In case you’re not sure exactly what autism is, I can explain. However, if you do catch a few signs of autism, maybe it’s best to consider the following tips; Avoid prolonged eye contact: If having eye contact with evenings spent gazing lovingly into your pet’s eyes as you cuddle is one of your love languages, resist the urge to get into a staring match with your feline. But we all love our cats and all of their individual quirks because, well, they are individual quirks that make our cats special. This is especially true on those cool, rainy nights where your partner is laid upon the bed wearing your favorite nighty and you crawl in under the duvet, eager to have them in your arms; quality cuddle time on your mind and maybe even something more only to get your overtures repeatedly rebuffed. Siamese cats, for instance, are big on human contact and readily form a loving bond with their owner. Keep in mind that a cat by its very nature is a loner. If you are a family person with small children in the house and their propensity for mischiefs such as sneaking up on kitty or loud screaming, you might want to consider not getting a Bombay cat. They react very badly and aggressively when exposed to either. There are just some of the general signs of how a cat with autism would behave. Erratic and aggressive behavior – Does your cat suddenly lash out at you for no reason when you’re playing with them? If your cat is displaying the behaviors that might you think they are autistic, maybe they are. Cats help calm children with autism, according to new research from the University of Missouri. Your observation of kitty being rather unfriendly and anti-social may very well be correct. They also displayed less separation anxiety, externalizing, bullying and hyperactivity or inattention. Kitty might not have gotten the memo that the days of a quiet house all to yourselves have come to a screeching halt and react badly to the sudden and seemingly endless stream of new faces filling up the house. Acting withdrawn – Does your cat act withdrawn sometimes, and even go from being happy and active to withdrawn some days? With felines, you will more likely than not elicit a hostile response. Now scientists have discovered that shelter cats can be helpful to kids with autism. With cats, some breeds are more extroverted and social than others. Like meowing at night. But, the bottom line is – does it really matter? Empathy is a hard thing for individuals with autism to grasp, and having a cat helps them build empathy for other creatures. It would appear autism is not limited to humans but with some cat owners observing seemingly autistic behaviors in their pets. But, diagnosing cats with autism is not something that vets and pet healthcare professionals can do. Relieve Anxiety. But my dog favoritism aside, the truth is that cats, for all their supposed frigidness, have long been a trusted ally and supportive comrade to humankind. Not so fast though. The cats were also screened for temperament. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Preferring solitude over spending time with your guests is not always about being anti-social. Whichever scenario your cat has figured in its mind, neither would end well for you if you don’t cut out all that ogling. If there was some trauma or complications as a kitten then this can cause a cat to act in some of the ways highlighted above. If your cat is displaying some strange behaviors and habits that are similar to that of autistic behaviors humans display, you may be wondering – Can cats be autistic? In the end, cat adoption seemed to impact children with autism in … Kitty is highly unlikely to be autistic. The researchers used standardized social skills and anxiety scales to pick children who were likely to respond well to a pet. But, diagnosing cats with autism is not something that vets and pet healthcare professionals can do. The small study suggests that adopting a shelter cat may help reduce separation anxiety and improve empathy in kids with an autism spectrum disorder (). Yes, cats can show all the behavioral traits of an autistic person. Manx cats share similar characteristics with Bombay except they are much more friendly and playful especially with their owners but not so much with their owner’s small children. Children with the developmental disorder showed increased empathy and experienced fewer problem behaviors after welcoming a pet cat into their homes. Cats also enjoy routine and are highly intelligent. The downcast, sleep-deprived eyes, and disoriented manner observable in many people the day after who failed to learn fast hold untold tales of how their heads almost got chewed off. Bombay cats, on the other hand, are not big on surprises or loud noises. Although autism might be your first suspect, it is best to leave any diagnosis to the pros to rule out any possible infections or mental disorders. Are you getting a weird feeling your cat is avoiding you that you just can’t shake? The Persian, Burmese, Abyssinian, exotic shorthair, Ragdoll and Maine Coon are very sociable kitty breeds worth considering if you prefer having a friendly cat. At the time of writing this, there is no clear test or way to be 100% sure if a cat is autistic. As the book points out, many of the symptoms of Aspergers such as a demand for sameness, aversion to eye contact, attachment to unusual objects and independence are very common traits in cats.. What we humans tend to forget is behavior that seems … Seeing as the very behaviors in cats that when observed in human beings can be alarming and worrisome are in cats normal behavior, one can safely assume that although cats share some illness with the human species such as depression and organ failure to name a few, autism spectrum disorder is not one of them. Copyright 2020 by Upgrade Your Cat. ), Ragdoll Cat Breeders in Ohio | Kittens & Cats for Sale, Ragdoll Cat Breeders in New York | Kittens & Cats for Sale, Ragdoll Cat Breeders in Pennsylvania | Kittens & Cats for Sale, Ragdoll Cat Breeders in Illinois | Kittens & Cats for Sale, Ragdoll Cat Breeders in New Jersey | Kittens & Cats for Sale. It’s become something of a truism that cats often behave like humans with autism. The families were followed for 18 weeks after adopting a shelter cat. Something I’m sure you’ll agree that we all love about cats is their individual personalities. Those two species are much more likely to feel all that love you are communicating through the eyes. If someone is open to the idea, my personal advice is to choose a cat. Do these symptoms read like behaviors your kitty exhibits? The same rule goes for cuddling. With this understanding of feline behavior and how many of a cat’s normal behavior fit the autistic bill, the question of whether it is even possible for a cat to be autistic arises. I showed my children how much our cat LOVES gets a brushing. Kitty could imagine in its feline mind that you are sizing it up to do it harm or in the case of a confident cat that you fear it. It is quite a feat to get a feline excited. Stare long enough and an enraged cat could make a move on your eyes especially if you are within its reach. If yes, you are not alone in thinking your cat just might be autistic. This represented an overall prevalence rate of 0.7%, or about 1 in 150 people. Insufferable as you are, your cat just might rather prefer you to all the racket that Aunt Jane and Uncle Jack represent especially Auntie’s affinity for forced cuddling with it. (Based on How They Behave), . Avoid comparing cats to humans: If your cat doesn’t seem as enthralled with the fancy new toy you got for it that set back your finances quite a bit as you do, do not go comparing it to that time your autistic niece showed no appreciation or enthusiasm about your gift. Cats might also make strange noises that lead some owners to deduce that their pet has autism. According to a study recently published on the Frontiers in Veterinary Science, cats can be quite affectionate … A lot actually. Which is why it’s often difficult to diagnose in humans, and makes it incredibly difficult to pinpoint in cats. A comprehensive study of cat-races showed that the Ragdoll race was the most affectionate, socially outgoing, and … This was around the same time he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Siamese, Sphynx, Bombay, Singapura, and Bengal cats are special breeds that are very popular with feline lovers yet have special social needs that if not met can display an aggressive side that belies that attractive looks. The study found that children with autism showed greater empathy, less separation anxiety, and fewer problem behaviors after a cat was introduced into their family. You just can’t seem to get along with those two and would rather enjoy your own company. Siamese cats have a territorial side to their nature that makes them prefer a one on one exclusive type of bond with no room for including others. Having your cute little baby slashed by a threatened cat is a scenario best avoided. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing suggests that cats make valuable companions for children with autism spectrum disorder. (It’s Not as Obvious as It Seems! As many regular cat mannerisms are very similar to the signs of autism, it is not such a stretch for kitty owners to assume their beloved pet is struggling with the disorder. In 2013, the diagnostic tool used by professionals in the United States (the DSM5) eliminated the term Asperger Syndrome and placed it under the generic umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are … By. The new study included 11 families that had children with autism between the ages of 6 and 14. For instance, some cat owners who have observed that their pet is withdrawn and recoiling from being cuddled with them dodging sharp claws from a cranky cat may well assume something is amiss. One of the top best cat breeds for autistic child is a Ragdoll cat. In felines, which aren’t typically very social animals in the first place, determining if your cat has autism spectrum disorder can be a lot trickier. A review of the common signs of autism would help narrow down the possibility. Extroverts vs Introverts: Some of our species are very extroverted being in their element as the life of the party while the introverted thrive in solitude, enjoying only the company of close friends. The Cat with Attitude The below description has been provided by the artist to provide insight into their artwork. At the time of writing this, there is no clear test or way to be, Do some research into the characteristics of your breed of cat too. There are a lot of factors to consider here. Seeing as its breed has a lot of bearing on a cat’s behavior, this should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not kitty could be autistic. Cats tend to be a bit more laid back, well, certain breeds are anyway. Nevertheless, these are typical cat behaviors, and research points to the conclusion that cats cannot get autism. Some. Depending on how friendly the breed you have got on your hands, some kitties aren’t big on snuggly time. Kirsten, who has a blog called “Running For Autism,” lists thirteen behaviors that prove cats have autism. Many cat owners share similar sentiments. By, Oct 06, 2020 / , cats can show all the behavioral traits of an autistic person. – Standards & Colors, Do Cats Have Ankles? What Size Carrier Do I Need for 12 Pound Cat? The same goes for trying to force kitty to bond with your always drunk Uncle Steve whenever he decides to drop by. Best Cats For Autism. Do some research into the characteristics of your breed of cat too. Less social interaction There are certain breeds of cats that like to have alone time. Previous research on how animals might benefit children on the spectrum have focused on dogs, but, says Gretchen Carlisle, PhD, MEd, RN, … Cats can be loving and playful companions for anyone, but for children with autism, a new study suggests a cat can reduce separation anxiety and increase empathy. Loving Your Pet. The best part of having pets for children with autism and special needs is the love you get! “Nathan is a 36-year-old artist with a variety of interests including tennis, choir and art. Cat Cats Be Autistic? Here are some tips to help ascertain their character; How they react to new visitors: The level of exposure your cat has had to persons other than you is also a factor in this behavior. Is My Cat Autistic? What you consider strange might just be your cat’s normal behavior. If your feline though has enjoyed a great deal of exposure to lots of faces perhaps with your family and neighbors only to suddenly do an about face and start becoming anti-social, it is worth getting the situation looked into by a veterinarian. In fact, according to a study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 59 children within the United States alone are estimated to be autistic. Can a Maine Coon Be Orange? All CAT-Q scores significantly correlate with autistic-like traits, but there are some other correlations: [8] Gender differences in self-reported camouflaging in autistic and nonautistic adults (Hull et al., 2019) High CAT-Q scores correlate with social anxiety in both autistics and neurotypicals, with the exception of Masking. If your cat is displaying some strange behaviors and habits that are similar to that of autistic behaviors humans display, you may be wondering –. Cats by their very nature love routine and the sudden appearance of new/strange faces could be upsetting to it. Also, did you have your cat from a kitten? Can Cats be Autistic? Emma: The First Cat Who Helped My Son With Autism We adopted Emma from the Humane Society when my son, Conal, was 3 years old. A cat provides a universal common ground for conversations, so many autistic children will talk to others more freely when their cat is with them (as the cat provides a conversation starter). Behavior Advice, Latest Products, Toys, Food, and Cute Pics! The study was conducted by Gretchen Carlisle, research scientist at … Of those who were estimated to have autism in 2015, … Cats have a long history of boosting people's moods and brightening their days. I’m now convinced that my cat Leo is autistic, which would explain why he’s so different from his twin brother Tigger. If you want to take a closer look at your cat and see if they tick the boxes for autism in cats however, here are some of the following signs to look out for: Poor social skills – Does your cat show no interest in interacting with you or other animals? There are no physical signs to look out for, and the spectrum is very broad. The ideal cat … Your cat could simply be introverted and prefer spending one on one time with you than having to deal with all your friends. I also think they can be more resilient if chosen well. As many regular cat mannerisms are very similar to the signs of autism, it is not such a stretch for kitty owners to assume their beloved pet is struggling with the disorder. If you’re previously ‘keen on snuggles’ kitty suddenly cannot seem to bear you touching it and this new behavior is fast becoming the new norm, it is worth getting kitty checked out. Does the sight of visitors send kitty scurrying for cover or have it acting flat out hostile? According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), kids across the autism spectrum showed more empathy and fewer behavioral issues after their families adopted a cat. The presence of autism spectrum disorder is often characterized by a struggle to express emotions by the sufferer, an unwillingness/disinterest in physical contact, sound and light sensitivity, a preference for solitude and an unchanged routine, avoidance of eye contact and a tendency towards repetition. With kitties that come fitted with sharp claws though, they will ensure you learn to cut out the holding the hard way. How Often Should You Take Your Indoor Cat To The Vet. Feline friendship might have a positive effect on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. While, of course, therapy/support dogs are awesome, when it comes to an autistic child, a cat may be the better choice. Some breeds behave very differently from others.
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