New article

[Phoenix]

I'm considering writing a feline behaviour/psychology article next, just wanted to see if anyone's already done it and if not if any of you have got any ideas (won't start it tonight though)

[Elaine]

I dont want to be rude but isnt that a little ambitious, None of us here, although fairly knowledgable in certain areas are "experts" and it's a VERY complex thing to tackle.
But if you want to have a stab at it, go ahead...

[wilbar]

I've already offered to do something like this via Forum Support. Azz said he would put it on general thread (but hasn't so far).

I'd be very happy to help you if you want? Or we could do general articles on separate topics, e,g ethology, physiology of behaviour, toiletting problems, feline interactions, body language etc etc.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by wilbar

I've already offered to do something like this via Forum Support. Azz said he would put it on general thread (but hasn't so far).

I'd be very happy to help you if you want? Or we could do general articles on separate topics, e,g ethology, physiology of behaviour, toiletting problems, feline interactions, body language etc etc.

Articles on various topics would be good I think (if everyone's in agreement)

I was thinking we could all do a bit (anyone who wants to join in can pick a topic then write about that topic)

What do you all think?

[wilbar]

I'm happy to go along with whatever people think would be useful. For anyone looking after or fostering rescue cats, perhaps an article on desensitisation & counter-conditioning the fearful cat? Or preventing behavioural problems in a multi-cat household? Ethology of the domestic cat & the links with its wild counterparts? The importance of postural & olfactory comunication in domestic cats? The links between behaviour & physiology & how one can affect the other? Urine marking or litter box problems ~ how to tell the difference?

Any other suggestions/requests or topics that people would find helpful? Possibly most people on this forum are very experienced cat owners but maybe think about new members that join for advice because they're having problems? It could be useful to be able to provide a link for general background info?

[Mags]

An article on this subject would be great but I do think you need to have the necessary experience and qualifications to attempt such a serious subject ...... as Elaine said above, it's a very complex subject to tackle.

[angieh]

I think that it's a great idea, especially if well research and with stated sources.

I would be particularly interested in body language.

[dandysmom]

I think separate articles on various aspects of the subject could be very interesting and helpful. Everyone is knowledgeable in some aspect, I would be glad to do a bit about getting a terrified of people cat who had been abused back to trusting people (Onyx, for those of you who remember her).

[Elaine]

I'd be interested to read what you have to say Wilbur. I think various articles on different things would be much more helpful to new comers and oldies than a very long winded and complex one. Posturing would be very interesting as would many other topics mentioned. I'd also like Dandysmom to write about her experience of taming down dear little Onyx.
I just think that although many of us are fairly knowledgable, as I said before, we are not experts and can only really write from our own experiences and experiences differ. What I mean is, you may have two cats with a similar illness or ailment but they may display differing behaviours.
Take my Eva for example, for years, as many of you know, we tried to tackle the issues of her inapropriate elimination. We tried vets, cat behaviourists, reiki as well as all the other stuff, cat litters, trays etc etc. Sadly it all turned out that she had something seriously wrong with her gallbladder all that time and no one knew until it was too late.

[wilbar]

I would love to hear about Onyx & Eva if you are both happy to tell their tales.

Just a quick question on writing articles ~ is it ok just to post them on this thread, or start a new thread, or should they be submitted to ? first for critique?

Another idea I had would be to post a list of recommended reading ~ books, articles, research papers etc, or even to do a quick resume of the reading?

I appreciate that no-one claims to be an "expert" on cat behaviour, but I don't think it will do any harm to relate personal experiences, or to give general advice that is well-sourced, with references provided, just as background info to help people understand cat behaviour in general.

I think the danger comes when people try to advice on specific & potentially serious behaviour problems for a specific cat, but without ever seeing the cat. In these cases all we have to go on is whatever the poster tells us ~ & that may not always be reliable, is open to misinterpretation & anthropomorphism. And many behaviour problems can have medical causes or health consequences ~ so the best advice is that the vet should be the first port of call. In law, the animal's vet is responsible for the health & welfare of animals in their care ~ so any reputable behaviourist should ONLY work under vet referral. I take on feline behaviour cases but ONLY on referral from a few vets in my area that I work with. Even if a client contacts me direct, I ALWAYS ask for their vet's details before seeing the cat & make sure that I speak to their vet first.