Environment and Feline Health: At Home and in the Clinic

Environmental optimization of both the home and the veterinary clinic not only is important for promoting good emotional and cognitive health for domestic cats but also contributes to the promotion of good physical health. All 3 aspects of the feline health triad are interconnected. Inappropriate learning can occur resulting in perpetuation of behavioral responses and confirmation of emotional associations. In addition, the physiologic responses to compromised emotions and sustained negative emotional motivation can be involved in the triggering, maintenance, and increased significance of a range of physical health issues, including urinary tract, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic disease and chronic pain.