Changes

Sickness behaviour, which is mediated by the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Sickness behaviour includes lethargy, depression, anorexia, energy conservation, anhedonia, cognitive impairment, hyperalgesia, decreased social interaction and anxiety. Many of those are signs associated with emotional disorder. It is therefore wise to consider the possibility that behavioural change is associated with medical disorder.

Sickness behaviour, which is mediated by the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Sickness behaviour includes lethargy, depression, anorexia, energy conservation, anhedonia, cognitive impairment, hyperalgesia, decreased social interaction and anxiety. Many of those are signs associated with emotional disorder. It is therefore wise to consider the possibility that behavioural change is associated with medical disorder.

==Environment in Potentially Fearful Situation==

==The Effect of the 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 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 environment to enable the cat to more easily escape and avoid fearful situations.

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.

Anxiety can be reduced by making the environment more predictable and controllable for the cat. For example, the owner having more regular routines and patterns of interaction with the cat, and providing the cat with free access to resources such as food, water, latrine sites and outdoor access.  

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.

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. Manipulation of the pheromone environment may also help to improve the environment for cats. This can be achieved by removing undesirable chemical signals (such as scent from previously resident cats, urine spray and claw marks), and the deposition of additional "facial and flank marks" by the owner. This can be done by harvesting facial and flank odour from the resident cats using a cloth, and then wiping this onto suitable places such as door posts and furniture. Synthetic pheromone analogues such as [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|F3 (Feliway)]], can also be used to recreate or enhance core territory odours. This can trick the cat into perceiving the environment to be safe and secure.

==Prevention==

==Prevention==