Feline Compulsive Disorders Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Compulsive disorders (CD) in cats are abnormal, repetitive behaviors that occur excessively and out of context. These behaviors typically arise from conflict, frustration, or anxiety and may persist even after the original stressor is removed. Unlike human obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there is no current evidence that animals experience intrusive thoughts preceding compulsive episodes. Instead, feline compulsive behaviors are often triggered by high-arousal situations or stressors.

Compulsive disorder is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning medical causes must be thoroughly ruled out before a behavioral diagnosis is made. Studies have shown that up to 76% of cats referred for suspected psychogenic alopecia actually have underlying medical conditions such as allergies, parasites, or food hypersensitivity.

Classification of Feline Compulsive Disorders

Feline compulsive behaviors can be classified into several categories based on the type of behavior expressed: