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Chapter Eight Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder in Cats*** By Felix M Furball DC, MP, BS (Contribution by Invitation) It is a year now since the
Canadian Domestic Feline Treatment Association published its ground
breaking Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual, First Edition.
However, the category that promises to bring a revolution to cat
care has yet to receive the attention it deserves. (See annual
report of Mouser Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the leading manufacturer of
pharmaceuticals for cats). Attention Deficit Hyperactive
Disorder in Domestic Felines This condition, whose etiology
has been overwhelmingly suggested by the analysis of over 4,000
cat scans by qualified observers is diagnosed
by the following criteria. Diagnostic Criteria A disturbance of a least three
months during which four of the following are present: 1 -- Attention frequently
wanders when owner is talking to the cat. Loses eye contact. 2 -- Frequently has difficulty
following through on instructions, to wit, getting off the sofa
on command. 3. -- Frequently interrupts
or intrudes
to wit, sits down in middle of the newspaper while
owner is reading it and will not leave until removed. Or walks across
or sits upon keyboard while owner is working at the computer. 4. -- Is easily distracted
by extraneous stimuli such as a mouse running across the floor. 5 – Can’t wait his turn, to
wit, often blurts out meows when owner is in the middle of a conversation
with others. 6 -- Has frequent spells of
gratuitous hyperactivity i.e., gallops from one end of the hall
and back again for no apparent reason. 7 -- Engages in physically
dangerous activities without considering possible consequences,
i.e., walking along edge of the roof. 8 – Doesn’t absorb what is
being said, i.e., frequently repeats forbidden activities such as
getting on the sofa despite reinforced reminders. That's all there is to it.
It's a diagnosis that anyone with a pencil and a piece of paper
can make. ADHD(C) is a long overdue
advance in scientific knowledge. Too long have cat owners been unfairly
criticized for their cat-rearing skills. They will be relieved to
learn that it is not their fault, that there is something wrong
in their cat’s brain to account for the difficulties. No longer
need owners feel obligated to take one of those cat parenting courses,
nor to pay for extensive psychotherapy from the many psychologists
specializing in cat problems. Furthermore, there is a medication
that works wonders for ADHD(C). Its brand name is Catalin. It is manufactured by Mouser Pharmaceuticals
Ltd and comes in liquid form. All one does is add
one drop per kilo to the cat’s food. This dose may be doubled or
tripled if necessary. Like all medications, Catalin has occasional side effects, none of which appear
to be serious. Indeed it has been said by some that Catalin is no worse than aspirin. However, rare as they
be, these side effects need to be mentioned. The occasional cat
will develop insomnia. If the cat’s nap time diminishes below ten
hours a day it might be a good idea to reduce the dosage. Tics have been observed in
a few cases, including rolling of the eyes, intermittent flicking
of the ears, spasmodic jerking of the tail, and occasional vocal
tics. Gilles de la Bobcat’s disease occurs but is very rare. The clinical concern is to
differentiate rabies. There have been two cases where the cat’s
fur has changed color, settling in time to a not unpleasant lilac
shade. It is not yet known if this change will be passed on to the
offspring. The cause of this is, at this time, unknown. (Painting of discoloured cat courtesy of Dr. Thomas Millar)
The therapeutic effects of
Catalin are striking. Many an owner has
reported how much easier to live with their cat has become. “I hardly
know she’s there,” one owner of a previously very hyperactive cat
reported. “Every day he walks about exploring the house as though
it were all new to him. Occasionally he bumps into the furniture
or falls down the stairs, but this is a small price to pay for the
peace Catalin has brought to our household.” If you have a cat that you
think might be suffering for ADHD(C), get out your pad and pencil
and go through the check list. If you come up with four items, your
cat has got it. If you find you need help working through the check
list, consult your local public school. Most up-to-date schools
have at least one teacher trained to make the diagnosis. Of course
she can't give you a prescription, but she can certainly tell you
where to go to get one. Another source of assistance
is CADD. CADD
stands for Cats with Attention Deficit Disorder. There is probably
a branch in your area. If not, you can start one. Funding is available
through Mouser Pharmaceuticals. Write for a brochure. So all you cat owners, there
is no need to feel guilty anymore. It’s not your fault. It’s all
in your cat’s brain. No longer is there any need to have your day
ruined by an uncooperative cat. Use Catalin
as directed and your troubles will be over. ***This investigation was
conducted in |
