That said, some animals do display autistic-like traits, such as a tendency toward repetitive behaviour or atypical social habits. Bull terriers, for example, are especially prone to repetitive tail chasing, which some experts liken to the spinning that is sometimes seen in children with autism.
Can a cat have autism?
In a nutshell, cats can't get autism, but they can be diagnosed with other conditions, and like humans and other animals, some cats have special needs. Beyond physical disabilities, some special-needs cats have mental impairment. These conditions may be caused by birth defects, accidents, or illness.
Can animals be on the spectrum?
Humans aren't the only living creatures with complex social behaviors that range along a spectrum. From meerkats to California condors, animals in groups protect, instruct, compete with, and support one another. As for stereotypies, nonhuman animals often develop intense repetitive behaviors.
Is there such a thing as autism in animals?
Autism in dogs, or canine dysfunctional behavior, is an idiopathic condition, which means that the cause is unknown. What we do know is that it's congenital, and that dogs exhibiting dysfunctional behaviors are born with the condition.
Do dogs have autism?
Can a Dog Have Autism? While some of these behaviors are unique to humans, researchers have found that, in fact, ASD can occur in dogs, but it's called canine dysfunctional behavior (CDB).