- \n
- \nAutism: What is it?<\/a><\/li>
- \nCan Cats Be Autistic?<\/a><\/li>
- \nWhat Cat Behaviors Are Similar to Those of Autism? <\/a>\n\t\t
- \nLack of Social Interaction<\/a><\/li>
- \nVocalization<\/a><\/li>
- \nExtraordinary Intelligence<\/a><\/li>
- \nFascination with Lights and Movement<\/a><\/li>
- \nSensory Abnormalities<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>
- \nDo cats have other mental illnesses?<\/a>\n\t\t
- \nObsessive-Compulsive Disorder<\/a><\/li>
- \nFeline Cognitive Dysfunction<\/a><\/li>
- \nFeline Hyperesthesia Syndrome<\/a><\/li>
- \nAnxiety<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>
- \nCats, Children, and Autism<\/a><\/li>
- \nConclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n
Autism: What is it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
Autism<\/a> is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"kitten](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1-19.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n(kitten closing eyes) <\/p>\n\n\n
Can Cats Be Autistic?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
Various reasons may cause cats to exhibit signs that mirror people who have autism. To mention a few, they include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Poor nutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Infectious diseases<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Physiological abnormalities <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that cats may exhibit signs like typical autism, but it\u2019s almost impossible to test cats for autism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/2-18.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08A cat sitting alone on the couch\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n
What Cat Behaviors Are Similar to Those of Autism? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
Many symptoms that indicate autism in humans are also exhibited in cats. They may include changes in social interaction, vocalization patterns,<\/a> and unusual levels of focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sleeping](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/3-20.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n(Sleeping cat) <\/p>\n\n\n
Lack of Social Interaction<\/h3>\n\n\n
Many cat breeds<\/a> are naturally independent and require to be alone in most instances. It\u2019s normal for cats to show disinterest in people or other animals. However, if a cat displays antisocial behavior towards others, it\u2019s likely due to its overall temperament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The level of socialization of a cat during its development stage can affect its social behavior as an adult. Kittens that receive more socialization with humans tend to be friendlier and more social as they mature. <\/p>\n\n\n
Vocalization<\/h3>\n\n\n
Vocalization is one of the most obvious signs of autism in humans and cats. When your cat purrs, chirps, and meows when around you, it doesn\u2019t mean it has autism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some cat breeds are more talkative than others, and it\u2019s normal for cats to vary their vocalization patterns. Unless the vocalization results from distress, don\u2019t conclude that something is wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Striped](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/4-19.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n(Striped kitten) <\/p>\n\n\n
Extraordinary Intelligence<\/h3>\n\n\n
Many cat breeds, such as Birman<\/a> cats and Abyssinians, are known for their intelligence. It\u2019s normal for cats to be unpredictable and to have varying levels of interest in different objects or activities. If a cat exhibits a particularly intense focus on a particular toy<\/a> or object, it means that it enjoys that specific activity or item. It\u2019s not a sign of autism.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Fascination with Lights and Movement<\/h3>\n\n\n
One behavior similar to those seen in people with autism is a fascination with lights and movement. This type of behavior is often referred to as stimming, which stands for self-stimulatory behavior. Stimming can serve as a way for people with autism to regulate their senses and emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"gray](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/5-14.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n(gray and white kitten)<\/p>\n\n\n
Sensory Abnormalities<\/h3>\n\n\n
Cats may also exhibit sensory abnormalities, such as oversensitive to specific sounds. For example, a cat may become agitated or distressed by loud noises or avoid certain surfaces or textures.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, a cat may not react to stimuli perceived as painful or unpleasant, such as being stepped on or pinched. It\u2019s important to note that sensory abnormalities don\u2019t indicate that a cat has autism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strong Preferences<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People with autism may exhibit strong preferences for certain routines. Cats may also show strong preferences and become distressed when their routines get disrupted. For example, a cat may become agitated if its food or water dish<\/a> gets moved to a different location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/6-12.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\uff08The cat and the water dish\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n
Do cats have other mental illnesses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
It\u2019s not uncommon for people to wonder if their cats can also experience mental health conditions. Let\u2019s divulge some common mental disorders in cats. <\/p>\n\n\n
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n
Some animal behavior specialists may observe behaviors in cats similar to those in people with OCD<\/a>. For example, a cat may exhibit repetitive behaviors, such as excessive grooming or becoming too fixated on a specific object or activity. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"two](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/7-8.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n(two kittens sitting) <\/p>\n\n\n
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n
FCD is a condition that affects older cats and causes changes in cognitive function. If a cat exhibits symptoms of feline cognitive dysfunction, it\u2019s important to consult a veterinarian. <\/p>\n\n\n
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n
- \nFeline Cognitive Dysfunction<\/a><\/li>
- \nVocalization<\/a><\/li>
- \nCan Cats Be Autistic?<\/a><\/li>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/8-7-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/9-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n