• The Veterinary Psychiatry of Cats introduces veterinary behavioral medicine and veterinary psychiatry using the domestic cat as its model. This book combines the most up-to-date understanding of biology of this beloved, revered and often maligned species with learnings from the fields of normal and abnormal psychology. Written by a leading expert in feline behavior, this book begins by assessing “normal” factors of feline behavior, from neuroanatomy, neuroendocrinology, cognitive and social abilities. Delving into psychiatry, it then discusses mental health disorders, hindered development, and trauma. Psychopharmacology, including medications and supplements, are also explained.

    The Veterinary Psychiatry of Cats finishes with a comprehensive view of feline welfare management, how to treat cats humanely and how to house them responsibly given their behaviors. This is an ideal resource for feline behavioral specialists, veterinarians and domestic animal researchers and practitioners, including veterinary technicians, students and even feline owners.

    • Examines and explains normal versus abnormal feline psychology and its effects on a cat’s behaviors
    • Addresses signs of feline psychiatric disorders, diagnoses and treatments
    • Discusses medications and supplements to prevent, curve or care for feline behavioral issues

    • Cover image

    • Title page

    • Table of Contents

    • Copyright

    • Dedication

    • Chapter 1. Describing the cat

    • Chapter 1.1. Biology

    • 1.1.1. Predator and prey

    • 1.1.2. Special senses

    • Chapter 1.2. Life stages

    • 1.2.1. Kittenhood

    • 1.2.2. Juvenile (7w–sexual maturity)

    • 1.2.3. Adolescence (sexual maturity–social maturity)

    • 1.2.4. Adulthood

    • 1.2.5. Old age

    • Chapter 1.3. Behaviours

    • 1.3.1. Territory and home range

    • 1.3.2. Self-care

    • 1.3.3. Play

    • 1.3.4. Communication

    • 1.3.5. Reproduction

    • 1.3.6. Social or not

    • Chapter 1.4. Origins

    • 1.4.1. Wild cats to house cats

    • 1.4.2. Genetics and breeds

    • 1.4.3. Summing up

    • Chapter 2. Neurology

    • Chapter 2.1. Gross and functional anatomy of the feline brain

    • 2.1.1. Prosencephalon

    • 2.1.2. Midbrain

    • 2.1.3. Hindbrain

    • Chapter 2.2. Limbic system

    • 2.2.1. Amygdala

    • 2.2.2. Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)

    • 2.2.3. Hippocampus

    • 2.2.4. Hypothalamus

    • 2.2.5. Thalamus

    • 2.2.6. Limbic connections to other structures

    • 2.2.7. Functions of the limbic system

    • 2.2.8. The advanced limbic system

    • Chapter 2.3. The microscopic central nervous system: CNS cells, synapses, neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors

    • 2.3.1. Cells of the central nervous system

    • 2.3.2. The chemical synapse

    • 2.3.3. Neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors

    • 2.3.4. Serotonin

    • 2.3.5. Noradrenaline

    • 2.3.6. Dopamine

    • 2.3.7. GABA

    • 2.3.8. Glutamate

    • 2.3.9. Neurotransmitters to learning

    • Chapter 3. Introduction to psychology

    • Chapter 3.1. Sensory Coding, Perception and Attention

    • 3.1.1. Sensory Coding

    • 3.1.2. Perception

    • 3.1.3. Attention

    • Chapter 3.2. Memory

    • 3.2.1. Making memories

    • 3.2.2. Memories are classified by the type of information remembered

    • 3.2.3. Memories and emotions and the senses

    • 3.2.4. Does all this apply to cat?

    • Chapter 3.3. Learning and cognition

    • 3.3.1. What is learning?

    • 3.3.2. Learning theory

    • 3.3.3. Cognitive functions

    • Chapter 3.4. Emotions

    • 3.4.1. What is an emotion?

    • 3.4.2. The function of emotions

    • 3.4.3. How many emotions?

    • 3.4.4. Emotions defined

    • 3.4.5. Learning and emotions

    • Chapter 3.5. Psychopathology

    • 3.5.1. Psychopathology in animals, in particular cats

    • Chapter 4. What cats need

    • Chapter 4.1. What a cat needs

    • 4.1.1. Assessing the needs of cats

    • 4.1.2. Behaviour and relinquishment

    • Chapter 4.2. Normal behaviours that are problems for people

    • 4.2.1. Climbing

    • 4.2.2. Early morning activity

    • 4.2.3. Fighting between cats

    • 4.2.4. House soiling

    • 4.2.5. Hunting

    • 4.2.6. Hunting people (play aggression)

    • 4.2.7. Marking

    • 4.2.8. Reproductive behaviour

    • 4.2.9. Sitting on electronics

    • Chapter 5. Mental health problems of cats

    • Chapter 5.1. The behaviour consultation

    • 5.1.1. History and anamnesis

    • 5.1.2. Observation

    • 5.1.3. Diagnosis

    • 5.1.4. Treatment

    • 5.1.5. Final words

    • Chapter 5.2. A word about self care

    • Chapter 5.3. Psychopharmacology

    • 5.3.1. Using medications

    • 5.3.2. Medications and the feline drug metabolism

    • 5.3.3. Cytochrome P450 enzyme systems

    • 5.3.4. Medications

    • 5.3.5. Alternative therapeutics

    • Chapter 5.4. Behavioural problems of cats

    • 5.4.1. Veterinary behavioural medicine diagnoses

    • 5.4.2. Anxiety disorders

    • 5.4.3. Abnormal repetitive behaviours

    • 5.4.4. Feline dementia

    • Index

  • Dr. Jacqueline Ley (BVSc Hons, FANZCVS Veterinary Behaviour, PhD, DECAWBM)

    Is a registered specialist in veterinary behavioral medicine. She currently consults on domestic feline behavior for the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre. Previously, she was a full-time veterinarian at several small animal practices in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area. Dr. Ley received her BSc in Veterinary Science from Melbourne University VIC and her PhD in Psychology from Monash University. She is the third Fellow of the Veterinary Behaviour Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scienctist (ACVSc). Dr. Ley has published numerous journal articles on veterinary behavioral medicine, specifically on domestic cat species and their psychology.

    Affiliations and expertise

    Fellow of the Veterinary Behaviour Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scienctist (ACVSc)

Veterinary Clinics of North America
info