Changes

[[File:Cat relationships example.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Fig. 1: Example of a diagram illustrating the relationships between cats within the same household]]  

[[File:Cat relationships example.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Fig. 1: Example of a diagram illustrating the relationships between cats within the same household]]  

[[File:Houseplan 2.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Fig.2: Example of a house plan diagram]]

[[File:Houseplan 2.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Fig.2: Example of a house plan diagram]]

The majority of behavioural cases presented in veterinary practice are related to [[Normal Feline Behaviour|normal feline behaviour]] that is expressed in an inappropriate or undesirable context. However, it is important to be aware that health problems are a common causal or underlying factor in behavioural problems in cats. For example, lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and [[Housesoiling - Cat|housesoiling]] and indoor urine marking are commonly linked. A full physical and clinical examination should be completed before any type of behavioural therapy is implemented. Behavioural changes may precede clinical signs, and also persist after an illness is apparently resolved.

The majority of behavioural cases presented in veterinary practice are related to [[Normal Feline Behaviour|normal feline behaviour]] that is expressed in an inappropriate or undesirable manner.  

*Conditions that alter motivation: Polyphagia and polydipsia ([[Diabetes Mellitus|e.g. due to diabetes mellitus]] or [[Hyperthyroidism]]) can lead to competition over resources, pain can cause increased defensive behaviour, and sickness behaviour (due to the effect of inflammatory cystokines) can cause reductions in activity and social tolerance.

*Conditions that alter perception or cognition: Decreased awareness of signalling can lead to interact conflict (e.g. visual impairment), and cognitive dysfunction can lead to confusion, anxiety and irritability.

It is important to be aware that health problems are a common causal or underlying factor in behavioural problems in cats. For example, lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and [[Housesoiling - Cat|housesoiling]] and indoor urine marking are commonly linked. A full physical and clinical examination should be completed before any type of behavioural therapy is implemented. Behavioural changes may precede clinical signs, and also persist after an illness is apparently resolved.

*Conditions altering water balance ([[Diabetes Mellitus|Diabetes mellitus]], renal insufficiency): cats initially presented for indoor elimination

*Conditions [[Hyperthyroidism]]: [[Feline Aggression|aggression]] to both or either other cats or owners

*Altered motivation: Polyphagia and polydipsia ([[Diabetes Mellitus|e.g. due to diabetes mellitus]] or [[hyperthyroidism]]) can lead to competition over resources, pain can cause increased defensive behaviour

*Altered perception or cognition: Decreased awareness of signalling can lead to interact conflict (e.g. visual impairment), and cognitive dysfunction can lead to confusion, anxiety and irritability. Focal epilepsy can produce confusion, sensory disturbances and mood changes.

*General response to illness: Inflammatory cytokines activate a pattern of decreased activity, social withdrawal and avoidance that is called sickness behaviour (due to the effect of inflammatory cystokines).

Additionally, high levels of [[Feline Fear and Stress|stress]] can cause alterations in behavioural, physiologic and immune responses. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis have been linked to stress as well as effects on levels of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and prolactin. In animals, stress is a contributing factor to [[:Category:Alimentary Diseases - Cat|gastrointestinal disturbances]], [[:Category:Dermatological Diseases - Cat|skin conditions]], feline interstitial [[Cystitis|cystitis]] as well as [[Feline Compulsive Disorders|compulsive disorders]] and increased [[Feline Fear Overview#Signs of Fear|fear responses]].

Additionally, high levels of [[Feline Fear and Stress|stress]] can cause alterations in behavioural, physiologic and immune responses. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis have been linked to stress as well as effects on levels of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and prolactin. In animals, stress is a contributing factor to [[:Category:Alimentary Diseases - Cat|gastrointestinal disturbances]], [[:Category:Dermatological Diseases - Cat|skin conditions]], feline interstitial [[Cystitis|cystitis]] as well as [[Feline Compulsive Disorders|compulsive disorders]] and increased [[Feline Fear Overview#Signs of Fear|fear responses]].