![]() If the problem is diagnosed as a compulsive disorder, drugs that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin may be effective at reducing or controlling some of the signs at the same time, behavior therapy and environmental modifications are also likely to be needed. In cases where the cat is exhibiting self-directed or self-injurious behaviors such as tail mutilation or psychogenic alopecia (see below), a dermatology work-up might include diagnostic tests on the blood and skin, as well as perhaps medication or diet trials to rule out food allergies, parasites, itchiness, or pain. Since a variety of medical problems, including painful conditions, neurologic diseases and dermatologic disorders can cause many of these signs an extensive diagnostic workup may be needed to rule out underlying medical problems. The diagnosis begins by ruling out or treating possible underlying medical causes. For example, wool sucking is more common in Oriental breeds of cats. There may be a genetic predisposition to compulsive behaviors. ![]() In cats, excessive sucking and chewing, hunting and pouncing at unseen prey, running and chasing, paw shaking, freezing, excessive vocalization, self-directed aggression such as tail chasing or foot chewing, overgrooming or barbering of hair and possibly feline hyperesthesia may all be manifestations of conflict, and may become compulsive disorders in time. What are the most common compulsive disorders in cats? ![]()
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