A pharmacological approach to treating behavior problems in cats

Abstract

The domestic cat, Felis catus, is favoured as a pet for its combination of an affectionate nature with a degree of independence, as well as more prosaic qualities such as cleanliness and convenience. Changes in the relationship between people and their pets, coupled with an increase in feline popularity as a pet, have resulted in veterinarians seeing more feline behavioral problems. The treatment of such conditions may include the combined use of medical, surgical, and pharmacological therapy, as well as behaviour modification. The drugs used are usually anxiolytics, e.g. benzodiazepines, amitriptyline, buspirone, and progesterones.