly with both arms, so the cat is level as it rises. - Slide your front hand underneath her front legs, so all four legs are then completely supported by your hands. The key to holding a cat: - Is to make sure she continues to feel supported while held. - Once a cat has been properly picked up, pull her closer to your body and hold her against your chest for additional stability. - You can then allow her front legs to rest on your arm rather than your hand. - Firmly support but do not squeeze the cat.

What are the benefits of acclimating a cat to handling?

Acclimating a cat to different handling situations, such as trimming nails or giving a pill is essential to ensuring her life is as stress-free as possible.

List and describe the components of the 4th behavior prevention step:

Acclimation to walking outdoors, handling a cat, picking up a cat, holding a cat, acclimating a cat to handling, brushing & grooming, clipping claws, brushing teeth, cat carriers/crates, veterinary offices & professionals, groomers, children, dogs, other cats, small animals and kitten kindergarten.

What are the steps and precautions owner should take when introducing their cat(s) to a dog?

- It is essential that the dogs have an appropriate temperament and proper training. - Dogs should have a calm disposition with a very solid base of basic manner training. - Ideally, when acclimating a cat to dogs, the canine in question should already have experience with multiple felines and knows how to interact with them in an amicable and gentle manner. - Before a cat ever meets a dog, she should be introduced to his scent by rubbing a blanket, towel or other spare cloth on the dog and presenting it to the cat. - Cats should never be forced into close proximity to a dog against their will, as this could result in trauma and will necessitate counter-conditioning to reverse. - The cat should still be rewarded for being in the same room as the dog and whenever she pays attention to or looks at the dog, as this will help her associate his presence with rewards.

Describe how an owner could acclimate his cat to veterinarian visit:

- Putting wet cat food in a needle-less syringe with the tip cut off to get a cat used to having medications given the same way. - Choosing a veterinary office with separate waiting areas for cats and dogs or one that specializes in only cats is ideal for keeping visits as stress-free as possible. - Favorite treats should be brought along to give to a cat consistently throughout the visit. - Once in the exam room, cats should be allowed to leave a carrier by themselves rather than dragging them out. Shy cats might be willing to exit their carrier if it is facing the wall instead of an unfamiliar, open room.

What types of behaviors would you teach at a Kitten Kindergarten class:

- These classes are designed to familiarize kittens with the presence of other cats, handling and restraint, children and other stimuli they will come across in their lifetime. - For training techniques, such as putting a harness on a kitten, the class instructor first demonstrates and then has the owners try it.