Changes

The majority of behavioural cases presented in veterinary practice are related to normal feline behaviour. However, it is essential to consider that some alterations in behaviour can also be concomitant with the simultaneous presence of clinical disease. In cats specifically links between lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and soiling indoors stress the necessity for a full physical and clinical examination before any type of behavioural therapy is implemented. It is also crucial to remember that pathologies may cause continuing behavioural problems even when the illness has been clinically resolved. Other examples of conditions which can cause alterations in feline behaviour include:

*Diabetes mellitus: cats initially presented for a lapse in house training

The majority of behavioural cases presented in veterinary practice are related to [[Normal Feline Behaviour|normal feline behaviour]]. However, it is essential to consider that some alterations in behaviour can also be concomitant with the simultaneous presence of clinical disease. In cats specifically, links between lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and [[Housesoiling - Cat|soiling indoors]] stress the necessity for a full physical and clinical examination before any type of behavioural therapy is implemented. It is also crucial to remember that pathologies may cause continuing behavioural problems even when the illness has been clinically resolved.  

*Hyperthyroidsim: aggression to both or either other cats or owners

 

Other examples of conditions which can cause alterations in feline behaviour include:

*[[Diabetes Mellitus|Diabetes mellitus]]: cats initially presented for a lapse in house training

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

 

As well as behavioural expressions of physical disease, behavioural symptoms can result as a outcome of shifts in neurochemical equilibriums in the CNS.  

As well as behavioural expressions of physical disease, behavioural symptoms can result as a outcome of shifts in neurochemical equilibriums in the CNS.  

Additionally high levels of 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 gastrointestinal disturbances, skin conditions, feline interstitial cystitis as well as compulsive disorders and increased 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]].

As with other areas of veterinary practice a thorough history is paramount. In a behavioural context history taking must be especially thorough and can be a very long process. Initially it must be determined what the issue is from the client’s perspective and what they are expecting as a solution. It is important to collect information about the cat’s environment and not centre solely on the presenting behaviour. The history should also cover the medical background of the cat, the upbringing of the animal, current lifestyle and information about the specific problem which is of concern.

As with other areas of veterinary practice, a thorough history is paramount. In a behavioural context history taking must be especially thorough and can be a very long process. Initially, it must be determined what the issue is from the client’s perspective and what they are expecting as a solution. It is important to collect information about the cat’s environment and not centre solely on the presenting behaviour. The history should also cover the medical background of the cat, the upbringing of the animal, current lifestyle and information about the specific problem which is of concern.

Key points in a behavioural history should cover:

Key points in a behavioural history should cover: