Can Cats Have Autism?
A lot of research in recent years has shed new light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how it affects people. This research has led to more awareness and knowledge about some of the most common signs and symptoms of the neurodevelopmental disorder.
Autism is classified by having challenges and/or deficits with social interactions and communication, while also having restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
With all of this newfound knowledge, you might be wondering whether animals, such as dogs, can have autism, too, and specifically, whether cats can have autism. The quick answer is that no, cats cannot have autism because it is a disorder associated only with humans.
However, cats may exhibit some behaviors similar to those that are seen with people who have autism.
Below, we’ll dive deeper into this topic.
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What are Some Traits Cats Can Have Similar to Autism?
Most cats are very social creatures. They enjoy interacting with humans and sometimes with other animals, too.
So, if a cat exhibits behavior that is counter to this, you might think they have autism. However, this is not the case, and there are likely other reasons for it.
Cats that seem to be disinterested in being social simply could be more independent. While this isn’t a characteristic of all cats, it is for some.
Cats can also exhibit repetitive behaviors, which is another trait similar to humans with ASD. This can be seen a lot in how they groom themselves.
Again, though, this isn’t a sign of autism. It’s simply how cats keep themselves healthy and clean. And if they groom another cat, it’s a way that they are either establishing dominance or displaying affection1.
Some cats also may exhibit hypersensitivity to some sensory stimuli, such as noise or touch. This could cause them to be afraid or anxious. In addition, some cats don’t do well in new environments2.
If these things cause your cat to feel anxious or stressed, you might think they are signs of autism — which they very well could be in humans. In cats, though, these are just normal behaviors.
Can Cats Experience Similar Issues to Humans?
Cats indeed do experience some issues that humans do as well. For example, it is known that cats can feel stress, anxiety and even depression3.
They may feel these things for different reasons than humans do, though. And, again, they are not signs that a cat may have autism.
Cats that have these conditions could actually require certain medical treatments, which could include pheromone therapy, certain medications or environmental enrichment. There are even some options for behavior modification, which at its core is similar in theory to some of the leading treatments for autism in humans such as applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy.
Can Cats Be Treated Like Humans with Autism Are?
While there are some behavior modification treatments for cats that may be experiencing certain conditions, they are not treated the same way that humans with autism are.
The gold standard of autism treatment for humans is ABA therapy. The science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior uses positive reinforcement and repetition to help people on the autism spectrum gain the social, communication and daily life skills with which they often struggle.
While ABA therapy has been proven to be successful for people all across the autism spectrum — and with all different challenges and strengths — it’s not something that’s appropriate for cats, as they can’t have autism.
ABA therapy can, however, be used to treat disorders other than just ASD. It has been shown to have positive effects on people diagnosed with panic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions.
The fact that it’s administered on a one-to-one basis, and that treatment plans are catered specifically to each individual patient, are some of the reasons why it’s so successful and highly regarded.
Trust Blue Gems ABA with Your Child’s Treatment
While cats can display some of the same behaviors and traits as humans who have ASD, they cannot have autism, as it’s a disorder that only affects humans. There are some treatment options for cats that do suffer from certain conditions, though you’d have to consult with a veterinarian on the options.
En Blue Gems ABA, we are dedicated to helping children on the autism spectrum live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. We do this by evaluating children for autism, diagnosing them with ASD when appropriate and then administering tried-and-true ABA therapy.
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