History to Assess your Cat's Mental Health

History to Assess your Cat's Mental Health

As in people, your cat’s mental health is equally important to their physical health. A cat’s genetics, early life experiences, lifestyle, age, and relationships can all impact their mental health, with much happening prior to adoption. You know your cat better than anyone and, by sharing this information, we can help your cat have the best life possible
Name*

First NameLast Name
Cat's name*
Breed*
domestic shorthair, domestic longhair, purebread, etc...
Age*
Sex*

MaleFemale
Age at adoption*
Age spayed/neuter
If not done here, where did it occur?
Changes: Changes in behavior are the most common signs of pain, disease, or stress. Changes in the home environment can also impact your cat’s mental health. What changes have there been, including any behavioral changes you have noticed? Please check all that apply.

Changes in activityNew people in the homeNew cat(s) or other petsMoved house or remodeledChanges in how your cat interacts with othersOther
Previous History: Previous history, and especially early history, can impact your
cat even later on in life.
1. Where was your cat adopted from?*

ShelterBreederStray/FeralUnknown; newly adoptedFrom a friendOther
2. If adopted at the same time as one or more other cats, please list names and ages.
3. What is the previous history prior to your adoption, if known?*

Was playing with other kittens or catsWas the mother cat and siblings when brought to the shelterTold your cat didn't get along with other catsIn a cage aloneWas previously surrenderedOther
The Cat's Physical Environment
1. How often does your cat go outdoors?*

Only in warm weatherWhenever my cat wants, day or nightA few hours a dayNeverOnly if my cat escapesOther
2. If your cat goes outdoors, what is the outdoor access?*

Free outdoor access on ownIn an outdoor enclosure (e.g., catio, screened porch)Walk on leash and harnessOther
3. What is your cat's favorite areas in your home?*

Cat bedsYour bed or another bedA cat tree or perchOther
4. Where does your cat prefer to perch (i.e., rest or sit at a raised level?*

High upMid-levelMy cat does not perch anymoreOther
5. Is your cat allowed to enter all allowed rooms/areas without avoiding them due to another individual, pet, or item within the room?*

YesNo - Is there something your cat is avoiding?
6. How much time does your cat hide or rest under furniture (e.g., bed or sofa) or in a closet or other confined area each day?*

Less than 25% of the time50% of the timeGreater than 50% of the time
If your cat tends to hide at certain times, what do you think might be the cause (e.g., visitors, cat- or dog-sitting for a friend, loud noises, etc.)?
7. Where does your cat scratch?*

Vertical scratching postHorizontal scratching postSofa/ChairCarpetOther
List scratching locations (e.g., living room, hallway)*
8. Describe your cat's litter box use (check all that apply):*

Consistently uses boxesUrinates outside the box sometimesStool outside of the box sometimesDoes not use every box in homeScratches before using boxCovers eliminationsUses boxes but sometimes missesScratches the plastic box instead of covering eliminationsStands with two feet or all four feet on the edge of the boxOther
9. Play
What are your cat's favorite toys for independent play?*
What are your cat's favorite toys for interactive play with a person (i.e, a wand toy)?*
Does anyone play with your cat using their hands or feet?*

YesNo
Who plays with your cat and how often?*
10. What foods does your cat eat (cat food and treats)?*
11. How many times a day is your cat fed and who does the feeding?*
12. How is your cat fed? (check all that apply)*

By him or herselfWith one or more petsFrom a bowlFrom food puzzlesFrom an automatic feederHidden or scattered foodOther
The Cat's Social Environment: Relationships with Humans
1. People within the home*
Number of adults
Age of all children
2. Relations with people:*

Gets along well with everyoneFearful of guestsNot allowed near certain family members
3. What types of human attention does your cat like and dislike?
Likes*
Dislikes*
4. My cat bites or scratches people (check all that apply):*

When playingWhen being petWhen stopping a cat fightWhen punishedWhen heldNeverOther
5. When and how do you correct your cat's behavior?*
6. Is there anything your cat is trained to do or not do?*
The Cat's Social Environment: Number of Pets and Relations with Others
1. Please list names and ages of all other cats that you care for or feed, indoors and outside your home.
2. If there are other cats within the home, what behaviors occur between them?

Cuddle and groom each otherStare and block hallway or stairway so another cat cannot passTolerate one anotherSleep on same bed or sofaSleep on bed or sofa with close physical contact but without touchingAvoid one anotherOther
3. If outdoor cats come by your windows or glass doors, how does your cat respond to the sight, sound, and/or smell of them?*
4. How does your cat get along with the other animals, if any, within the home? Please list the other pets' names and species (including outdoor):*
Fears, Frustrations, or Compulsive Behaviors

Identifying cats with fear or other issues allows safe management of these conditions.
1. What is your cat scared of? (check all that apply)*

NoisesVisitorsChanges in the homeAnother pet or person who lives in the homeGetting put into the carrierTransport (e.g., car rides)Veterinary visitsOther
2. Does your cat eat non-food items (e.g., string, fabric)?*
3. Does your cat groom him or herself a lot?*

Yes, all overOver one or more areasNo
What else would you like to discuss about your cat?
Thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions. We look forward to providing additional information to further help you proivide for your cat's essential health and behavioral needs.
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