Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Although often classified with other forms of aggression, [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|predatory behaviour]] is functionally and mechanistically different to aggression. Cats are highly adapted to carry out a specific pattern of hunting behaviour. They have a small stomach and pared down biochemical processes, which are designed to cope with a large number of small fresh meals each day, rather than a single large one. One very common misconception amongst cat owners is that hunting is a behaviour which is performed in order to satisfy hunger. In fact, these two aspects of feline behaviour are independent of one another. '''A hungry cat will engage larger prey and deliver a kill bite more rapidly, but a well-fed cat will still continue to hunt'''. Innate hunting responses are triggered by stimuli such as sudden movements or shrill noises.

Although often classified with other forms of aggression, [[Feline Predatory Behaviour|predatory behaviour]] is functionally and mechanistically different to aggression. Cats are highly adapted to carry out a specific pattern of hunting behaviour. They have a small stomach which is evolved to cope with a large number of small fresh meals each day, rather than a single large one. One very common misconception amongst cat owners is that hunting is a behaviour which is performed in order to satisfy hunger. In fact, these two aspects of feline behaviour are independent of one another. '''A hungry cat will engage larger prey and deliver a kill bite more rapidly, but a well-fed cat will still continue to hunt'''. In one study cats were found to break off from eating a bowl of food to catch and kill a live rat that was nearby, before returning to the food bowl (Adamec). Hunting responses are triggered by stimuli such as sudden movements or shrill noises.

As a result, a cat that is denied the opportunity to engage in hunting real prey or appropriate toys will often display predatory behaviour toward other rapidly moving objects such as human ankles and hands. Human shrieks and protests simply drive the behaviour on. The behavioural sequences involved in predation are practiced and perfected through object play so that in some texts the terms '''‘misdirected play’ or ‘play-related aggression’''' are used to describe a predatory form of behaviour that occurs in the absence of any genuine prey.

As a result, a cat that is denied the opportunity to engage in hunting real prey or appropriate toys may display predatory behaviour toward other rapidly moving objects such as human feet and hands. Human shrieks and squeals increase the cat's arousal and intensify the behaviour. The behavioural sequences involved in predation are practiced and perfected through object play so that in some texts the terms '''‘misdirected play’ or ‘play-related aggression’''' are used to describe a predatory form of behaviour that occurs in the absence of any genuine prey.

 

It is, however, important to remember that there is an underlying functional motivation for the behaviour, which is predation.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==