Does My Cat Have ADHD?
Yes!
No!
Maybe?
Before determining if your cat has ADHD, it’s important to determine what is ADHD. At it’s heart, ADHD is an impulse control issue that typically comes with a shorter attention span. This combination causes problems in one’s life, thus considered a disorder, as opposed to just an interesting trait. I’ll define ADHD more officially, later, but back to your cat.
If you’re cat has a job that involves responding to emails, verbal directives and task deadlines, then yes, your cat has ADHD. Even though your cat has a name, it probably doesn’t care that much when you call it.
But your cat most likely doesn’t have a job that involves a cubicle or an email. The litmus test I would give a cat to determine if it’s ADHD is whether it can hunt. This is where a cat’s attention span is super strong. When a cat can follow a scent, a noise or whatever hunting/tracking instinct it has and follow through with that POUNCE, then there’s no deficit in attention.
Cats live in every climate out there and they do it well. This is where it’s important to remember that ADHD is a disorder. Very few people can sit through a reading of Moby Dick. But for the time being, this is not a requirement to fulfill our societal obligation and feed ourselves and our families.
Maybe an impulse control problem when they knock over your water. One of my favorite memories of having a cat was my wife trying to lecture him. She started with “we talked about this,” but he didn’t care and left the conversation.
So, what is ADHD
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate their activity levels. It is typically diagnosed in childhood, though it can continue into adolescence and adulthood.
There are three main types of ADHD, each with different symptoms:
Inattentive Type: Individuals with this type of ADHD may have difficulty paying attention to details, staying focused on tasks, and following through on instructions. They may be forgetful or easily distracted.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: This type is characterized by excessive movement, fidgeting, and an inability to sit still. People may struggle to control their impulses, such as interrupting others or acting without thinking.
Combined Type: This type involves a mix of symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.
The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic factors, brain structure and function, and environmental influences.