Introduction
Physical health in cats has been a very commonly reviewed topic. But it also sparks discussions regarding feline mental health. Since mental health research in pets normally focuses on dogs, it is important to review the existing studies related to cats as well. Moreover, the almost insignificant amount of data related to feline mental health is why this topic needs to be researched more thoroughly and attentively.
Feline Mental Health
One of the most common issues that negatively affects a cat’s mental health is separation anxiety. It is assumed that cats are not bothered by their owner’s long-term absence (whether it is a vacation or staying in a hospital). However, a number of studies have stated that this belief is inaccurate (de Souza et al. 2020). This is caused by psychological reactions caused by a bond between the two sides.
To further clarify how separation may affect feline mental health, a research has been conducted. An altered version of the Ainsworth test was used for the action. It was discovered that cats were more active and less anxious in the presence of their owner (de Souza et al. 2020). Being alone or accompanied by a stranger caused the opposite reaction. This further validates future studies of separation-related problems in cats.
Another research provided by the Juiz de Fora University has reviewed said issues in cats as well. For the research, participants consented to respond to a questionnaire. The first part of the following questionnaire requested basic information (de Souza et al. 2020). The second part reviewed the cats’ behavior during the owners’ absence or visual separation. To define separation related problems Schwartz’s four behavioral categories were used, including three additional ones.
The results have presented more specific details regarding separation related problems in cats. It has been discovered that most of the cats with this issue have demonstrated two or more behaviors related to this condition (de Souza et al. 2020). Fifty percent of the cats matched criteria I and II and less than one fifth met all three. This has specified the frequency of this severe issue in domestic cats.
The research revealed that depression was the most commonly reported sign caused by separation from the owner. The other signs were: vocalization, anxiety and agitation, inappropriate urination. In the group of the cats with separation anxiety, the frequency of all of the signs was higher than in non-SRP cats (de Souza et al. 2020). The general population, however, has been reported to demonstrate destructive behavior as the most common sign.
Pain and physical health problems can also be the contributor to a cat’s poor mental state. Thus, cats have been known to demonstrate very problematic behavior (Mills et al. 2020). Since owners of some cats tend to be surprised by said traits, it can be implied that physical disorders may negatively affect the animals’ mental health as well. This explains why unusual behavior (such as aggression) can be used by vets for reviewing a pet’s condition.
While data on the correlation between some diseases and aggression may be minimal, others describe a detailed image of it. Arthritis and dental diseases have caused cats to demonstrate defensiveness and severe fearfulness (Mills et al. 2020). Gastro-intestinal problems can also lead to a cat’s aggressive behavior. However, most studies are usually more focused on dogs, which is why further research regarding domestic cats and pain-related mental issues is required.
Having reviewed the aforementioned data from two sources, I have noticed a pattern. Scientific research of pets’ mental health is usually focused on dogs. The shortage of data could be caused by misconceptions about cats. I find the issue of feline mental health to be very concerning due to the miniscule review of this topic. This is why I believe that scientists should discover more information about cats’ mental health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that cats can struggle with mental health issues as well. Two of the most common causes are separation from the owner and physical health problems. When their owner is absent or visually separated, felines struggle with mental issues. Pain caused by gastro-intestinal and dental problems can make cats unusually aggressive. Unfortunately, studies regarding this correlation are usually focused on dogs, which is why further research is required.
References
de Souza Machado, D., Oliveira, P. M. B., Machado, J. C., Ceballos, M. C., & Sant’Anna, A. C. (2020). Identification of separation-related problems in domestic cats: A questionnaire survey. PloS one, 15(4), e0230999.
Mills, D. S., Demontigny-Bédard, I., Gruen, M., Klinck, M. P., McPeake, K. J., Barcelos, A. M., Hewison, L., von Haevermaet, H., Denenberg, S., Hauser, H., Koch, C., Ballantyne, K., Wilson, C., V Mathkari, C., Pounder, J., Garcia, E., Darder, P., Fatjo, J. & Levine, E. (2020). Pain and problem behavior in cats and dogs. Animals, 10(2), 318.