Helping Cats Who Hiss And Hide: Assessment, Behavior Modification And Re-homing Strategies

1. We hope you have enjoyed the presentation. If you receive a passing score, a Certificate of Attendance in your name will be awarded at the end of this quiz. Please let us know if you have viewed the entire presentation.

I certify that I have viewed the entire presentation.

I did not view the entire presentation.

2. An enhanced socialization program (ESP) for shelter kittens resulted in:

No difference between ESP and control group cats, as adults.

Less fear of people in ESP cats than cats in the control group.

A higher level of disease in ESP kittens compared to control group kittens.

More friendly behaviors observed in the kittens during the ESP (vs. control kittens); however, this effect did not last in adulthood.

3. Environmental change, amongst cats living in a structured and consistent environment is associated with the following behavior in cats:

Vomiting.

Aggression.

Inappetance.

Excessive meowing.

4. The most common cause of feline aggression toward people in a shelter environment is:

Pain.

Fear.

Play.

Dominance.

5. Shelters cats that display fear are most likely to benefit from:

Play.

Provision of a hiding place.

Co-housing with another cat.

Daily 20 minute petting sessions.

6. ________ is a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease, usually about an event which may or may not occur in the future.

Fear

Panic

Phobia

Anxiety

7. Treating cats who are fearfully aggressive toward people is BEST accomplished by:

Administering psychopharmaceutical medication(s).

Initially avoiding circumstances where aggression may occur.

Tapping the cat on the nose every time the cat behaves aggressively.

Exposing the aggressive cat to as many friendly people as possible, at the same time.

8. It is important to expose the cat to everything it will be exposed to at the adopter's home during the first week after adoption.

True

False

9. Essential components of the interview and counseling process of finding a home for fearful cat is:

Making certain that the adopter is an experienced animal trainer.

Making certain that the adopter has previously owned a pet with this type of problem.

Minimizing the pet’s problem behavior so that the adopter is encouraged to adopt the cat.

Making certain that the adopter has realistic expectations of this pet’s likely behavior once in their home.

Having the adopter spend a minimum of two hours of time with the cat to ensure that they will be a good match.

10. The most important part of a behavior plan for a fearful shelter cat is:

Providing of environmental enrichment.

Desensitizing and counterconditioning to people.

Housing the cat in a quiet location with a hiding place.

Housing the cat with another cat.

11. A behavior assessment test is the best way to assess a fearful cat's potential for rehoming.

True

False