Can Cats Have Autism? The Truth About Your Feline’s Behavior
ASD or autism is a developmental disorder that involves problems such as interaction, social communication, restricted behaviors of activities and interest. One child out of every 100 kids suffers from this disorder. The question is can cats have autism? Do they suffer from the same problem as humans or is it something different? You will find answers to all these questions by reading the article below.
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What Is Autism?
Autism is a condition or disability, which affects the manner in which an individual communicates with other individuals around him or her. The people who suffer from this condition, see and feel the world in a very different way.
Can Cats Have Autism?
This is a significant matter that all cat owners are concerned about. Experts have debated over this matter and they have reached a conclusion that there is a chance that cats can suffer from autism. But, the answer is impossible. The action and the manner in which the cats behave can give an idea about the signs of autism. Some of the reasons, which show that felines can be autistic are physiological abnormalities, infectious diseases, and poor nutrition.
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There is this amazing book that I came across called All Cats Have Asperger. This book is particularly loved for its teaching values. The story is very insightful, touching, and humorous. It shares a story of a child who is distinct from others. It gives a sense of potential, dignity, and individuality of people who are suffering from ASD. For better understanding, have a look at this video.
Is There Any Symptom For That?
Your feline can show signs that he or she has autism. If your cat is not interested in being social with other animals, then there is a chance that it has autism. Various other reasons can be remaining awake at night and keeping you awake.
Also, there is a chance that they make you laugh in the most unexpected ways. Your feline can also scream or lash out at you when you go to trim their nails.
Similarities Between Cats And Autistic People
Like people who are suffering from autism cats also have:
Autistic Tendencies Displayed By Cats
There are a number of symptoms that human beings display when they have autism that your cat can also display. These signs are mainly related to vocalization, sensory abnormalities, and social interaction.
1. Less social interaction
There are certain breeds of cats that like to have alone time. There are moments where cats don’t interact with animals and people. If your four-legged friend is antisocial towards other animals and people, then this is because of its nature. The exposure that a cat gets by interacting with humans as it grows up plays an important role. Unless you observe an abnormal change in the behavior of your cat, there isn’t anything to worry about.
2. Sensory abnormalities
Cats may suffer from uncoordinated moves, reduced responsiveness, and lack of focus but this trait of your kitty does not signify autism. Infected wounds, depression, and organ failure bring irregularity in the feline behavior. These are the indications that you are required to take your feline to a vet.
3. Vocalization
One symptom of autism that is common in both human beings as well as felines is vocalization. Excessive vocalization and lack of vocalization are very normal in autistic patients. If your feline is chirping, purring, or meowing around you, then it is not necessary that he or she is autistic. There are some cat breeds that don’t vocalize at all and there are some, which rarely vocalize. If such a behavior is due to stress, then it is advisable for you to visit a vet.
Are Cats Autistic If They Focus Specifically On One Thing?
Abyssinians and Birman cats are the two most intelligent breeds of cats. Your cat may display unaccountable changes in his or her behavior but it is not wise to give the name of autism to this sudden change in behavior. If your cat is particularly focused on a toy, it can also mean that the toy is his or her favorite. If your dear four-legged companion is fond of a particular thing, then it can also be because she finds that thing more appealing as compared to every other thing around her.
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It is a great thing that your cat plays with a particular toy. If a cat plays and stays active rather than just lazing around at one place, then that is a good sign as it depicts that she is healthy and fit. Playing and enjoying is a sign of mental as well as physical fitness. Moreover, it keeps your feline busy. Generally, when a cat grows up she stops playing with the toys, which she used to play with earlier. If something like this happens to my cat, then I try to come up with different ways to keep her cheerful and active. I buy objects and toys that are more appealing to her so that she keeps herself busy in her individual play whenever other members of the family are not around. Interactive Cat Toy 360 Degree Self Rotating Ball and Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy are some of the interactive toys I bought for my cat so that she doesn’t feel lonely.
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How Can Cats Help Autistic Children?
Kittens can help autistic children in communicating more effectively and clearly. If an autistic child interacts with a pet immediately after waking up, then it reduces the level of cortisol, it means less stressful beginning of the day. Cat as a companion can give a useful therapy to autistic children. Nowadays, felines are kept in convalescent homes to cure the illness of a person.
Here are some of the changes that are brought in an autistic child’s life when they come in contact with cats or other pets:
Acceptance
Autistic children feel more connected to pets like dogs and cats. Bringing a cat in an autistic child’s company can help kids who feel alienated or alone. Interaction with a pet helps a little child to see these creatures the way they are. I purchased a cat that was blind and it was a great experience as autistic children understand the requirements and uniqueness of such cats. If you bring your child with special needs near to a cat that also has special needs, then it helps them in knowing that being unique to something they should be proud of.
Socialization
Interacting socially with other people is very hard for kids who have autism as the way they look at the world and interpret emotions is way different from others. This can cause the child to become non-social at a really small age but friendship with a pet will stop anything like that from happening. The affection and love that a child gets from the companionship of a pet develop confidence in them and they are able to socialize with other people around them.
Spreading Understanding
The book All Cats Have Aspergers Syndrome is prominent amongst the parents whose kids are suffering from autism. It is not because cats actually have Aspergers but this book also provides understanding. In this book, it is explained through pictures how a child suffering from Aspergers sees the world around him or her. The book contains everything related to them that include how they think, which thing upsets them, and things which intrigue them.
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Tactile Sensation
By bringing various pets of different coats can also invigorate the minds of kids that have autism. Generally, the kids who suffer from autism have tactile problems as well. Either they very much like being in the company of pets or they avert it.
Conclusion
Cats may behave in a manner similar to an autistic person but that does not mean that your feline is also autistic. Every kitty is unique in its own way. To conclude everything, cats act like autistic but it is not necessarily because of the changes or abnormalities in the behavior of your feline. However, if you think there is something wrong with your feline like physiological abnormalities or infectious diseases, then you should bring her to the veterinarian to ensure your pet's health.
If you wish to share your opinion as well as experiences and thoughts on this topic, then feel free to express your comments below.
