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==Grooming Disorders - Compulsive Grooming and Self-Mutilation==

==Introduction==

Cats frequently fall back on '''introverted self-maintenance behaviour''' as a means of '''self-appeasement''' during times of '''stress, anxiety''' or '''emotional conflict'''. This can become compulsive when the cat carries out the behaviour to the detriment of its own health and in place of normal behaviour or in inappropriate contexts.  

During periods of stress, cats may exhibit changes in behaviour. Positive signs of stress include behaviours that are increased or seen for the first sign during stress, and include aggression, and indoor marking. Negative signs of stress include behaviours that are reduced, or stop altogether, during periods of stress, such as play and exploratory behaviour. Grooming is a behaviour that can be either a positive or negative sign of stress, due to individual differences. In most cases, grooming increases during '''stress, anxiety''' or '''emotional conflict''', and it is hypothesised that it is a form '''self-appeasement' behaviour''. Stress can arise fro the social or physical environment, and also from physical heal problems. Grooming can become excessive if stress is chronic or repeated. Stress related grooming may have little effect on coat condition, as the cat will not systematically clean its entire body in the manner typical for purposeful grooming. Instead, some areas are targeted for addition grooming, resulting in focal areas of hair loss whilst the rest of the coat my be normal or even unkempt. It can become compulsive when the cat carries out the behaviour to the detriment of its own health and in place of normal behaviour or in inappropriate contexts.

==Investigation==

==Investigation==