How can I tell if my cat has special needs?

Abnormalities That May Resemble Those of Down Syndrome

• Broad noses.
• Upturned eyes (which may be set widely apart)
• Small or unusual ears.
• Low muscle tone.
• Difficulty walking.
• Difficulty with elimination (urination or defecation)
• Hearing or vision loss.
• Heart problems.

Can cats be disabled?

While some cats are born with a disability, others become disabled as the result of an accident, disease or even the effects of old age. More common types of disability include blind cats, deaf cats, three-legged cats and ‘wobbly cats’ with cerebellar hypoplasia.

What type of disabilities can cats have?

Some reported congenital and inherited defects in cats include lack of development of the cerebellum (a part of the brain critical for controlling balance), eye and eyelid defects, heart defects, cleft palate, failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum (known as cryptorchidism), more toes than normal …

Can animals have mental disorders?

Recognition of mental illness in pets is growing, with an increasing number of pets undergoing psychological treatment and taking mood-altering drugs to help them. If left untreated, mental illness in pets can be as detrimental to their life quality as other diseases and injuries.

How can you tell if your cat is mentally ill?

4 Signs of a Mentally Ill Cat 1 Lack of Appetite. A depressed cat can avoid eating and even develop anorexia. 2 Lethargy. A depressed cat will engage in no activities and sleep a lot. 3 Random Aggressiveness. Random aggressiveness is not normal in a cat’s behavior. 4 Cat Spraying. A stressed cat will spray around the house…

How do you know if your cat has autism?

13 Signs That Cats Have Autism. 1. They have poorly developed social skills and little interest in playing with other animals. 2. They have great problem solving skills. If they want something, they will find a way to get it. 3. They’re not big on empathy, but they can be very loving towards those who are close to them.

Is your cat showing signs of cognitive decline?

There are certain signs to look out for in your cat. Exhibiting any of these behaviors merits further investigation: None of these are surefire signs. Your cat may be experiencing cognitive decline as it ages. A sudden behavioral change is unlikely to be due to special needs.

How do I know if my cat has a behavior problem?

Blood screens, fecal and skin tests, food elimination, and many other avenues of exploration may solve the puzzle of your cat’s behavior. Spaying and neutering should also be considered as a possible solution for some concerns.