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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

There are many similarities between canine and feline compulsive disorders, and the neurochemical basis for these conditions is thought to be similar across a range of species, including man.  

The neurochemical basis for these conditions is thought to be similar across a range of species, including man, cats and dogs. The character of the compulsive disorders reflects the way in which the underlying motivation of arousal and [[Feline Fear and Stress|anxiety]] reduction thought to be common in all compulsion, is expressed in behaviour that is specific to the species or breed.

 

The character of the more commonly presented feline compulsive disorders appears slightly different from those in the dog and reflects the way in which the underlying motivation of arousal and anxiety reduction thought to be common in all compulsion, is expressed in behaviour that is specific to the species or breed.

Feline compulsive behaviours are generally associated with '''repetitious''' or '''exaggerated self-maintenance behaviour''' such as grooming, sucking or self-mutilation. The exception is [[Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome|hyperaesthesia syndrome]], in which the cat responds aggressively to what may be tactile hallucinations. The behaviour in hyperesthesia syndrome is variable between cats and it is probable that a range of different aetiologies will become apparent as the condition is better understood. Indeed, it may be found to share greater aetiological similarities with oro-facial pain syndrome (seen primarily in Burmese) and feline idiopathic cystitis.

Feline compulsive behaviours are generally associated with '''repetitious''' or '''exaggerated self-maintenance behaviour''' such as grooming, sucking or self-mutilation. The exception is [[Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome|hyperaesthesia syndrome]], in which the cat responds aggressively to what may be tactile hallucinations. The behaviour in hyperesthesia syndrome is variable between cats and it is probable that a range of different aetiologies will become apparent as the condition is better understood. Indeed, it may be found to share greater aetiological similarities with oro-facial pain syndrome (seen primarily in Burmese) and feline idiopathic cystitis.

==Underlying Factors==

==Underlying Factors==

The factors that underlie compulsive disorders in the cat are different from those in the dog. The cat is highly '''self-reliant''' and depends on its own ability to control and utilise resources in its environment. It experiences strong drives to hunt, feed and carry out self-maintenance behaviours at set intervals. Hunting, for example, is not primarily regulated by appetite or satiation so cats will continue to hunt regardless of their earlier success or failure. The cat’s normal behavior is therefore '''highly structured''' and '''self-disciplined'''. This reflects the fact that, in a given area, the territories of several cats may partially overlap so that each individual can gain access to certain common resources, or traverse corners of each other’s territory in order to get from place to place. The temporal structure of the cat’s behaviour, combined with its system of marking, allows each cat to exist in isolation from others, thus minimising conflict and maximising the cats ability to utilise resources on demand. Great reliance is placed on the reliability of access to resources.

The cat is highly '''self-reliant''' and depends on its own ability to control and utilise resources in [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|its environment]]. It experiences strong drives to [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|hunt, feed]] and carry out self-maintenance behaviours at set intervals. Hunting, for example, is not primarily regulated by appetite or satiation so cats will continue to hunt regardless of their earlier success or failure. The [[Feline Normal Behaviour|cat’s normal behavior]] is therefore '''highly structured''' and '''self-disciplined'''. This reflects the fact that, in a given area, the [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territories]] of several cats may partially overlap so that each individual can gain access to certain common resources, or traverse corners of each other’s territory in order to get from place to place. The temporal structure of the cat’s behaviour, combined with its [[Feline Communication Behaviour|system of marking]], allows each cat to exist in isolation from others, thus minimising conflict and maximising the cats ability to utilise resources on demand. Great reliance is placed on the reliability of access to resources.

'''Environmental factors are therefore extraordinarily important in all feline behavioural problems''', especially compulsive disorders. For the cat to live in an environment that places it in close proximity with potential competitors, inside or outside the home, and with limited control over access to resources and territory, can have a very damaging effect.  

'''[[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|Environmental factors]] are therefore extraordinarily important in all [[Feline Problem Behaviour||feline behavioural problems]]''', especially compulsive disorders. For the cat to live in an environment that places it in close proximity with potential competitors, inside or outside the home, and with limited control over access to resources and territory, can have a very damaging effect.  

Canine compulsive disorder is frequently rooted in social deprivation, isolation and the stress of broken psychological attachment [as seen in compulsive disorders linked to attachment disorders and long periods of barren kennelling]. Feline compulsive disorder is more commonly associated with a lack of ability to carry out [[Normal Feline Behaviour|normal behaviour]], combined with the social stress of perpetual competition and conflict. Improvement of the physical and social environment is therefore critically important for cats with compulsive disorders. Even without a compulsive element, the cat is likely to increase the amount of self-maintenance behaviour it performs as a substitute for thwarted hunting behaviour and territory maintenance.

Feline compulsive disorder is more commonly associated with a lack of ability to carry out [[Normal Feline Behaviour|normal behaviour]], combined with the social stress of perpetual competition and conflict. Improvement of the physical and [[Feline Social Behaviour|social environment]] is therefore critically important for cats with compulsive disorders. Even without a compulsive element, the cat is likely to increase the amount of self-maintenance behaviour it performs as a substitute for thwarted hunting behaviour and territory maintenance.

==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 [[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.

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 [[Feline Fear and Stress|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 [[Indoor Marking - Cat|urine marking]], [[Feline Aggression Towards Cats|inter-cat aggression]] and [[Feline Attachment Problems|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==

'''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.  

'''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 [[Feline Pica|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]]  

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

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

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

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

*[[Feline Pica|Pica]]

*[[Feline Pica|Pica]]

==Preventing Compulsive Disorders==

==Preventing Compulsive Disorders==

*Kittens should be exposed to a wide range of stimuli during the [[Feline Socialisation|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.

*If establishing a multi cat household, choose kittens from parents that already live in successful multi-cat households.

*If establishing a multi-cat household, choose kittens from parents that already live in successful multi-cat households.