Changes

The cat's primary response to fear is "flight" (avoidance or escape), but they will resort to aggression when escape is impossible in an attempt to drive the fear-eliciting stimulus away. Freezing tends to occur when either flight or fight are impossible, or as the animal evaluates its best option. A cat that is "frozen" but showing signs of stress can launch a sudden attack. Fiddling about may be a form of "self-distraction" in an otherwise inescapable situation of stress, but it may also have some value in diffusing tension in frustration and intraspecific conflict.  Fear also potentiates the startle response, so fearful animals will react suddeny to unexpected stimuli and events.

The cat's primary response to fear is "flight" (avoidance or escape), but they will resort to aggression when escape is impossible in an attempt to drive the fear-eliciting stimulus away. Freezing tends to occur when either flight or fight are impossible, or as the animal evaluates its best option. A cat that is "frozen" but showing signs of stress can launch a sudden attack. Fiddling about may be a form of "self-distraction" in an otherwise inescapable situation of stress, but it may also have some value in diffusing tension in frustration and intraspecific conflict.  Fear also potentiates the startle response, so fearful animals will react suddeny to unexpected stimuli and events.

==Effects of fear and anxiety==

==Effects of Fear and Anxiety==

Typical signs observed by owner include:

Typical signs observed by owner include:

* The cat being withdrawn, secretive and tending to hide.

* The cat being withdrawn, secretive and tending to hide.