Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The incidence of hyperaesthesia is not known, but it may be more common than once thought and could play a significant part in other behavioural problems such as [[Feline Aggression Towards Cats|inter-cat aggression]].

The prevalence of hyperaesthesia is not known, but it is thought to be more common in oriental breed cats such as Burmese. It may be more common than once thought and can play a significant part in other behavioural problems such as [[Feline Aggression Towards Cats|inter-cat aggression]].

'''Age of onset varies''', but if the condition starts in early adulthood, it can cause the breakdown of previously excellent relationships between cats sharing a household. Historically affected cats will begin to resent play or contact with conspecifics, becoming progressively more irritable and aloof from them. The cat may also begin to resent human contact. Analysis of specific incidents will show that play or grooming began to initiate bouts of hyperaesthesia, which then lead to aggression (often by the other cat).  

'''Age of onset varies''', but if the condition starts in early adulthood, it can cause the breakdown of previously excellent relationships between cats sharing a household. Affected cats will begin to resent play or contact with conspecifics, becoming progressively more irritable and aloof from them. The cat may also begin to resent human contact and show aggression when stroked or handled during a bout of hyperaesthesia.  

The behaviour is highly bizarre but is often overlooked by the owner as a quirk of the cat’s personality. They may consider it to be playful or amusing, unless it becomes frequent or involves self-trauma. The fact that the cat suffers from hyperaesthesia may only come to light as a result of investigating some other behavioural problem. It is unknown whether hyperaesthesia occurs in discrete bouts or, in fact, produces an ongoing altered perception of touch contact. '''The fact that bouts maybe triggered by contact implies that touch sensation is persistently altered in some way'''.

Owners may regard the cat's behaviour as bizarre, or even amusing, but rarely regard hyperaesthesia itself as a problem until it becomes really severe. A diagnosis is usually only considered when hyperaesthesia results in self trauma or behavioural problems. It is unknown whether hyperaesthesia occurs in discrete bouts or, in fact, produces an ongoing altered perception of touch contact. '''The fact that bouts maybe triggered by contact implies that touch sensation is persistently altered in some way'''.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==