Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

During periods of stress, cats may exhibit changes in behaviour. Positive signs of stress include behaviours that are increased or seen for the first sign during stress, and include aggression, and indoor marking. Negative signs of stress include behaviours that are reduced, or stop altogether, during periods of stress, such as play and exploratory behaviour. Grooming is a behaviour that can be either a positive or negative sign of stress, due to individual differences. In most cases, grooming increases during '''stress, anxiety''' or '''emotional conflict''', and it is hypothesised that it is a form of '''self-appeasement' behaviour'''. Stress can arise fro the social or physical environment, and also from physical heal problems. Grooming can become excessive if stress is chronic or repeated. Stress related grooming may have little effect on coat condition, as the cat will not systematically clean its entire body in the manner typical for purposeful grooming. Instead, some areas are targeted for addition grooming, resulting in focal areas of hair loss whilst the rest of the coat my be normal or even unkempt. It can become compulsive when the cat carries out the behaviour to the detriment of its own health and in place of normal behaviour or in inappropriate contexts.

During periods of stress, cats may exhibit changes in behaviour. Positive signs of stress include behaviours that are increased or seen for the first time during stress, and include aggression, and indoor marking. Negative signs of stress include behaviours that are reduced, or stop altogether, during periods of stress, such as play and exploratory behaviour. Grooming is a behaviour that can be either a positive or negative sign of stress, due to individual differences. In most cases, grooming increases during '''stress, anxiety''' or '''emotional conflict''', and it is hypothesised that it is a form of '''self-appeasement behaviour'''. Stress can arise from the social or physical environment, and also from physical health problems. Grooming can become excessive if stress is chronic or repeated. Stress related grooming may have little effect on coat condition, as the cat will not systematically clean its entire body in the manner typical for purposeful grooming. Instead, some areas are targeted for additional grooming, resulting in focal areas of hair loss whilst the rest of the coat my be normal or even unkempt. It can become compulsive when the cat carries out the behaviour to the detriment of its own health and in the place of normal behaviour or in inappropriate contexts.

==Investigation==

==Investigation==