Is it possible to have a cat with a mental disability?

Question

We have two kittens, from the same litter.

One is small, muscular, athletic and 'clued on'

One is massive, gangly, terrible gross-motor skills and just seems to be 'lacking' in the though department (I love her to bits though)

Is it possible she may have incurred brain damage? They were both thrown into a drain at birth, so maybe she suffered loss of oxygen?

This is a serious question, because as they are becoming older the difference between them is now more noticeable!

She also stares at the ceiling, like she is saying 'woooow I've never noticed this before!'

Thanks for your answers guys :-)

I agree, I am happy with her just the way she is, but was just curious to see what others thought!

She makes us laugh, as she has the world's goofiest smile. If she does something right (which the other has done wrong) she looks up and the smile is just radiant!

She is due for her yearly check-up early next year, so I'll just save it for then. I'm not concerned about her, she's healthy and eats well... just does some odd things, lol!

I wouldn't change her for the world :-) I love that both our kittens are SO different!

Answer 1

My mother in law rescued a cat that was broken up-probably thrown out a car window. He has crossed eyes and is obviously lacking in mental skill. Her other cats even cover up his poop in the litter box because he doesn't do it. But he is very loving and accepted by all.

Answer 2

It is very possible, both genetically and from "abuse."

I have seen many animals that don't act quite right. If a cat was abused (and suffered any form of trauma, physical or mental) then there is a very real possibility of mental problems. Your pet may have begun to drowned, suffering oxygen deprivation (which could cause brain damage over time just as it does in humans.)

As long as it is not becoming destructive or violent, there is no need to worry. Love it as you do your other furry friends. If it's problems become more sever, you may have to bring it to a vet and see what can be done for it's benefit.

Answer 3

Maybe... I don't know if it's been defined in animals, but animals have been used to make models of human depression, human mania, etc. Like they'll set up a situation where rats are helpless, and the rats will begin to act depressed (ie. lies around a lot, doesn't try to get past real OR imaginary obstacles, not interested in food, etc). It's helped us study what kinds of treatments would work in humans. Antidepressants work in both rats and humans, for example. So, I'm led to believe that they're capable of certain things. But pets are also more limited in the ways they understand and think about things. So I don't know if it works make sense to say, "this dog has bipolar disorder," since the human definition is somewhat specific. I'm sure a long philosophical discussion could come from this. :) Ultimately, if the dog's behavior is unacceptable, or the dog seems really unhappy, then you should look for someone who has a lot of experience with dogs to figure out a solution to it.

Answer 4

I am pretty sure that cats can get brain damage although diagnosing a specific area that is damaged or trying to overcome it may be difficult. I have known some cats that have had almost schizophrenic symptoms. It may be a nervous thing too, though, like a pinched nerve that effects her brain and motor skills. It sounds like she is happy though and not in pain and has a great person to take care of her. Good luck!

Answer 5

If the kittens were abused, it is possible she was brain damaged, just as it is possible that she suffered loss of oxygen in the womb, just like children do. If her behavior worries you or is problematic, you should consult your vet. We once had a cat live with us for a while, he was a little on the inbred side, was always trying to get out, one day he leapt onto the screen of the screen door, just like an oversized insect.

Answer 6

I've known of two cats that suffered brain damage. One was in a vet's office waiting to be adopted and, as luck would have it, was adopted by a woman who was also brain injured. The other belonged to a friend. He thinks the cat knocked the iron down on herself when she was little. When you went to his apartment, she would behave kind of oddly -- like only walk around the perimeter of the room, not across it. Sweet, tho.

Answer 7

I would say that it is possible. Although, she may just be "slower" . We currently have a Maine **** Cat who is over 3 years old and still acts like a kitten. According to our vet it is perfectly "normal" for this type of cat. I would check with your vet just to make sure she is healthy. It sounds to me like she has the purrfect home with lots of love which will help her through whatever life throws at her.

Answer 8

Yes. It is absolutely possible that this is what has happened. I had a small dog with similar problems - he would happily stare at a blank spot on the wall for hours on end! It could also be a problem with in-breeding, maybe a brother to sister mating.

Answer 9

hi: Yes it is very possible..I would take her to your vet for a complete check up..I was happy to hear that you love her so much. I would accept her limitations and give her a happy loving life..good luck with her.

Answer 10

as long as you love her, who cares. I probably would not breed her because it might be a genetic problem. If you see no serious health problems, just let her be. God makes all kinds of creatures for us to love.