Cat OCD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options - A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Feline Compulsive Behaviors
Cat OCD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options - A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Feline Compulsive Behaviors
You may have heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but did you know that cats can also experience this condition? Your cat's compulsive behaviors may mean that your cat has OCD. However, these behaviors may actually be secondary to other health or behavioral issues.
What is Cat OCD?
Feline obsessive-compulsive disorder, often abbreviated as OCD, is a behavioral disorder that causes cats to engage in certain “rituals” for no apparent reason. These are often abnormal, repetitive, exaggerated behaviors that appear to have no practical purpose. The exact cause of cat OCD is currently unknown, but the condition appears to be more prevalent in certain cat breeds. Cat OCD may be hereditary, but this is not yet certain.
Symptoms of Cat OCD
Cats with OCD will exhibit one or more of the following compulsive behaviors:
Excessive grooming is a common symptom of OCD. Cats with OCD may continuously lick or chew on their fur to the point of having very noticeable bald spots.
Obsession with sucking, licking or chewing on fabrics.
Chasing their tails or self-mutilation.
Frequent, repetitive pacing or vocalization can be a sign of OCD but could also be another underlying issue.
However, these behaviors can mean many things. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome can occur in cats with OCD. Also known as rolling skin syndrome, twitch skin syndrome, or ripple skin syndrome, the pathology of this condition is not yet well understood. Symptoms commonly include a “twitching” of the skin on the back, tactile hypersensitivity, and vocalization.
All of these behaviors can start from a single instance. Or, these behaviors may be triggered by environmental or physical conditions. Over time, the behaviors may become fixed and no longer require external triggers to start. Pain-relieving and pleasurable chemicals in the brain may reinforce the compulsive behaviors. These behaviors may even become a way for stressed or anxious cats to relieve pressure.
How to Diagnose Cat OCD
OCD cannot be diagnosed with a specific test. Often, their behavior pattern is enough to suspect OCD. However, it is important to rule out other causes of the behavior before making a diagnosis. If your cat displays compulsive behaviors, see your veterinarian first. To diagnose a cat with OCD, the veterinarian will first need to rule out medical causes of the cat's behavior. For example, excessive grooming could be related to a skin problem.
Your veterinarian will ask several questions about your cat's history and behavior. Showing the veterinarian a video of the abnormal behavior may be helpful. A physical exam is usually performed to look for abnormalities. Your veterinarian may also recommend various tests to rule out problems that cannot be detected by examination alone. If all the tests come back normal, the veterinarian may determine that your cat does have OCD. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend that you see an animal behaviorist.
Treatment for Cat OCD
There is currently no cure for OCD, but there are treatment options available that can reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
First, try not to comfort, soothe, or reward your cat when it exhibits compulsive behaviors. Doing so may reinforce these behaviors and cause them to do them more.
Your veterinarian may recommend nutritional supplements or natural remedies to help reduce your cat's stress. Depending on the severity of your cat's OCD, these may or may not be used in conjunction with prescription medications. Calming supplements may include tryptophan, L-theanine, vitamins, and herbs. Some veterinarians are even starting to recommend cannabidiol (CBD) for anxious pets (note that this is not marijuana, as marijuana is toxic to cats).
Cats with moderate to severe OCD typically require prescription medications. These medications change brain chemistry to reduce stress and alter disordered behavior patterns. If your cat has OCD, be sure to stay in contact with your veterinarian to monitor their progress. Do not alter or stop medication therapy without first discussing it with your veterinarian. The treatment plan may need to be adjusted periodically. If there is a change in your cat's behavior, be sure to let your veterinarian know right away.
Key Takeaways
Feline OCD is a complex condition that requires the help of professionals to diagnose and treat. If you suspect that your cat may have OCD, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early intervention can help reduce symptoms and improve your cat’s quality of life.
You may have heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but did you know that cats can also experience this condition? Your cat's compulsive behaviors may mean that your cat has OCD. However, these behaviors may actually be secondary to other health or behavioral issues.
What is Cat OCD?
Feline obsessive-compulsive disorder, often abbreviated as OCD, is a behavioral disorder that causes cats to engage in certain “rituals” for no apparent reason. These are often abnormal, repetitive, exaggerated behaviors that appear to have no practical purpose. The exact cause of cat OCD is currently unknown, but the condition appears to be more prevalent in certain cat breeds. Cat OCD may be hereditary, but this is not yet certain.
Symptoms of Cat OCD
Cats with OCD will exhibit one or more of the following compulsive behaviors:
Excessive grooming is a common symptom of OCD. Cats with OCD may continuously lick or chew on their fur to the point of having very noticeable bald spots.
Obsession with sucking, licking or chewing on fabrics.
Chasing their tails or self-mutilation.
Frequent, repetitive pacing or vocalization can be a sign of OCD but could also be another underlying issue.
However, these behaviors can mean many things. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome can occur in cats with OCD. Also known as rolling skin syndrome, twitch skin syndrome, or ripple skin syndrome, the pathology of this condition is not yet well understood. Symptoms commonly include a “twitching” of the skin on the back, tactile hypersensitivity, and vocalization.
All of these behaviors can start from a single instance. Or, these behaviors may be triggered by environmental or physical conditions. Over time, the behaviors may become fixed and no longer require external triggers to start. Pain-relieving and pleasurable chemicals in the brain may reinforce the compulsive behaviors. These behaviors may even become a way for stressed or anxious cats to relieve pressure.
How to Diagnose Cat OCD
OCD cannot be diagnosed with a specific test. Often, their behavior pattern is enough to suspect OCD. However, it is important to rule out other causes of the behavior before making a diagnosis. If your cat displays compulsive behaviors, see your veterinarian first. To diagnose a cat with OCD, the veterinarian will first need to rule out medical causes of the cat's behavior. For example, excessive grooming could be related to a skin problem.
Your veterinarian will ask several questions about your cat's history and behavior. Showing the veterinarian a video of the abnormal behavior may be helpful. A physical exam is usually performed to look for abnormalities. Your veterinarian may also recommend various tests to rule out problems that cannot be detected by examination alone. If all the tests come back normal, the veterinarian may determine that your cat does have OCD. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend that you see an animal behaviorist.
Treatment for Cat OCD
There is currently no cure for OCD, but there are treatment options available that can reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
First, try not to comfort, soothe, or reward your cat when it exhibits compulsive behaviors. Doing so may reinforce these behaviors and cause them to do them more.
Your veterinarian may recommend nutritional supplements or natural remedies to help reduce your cat's stress. Depending on the severity of your cat's OCD, these may or may not be used in conjunction with prescription medications. Calming supplements may include tryptophan, L-theanine, vitamins, and herbs. Some veterinarians are even starting to recommend cannabidiol (CBD) for anxious pets (note that this is not marijuana, as marijuana is toxic to cats).
Cats with moderate to severe OCD typically require prescription medications. These medications change brain chemistry to reduce stress and alter disordered behavior patterns. If your cat has OCD, be sure to stay in contact with your veterinarian to monitor their progress. Do not alter or stop medication therapy without first discussing it with your veterinarian. The treatment plan may need to be adjusted periodically. If there is a change in your cat's behavior, be sure to let your veterinarian know right away.
Key Takeaways
Feline OCD is a complex condition that requires the help of professionals to diagnose and treat. If you suspect that your cat may have OCD, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early intervention can help reduce symptoms and improve your cat’s quality of life.
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