Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Given that stress and anxiety are significant factors in overgrooming, it is vital to improve the cat’s physical and social environment to reduce underlying stress. Increasing the range of activities available to the cat will use up a greater proportion of its time and energy budget, leaving less time for grooming. A proper assessment of inter-cat relationships within the home should be made, so that underlying psychosocial stress may be alleviated. More information is available in the sections on [[Housesoiling - Cat|feline housesoiling]] and [[Feline Aggression|feline aggression]].

Given that stress and anxiety are significant factors in overgrooming, it is vital to improve the cat’s physical and social environment to reduce underlying stress. Increasing the range of activities available to the cat will use up a greater proportion of its time and energy budget, leaving less time for grooming. A proper assessment of inter-cat relationships within the home should be made, so that underlying psychosocial stress may be alleviated. More information is available in the sections on [[Housesoiling - Cat|feline housesoiling]] and [[Feline Aggression|feline aggression]]. If specific events or stimuli are associated with signs of [[Feline Fear and Stress|anxiety, fear]] or directly with bouts of excessive grooming, then these may be desensitised and counter-conditioned.  Any additional underlying factors that may have initiated another period of self-mutilation should then be identified and resolved. Relapses are common, but may be managed effectively using the same methods as for initial treatment.

====Drug Therapy====

====Drug Therapy====