Changes

==Breed Predisposition==

==Breed Predisposition==

There is some breed predisposition in the incidence of compulsive disorder. Burmese, Siamese and other purebred oriental cats show higher than normal rates of wool-sucking and self-mutilation. This may reflect a genetic component to the disorder, but it must also be remembered that these cats are often reared and housed differently from ordinary housecats. Concerns over disease transmission mean that they are often reared in a ‘non-domestic’ situation, such as a cattery. This limits the exposure these animals have to social interaction and common domestic stimuli and events, which would seem to predispose them to a range of fear and anxiety problems. As adults, their financial value means that they are less likely to have outdoor access, which places even greater pressure on the cat if the indoor environment is unsuitable for them. The same breeds also have a higher predisposition to urine marking, [[Feline Aggression Towards Cats|inter-cat aggression]] and attachment disorders. Whilst these cats may have some genetic predisposition towards a range of problems, their rearing and husbandry is probably a significant factor.

There is some breed predisposition in the incidence of compulsive disorder. Burmese, Siamese and other purebred oriental cats show higher than normal rates of [[Feline Pica|wool-sucking]] and [[Feline Grooming Disorders|self-mutilation]]. This may reflect a genetic component to the disorder, but it must also be remembered that these cats are often reared and housed differently from ordinary housecats. Concerns over disease transmission mean that they are often reared in a ‘non-domestic’ situation, such as a cattery. This limits the exposure these animals have to social interaction and common domestic stimuli and events, which would seem to predispose them to a range of fear and anxiety problems. As adults, their financial value means that they are less likely to have outdoor access, which places even greater pressure on the cat if the indoor environment is unsuitable for them. The same breeds also have a higher predisposition to urine marking, [[Feline Aggression Towards Cats|inter-cat aggression]] and attachment disorders. Whilst these cats may have some genetic predisposition towards a range of problems, their rearing and husbandry is probably a significant factor.

==Treatment/Intervention==

==Treatment/Intervention==

Early intervention is very important in compulsive disorder. As discussed in the canine compulsions chapter, compulsive behaviour becomes more pervasive over time as the animal ‘learns’ that performing compulsive behaviour provides reliable relief from negative emotional situations. Compulsive behaviour can ultimately become a substitute for a wide range of normal behaviour so that, even when presented with a substantially-improved environment, the cat continues to behave compulsively.

'''Early intervention is very important in the treatment of compulsive disorders'''. Compulsive behaviour becomes more pervasive over time as the animal ‘learns’ that performing compulsive behaviour provides reliable relief from negative emotional situations. Compulsive behaviour can ultimately become a substitute for a wide range of normal behaviour so that, even when presented with a substantially-improved environment, the cat continues to behave compulsively.

The use of medication for these conditions is sometimes controversial because it may be regarded as merely reducing the incidence of unsightly behaviour that is an expression of the animal’s attempts to cope with wholly-unsatisfactory living conditions. This criticism could fairly be levelled at the medication of wild felids that continue to be poorly-maintained in some zoos or circuses. However, the use of medication is absolutely justifiable if it enables the animal to engage in normal behaviour in an enriched environment, when otherwise it might continue to stereotype. In this situation, the drug is being used to facilitate rehabilitation. This is the model we should adopt for domestic cats: drugs are most useful where their use will enhance the animal’s response to environmental improvement.  

'''The use of medication for these conditions is sometimes controversial''' because it may be regarded as merely reducing the incidence of unsightly behaviour that is an expression of the animal’s attempts to cope with wholly-unsatisfactory living conditions. This criticism could be fairly aimed at the medication of wild felids that continue to be poorly-maintained in some zoos or circuses. However, the use of medication is absolutely justifiable if it enables the animal to engage in normal behaviour in an enriched environment, where it may otherwise continue to stereotype. In this situation, the drug is being used to facilitate rehabilitation. This is the model that should be adopted for domestic cats: drugs are most useful where their use will enhance the animal’s response to environmental improvement.  

Punishment of compulsive behaviour, or attempts to physically prevent it, are misguided. Compulsive behaviour forms part of the animal’s coping strategy so that preventing one expression of compulsion just forces the animal to find other opportunities. For example, using flavour or odour aversion to deter pica related to one type of material, such as wool, will merely encourage the cat to find something else to suck or chew instead. The motivation to carry out some kind of related compulsive behaviour remains. Punishment may increase stress that contributes to the problem.

'''Punishment of compulsive behaviour, or attempts to physically prevent it, are misguided'''. Compulsive behaviour forms part of the animal’s '''coping strategy''' so that preventing one expression of compulsion just forces the animal to find other opportunities. For example, using flavour or odour aversion to deter pica related to one type of material, such as wool, will merely encourage the cat to find something else to suck or chew instead. The motivation to carry out some kind of related compulsive behaviour remains. Punishment may increase stress that contributes to the problem.

==Common Feline Compulsive Disorders==

==Common Feline Compulsive Disorders==

*[[Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome|Hyperaesthesia]]  

*[[Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome|Hyperaesthesia]]  

*Psychogenic alopecia [over-grooming]

*[[Feline Grooming Disorders|Psychogenic alopecia [over-grooming]]]

*Self-mutilation  

*[[Feline Grooming Disorders|Self-mutilation]]

*[[Feline Pica|Pica]]

*[[Feline Pica|Pica]]

*Wool-sucking

*[[Feline Pica|Wool-sucking]]

==Preventing Compulsive Disorders==

==Preventing Compulsive Disorders==

*Kittens should be exposed to a wide range of stimuli during the sensitive period [people, domestic activities, interaction with other species].

*Kittens should be exposed to a wide range of stimuli during the [[Feline Socialisation|sensitive period]] [people, domestic activities, interaction with other species].

*The domestic environment should provide security, mental stimulation and free access to resources. This is particularly important for indoor-only cats.

*The domestic environment should provide security, mental stimulation and free access to resources. This is particularly important for indoor-only cats.

*Avoid overpopulation, especially with oriental breed cats.

*Avoid overpopulation, especially with oriental breed cats.

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[[Category:To Do - Behaviour GGP]]

[[Category:To Do - Behaviour BS]]

[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]

[[Category:To Do - Behaviour References]]

[[Category:Feline Compulsive Disorders]]

[[Category:Feline Compulsive Disorders]]