Changes

Cats frequently fall back on '''introverted self-maintenance behaviour''' as a means of '''self-appeasement''' during times of '''stress, anxiety''' or '''emotional conflict'''. This 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.  

Cats frequently fall back on '''introverted self-maintenance behaviour''' as a means of '''self-appeasement''' during times of '''stress, anxiety''' or '''emotional conflict'''. This 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.  

==Diagnosis==

==Investigation==

In true [[Alopecia and Hypotrichosis|alopecia]], hairs are easily epilated in the areas that are becoming bald, but the hairs remain normal to touch. When the hairs are being removed by deliberate grooming, barbering or hair-pulling then the hairs will feel '''spiky''' and '''sharp''' because the tips have been taken off. Microscopic examination of a hair pluck will confirm the state of the hair tips. '''Hair loss is restricted to parts of the body that may be reached whilst grooming with the tongue'''. These signs are an immediate indication that the cat is not suffering from a true alopecia. Parasitism and allergic skin disease are major differentials for overgrooming. Localised or referred pain, or deep pruritic conditions such as [[Feline Scabies|Notoedric mange]] may be a cause of overgrooming that progresses into self-harm.  

In true [[Alopecia and Hypotrichosis|alopecia]], hairs are easily epilated in the areas that are becoming bald, but the hairs remain normal to touch. When the hairs are being removed by deliberate grooming, barbering or hair-pulling then the hairs will feel '''spiky''' and '''sharp''' because the tips have been taken off. Microscopic examination of a hair pluck will confirm the state of the hair tips. '''Hair loss is restricted to parts of the body that may be reached whilst grooming with the tongue'''. These signs are an immediate indication that the cat is not suffering from a true alopecia. Parasitism and allergic skin disease are major differentials for overgrooming. Localised or referred pain, or deep pruritic conditions such as [[Feline Scabies|Notoedric mange]] may be a cause of overgrooming that progresses into self-harm.