There are cats who are as sweet as candy, and others are as sour as vinegar. There are also others who can be both. Some cat parents often ask themselves, “Can cats be bipolar? ‘Cuz mine certainly looks like one!”
Felines are known for their sudden mood change and dealing with this is a crucial aspect of living with cats. Cats are one of the fascinating and mysterious creatures in this world. In this article, we’ll try to answer what bipolar disorder is, the signs of a bipolar cat, and what we could do to remedy this dilemma with cats.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
To begin with, let us first define what bipolar disorder is. In humans, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes severe low and high moods and alters a person’s behavior, way of thinking, energy levels, and even sleep.
People with bipolar disorder tend to have periods where they will feel energized and happy and periods where they will have a sense of hopelessness, depression, and sadness. Because of this, psychiatrists have compared the condition with that of the poles of a magnet, thus the term “bipolar disorder”.
In cats, animal behavior specialists have termed the condition similar to bipolar disorder as “Dysthymia” or the sudden mood changes in animals. Dysthymia is often observed in cats but this type of bipolar disorder is more prevalent in some breeds such as Abyssinians.
How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Bipolar?
A cat with bipolar disorder is often seen with the same symptoms of unipolar Dysthymia, particularly restlessness and hyperactivity. Aside from these symptoms, cats with bipolar disorder tend to show “loss-making” or depressive behavior. Examples of such behavior are the tendency to not eat for extended periods and prostration.
Here are some of the signs that cats with bipolar disorder exhibit:
Mood swings
Mood swings are fairly common in cats, but when they change their mood in a matter of seconds, then your cat may probably have bipolar disorder. This behavior may not last long and may revert as fast as they changed their behavior initially however, this sudden change may be observed frequently.
Sleeping pattern alteration
Cats are creatures who follow a daily routine. Long-time cat parents know this and new cat parents can observe this in just a short period. Cats sleep a lot and follow a tight sleeping pattern. Cats with bipolar disorder, however, tend to not have a specific pattern and occasionally change their sleeping area.
Read also: How Much Sleep Do Kittens Need?
Jealousy
You may not notice it, but cats develop jealousy. They can be jealous when you have another pet, when you’re focused on a new video game, from your spouse or partner, and other factors. But when a cat gets jealous and exhibits aggression, then your cat may be a bipolar cat, but we’ll get to aggression in a little while.
Pees and poops outside their litterbox
Once cats have been trained to use their litterbox, they will use it exclusively to do their business. But cats with bipolar disorder may or may not use their litterbox to urinate or defecate. This could also be a different issue so make sure to bring your cat to the vet for a routine physical check-up and laboratory tests.
Destructive behavior and aggression
Cats have the tendency to be aggressive to show that they are not pleased with something. They can hiss at you or meow excessively to show that they are hungry. But if your cat shows signs of destructive behavior then it could be a sign of bipolar disorder.
If by any chance your cat is exhibiting signs of violence and aggression, you may want to consult your veterinarian as early as possible as this could be an alarm sign of something much deeper than just bad behavior or bipolar disorder. There are numerous medical conditions that could lead to extreme neurotic behavior. Here are some of them:
Hyperthyroidism
Cats who are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism tend to experience anxiety due to the excessive amounts of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. If left untreated, your cat may experience signs of weight loss despite an increase in appetite, hyperactivity, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Degeneration of the nervous system
Geriatric cats or cats that are more than ten-years-old may begin showing symptoms of cognitive dysfunction so it’s pretty normal to see such signs for cats in this age group. However, younger cats may also exhibit abnormal nervous signs that may or may not be similar to that of bipolar disorder.
Toxic substances and poisonous plants
Some plants and substances can be dangerous to plants. Examples of these are Lillies and Castor Beans which can cause behavioral changes and other signs such as difficulty in breathing, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
Can You Prevent Feline Bipolar Disorders?
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to prevent but there are ways to keep your cat mentally and physically healthy. First things first, you need to bring your cat to a veterinarian for preventive medications and physical check-ups. Veterinarians can help with your cat’s physical and mental well-being, as well as provide you with the best approach to treat your pets with whatever illnesses they may encounter.
Sticking to a daily routine can also help in lowering the chances of your cat acquiring bipolar disorder since cats do not like uncertainty. Provide meals at the right time and provide quality time for them to make them feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Playing with your cats can not only make your cats physically fit but can also help shape their cognitive function. Cats with bipolar disorder may sometimes not have the energy to play, but it’s always worth a shot!
Providing a balanced and nutritious meal can also prevent mental and physical issues from developing. Aside from food, always provide clean and potable water to prevent dehydration. Always ask your veterinarian for advice regarding proper nutrition.
Last but not the least, always shower your cats with love and affection. Approach your cats gently and pet them. Never neglect your cats since this could be a trigger for them to develop diseases.
What Are The Treatments for Bipolar in Cats?
Treatment for bipolar cats may vary depending on the severity of their condition. We can’t stress this enough, bring your cat to the vet’s office first to have them properly examined and diagnosed.
Oral medications will be provided depending on the diagnosis of your pet. Never give medications to your cat without consulting your veterinarian first as this can cause more harm than good to both you and your cat.
Once your cat has been properly diagnosed and given medications, know that these drugs may be given for the rest of your cat’s life. These medications however are not miracle solutions and you may need to provide constant treatment throughout their life.
Aside from the medications, you may opt to bring your cat to a cat behavior specialist if one is available in your country. They can help you establish a proper routine and how you should approach your cat.
Try to be more gentle and understanding to your cat. Communicate with them as calmly as possible and know when to leave your cat alone once they start becoming more aggressive. Both you and your cat may have some difficulty adjusting to your new life, but don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian should you have any concerns.
To Conclude
And with that, we have answered the question of “can cats be bipolar?”. Living with a cat with bipolar disorder is not an easy task and the concept of bipolar disorder in cats may be difficult to accept. However, if you are indeed living with a cat with bipolar disorder, never forget the love that you have given your cat and despite their ever-changing moods, know that your cats are extremely grateful and love you the same way that you love them.
