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]]. 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.  

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.

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

*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.

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

*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.

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

 

*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

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.