Changes

==Environment in Potentially Fearful Situation==

==Environment in Potentially Fearful Situation==

The normal feline coping strategy in [[Feline Fear and Stress|fearful situations]] is highly dependent upon [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|familiarity with the environment]] and the opportunities it provides for escape and avoidance behaviour. In this way, the cat is highly attached and dependent upon its [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territory]] for security, which also means that success in treating fear-based problems is substantially dependent upon the cat’s environment.

The first response of cats to [[Feline Fear and Stress|fearful situations]] is to escape, but the ability to do so is dependent upon [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|familiarity with the environment]] and the opportunities it provides for escape and avoidance behaviour. This is why success in treating fear-based problems is dependent upon the improving or modifying the cat’s environment.

The [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core zone]] of the cat’s territory is where it expects to be safest. This is where it may meet familiar conspecifics. Recognition of the core territory is partially dependent upon [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Pheromones|pheromone odour signals]]. The cat expends a lot of time and energy placing [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|face and flank marks]] within the core territory area, not only to identify elements of the environment as familiar but also to create an appeasing environment for itself. In a new home, these personalised signals will be absent and may even be replaced by the odours of other cats that were previously resident. The anxiety caused creates the conditions for establishing problem behaviour.

The [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|core zone]] of the cat’s territory is where it expects to be safe, as this is a place where it would not usually encounter unfamiliar cats. Recognition of the core territory is partially dependent upon [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Pheromones|pheromone odour signals]]. The cat expends a lot of time and energy placing [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Facial and Flank Marks|face and flank marks]] within the core territory area, not only to identify elements of the environment as familiar but also to create an appeasing environment for itself. In a new home, these personalised signals will be absent and may even be replaced by the odours of other cats that were previously resident. The anxiety caused creates the conditions for establishing problem behaviour.

It is possible, by using synthetic pheromone analogues such as [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|F3 (Feliway)]], to recreate or enhance core territory odours. This can increase perceived safety and familiarity in an existing environment, or make a new environment appear familiar and safe.

It is possible, by using synthetic pheromone analogues such as [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|F3 (Feliway)]], to recreate or enhance core territory odours. This can increase perceived safety and familiarity in an existing environment, or make a new environment appear familiar and safe.