Changes

==Underlying Factors==

==Underlying Factors==

The cat is highly '''self-reliant''' and depends on its own ability to control and utilise resources in [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|its environment]]. It experiences strong drives to [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|hunt, feed]] and carry out self-maintenance behaviours at set intervals. Hunting, for example, is not primarily regulated by appetite or satiation so cats will continue to hunt regardless of their earlier success or failure. The [[Feline Normal Behaviour|cat’s normal behavior]] is therefore '''highly structured''' and '''self-disciplined'''. This reflects the fact that, in a given area, the [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territories]] of several cats may partially overlap so that each individual can gain access to certain common resources, or traverse corners of each other’s territory in order to get from place to place. The temporal structure of the cat’s behaviour, combined with its [[Feline Communication Behaviour|system of marking]], allows each cat to exist in isolation from others, thus minimising conflict and maximising the cats ability to utilise resources on demand. Great reliance is placed on the reliability of access to resources.

The cat is highly '''self-reliant''' and depends on its own ability to control and utilise resources in [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|its environment]]. It experiences strong drives to [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|hunt, feed]] and carry out self-maintenance behaviours at set intervals. Hunting, for example, is not primarily regulated by appetite or satiation so cats will continue to hunt regardless of their earlier success or failure. The [[Normal Feline Behaviour|cat’s normal behavior]] is therefore '''highly structured''' and '''self-disciplined'''. This reflects the fact that, in a given area, the [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territories]] of several cats may partially overlap so that each individual can gain access to certain common resources, or traverse corners of each other’s territory in order to get from place to place. The temporal structure of the cat’s behaviour, combined with its [[Feline Communication Behaviour|system of marking]], allows each cat to exist in isolation from others, thus minimising conflict and maximising the cats ability to utilise resources on demand. Great reliance is placed on the reliability of access to resources.

'''[[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|Environmental factors]] are therefore extraordinarily important in all [[Feline Problem Behaviour||feline behavioural problems]]''', especially compulsive disorders. For the cat to live in an environment that places it in close proximity with potential competitors, inside or outside the home, and with limited control over access to resources and territory, can have a very damaging effect.  

'''[[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|Environmental factors]] are therefore extraordinarily important in all [[Feline Problem Behaviour|feline behavioural problems]]''', especially compulsive disorders. For the cat to live in an environment that places it in close proximity with potential competitors, inside or outside the home, and with limited control over access to resources and territory, can have a very damaging effect.  

Feline compulsive disorder is more commonly associated with a lack of ability to carry out [[Normal Feline Behaviour|normal behaviour]], combined with the social stress of perpetual competition and conflict. Improvement of the physical and [[Feline Social Behaviour|social environment]] is therefore critically important for cats with compulsive disorders. Even without a compulsive element, the cat is likely to increase the amount of self-maintenance behaviour it performs as a substitute for thwarted hunting behaviour and territory maintenance.

Feline compulsive disorder is more commonly associated with a lack of ability to carry out [[Normal Feline Behaviour|normal behaviour]], combined with the social stress of perpetual competition and conflict. Improvement of the physical and [[Feline Social Behaviour|social environment]] is therefore critically important for cats with compulsive disorders. Even without a compulsive element, the cat is likely to increase the amount of self-maintenance behaviour it performs as a substitute for thwarted hunting behaviour and territory maintenance.