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Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour (view source)
Revision as of 16:23, 16 June 2014
, 16:23, 16 June 2014no edit summary
Any changes to their environment may have profound effect on their well being and behavioural problems may develop if this is not addressed appropriately, particularly at times of rehoming or owners moving house. Proper introduction to a new [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|‘core territory’]] reduces stress and the likelihood of [[Feline Fear and Stress|fear problems]]. Creating attachment to a new core territory also reduces the risk of the cat straying or trying to return to its original territory after a house move.
Any changes to their environment may have profound effect on their well being and behavioural problems may develop if this is not addressed appropriately, particularly at times of rehoming or owners moving house. Proper introduction to a new [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|‘core territory’]] reduces stress and the likelihood of [[Feline Fear and Stress|fear problems]]. Creating attachment to a new core territory also reduces the risk of the cat straying or trying to return to its original territory after a house move.
Normal exploration of a new environment follows a star-shaped pattern. The cat makes forays into the environment away from an initial safe place. Any fearful event will cause the cat to return briefly to its place of safety. Indeed, successfully learning about a new environment depends upon already having somewhere safe to return to. Without this the cat will experience considerable [[Feline Fear Overview|anxiety and fear]], which may create long-term aversions to the stimuli the cat encounters during the first few hours in a new location. For example, a well-socialised cat might enjoy the company of children when they are in an environment that it understands, but the same cat may react fearfully to boisterous children when in a new environment. This kind of encounter can condition fear reactions that continue to plague the cat’s relationship with the children even once it has settled into the new home. It is therefore essential that the cat accepts and feels safe in the new environment before encountering any potential stressors.
==Adequate Environment for Cats==
==Adequate Environment for Cats==