Obsessive Compulsive Cats

Did you know cats may be more susceptible to obsessive/compulsive habits under very specific circumstances? That tendency can create an odd sense of mayhem in your home, but can be avoided if you know what to look for and avoid provoking your cat to compulsion. 

Why Cats?

Yes, this is a site dedicated to human fears, but we learned a few weeks ago that dogs can mirror the fear of their owners. In the case of cats the owner may also contribute to the compulsion.

How it Happens

Like all creatures a cat can experience moments when stress is very high. When those moments come the cat is most likely to engage in compulsive behavior that can lead to obsession. This could be chasing their tale, batting a ball of yarn or chasing a laser light. Owners may contribute to the compulsion by encouraging the initial compulsion believing it to be cute or funny.

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A Shine.yahoo.com article recently stated, “Cats who are routinely in situations where they are in conflict between running away from a stress trigger or engaging in a confrontation may begin to develop compulsive behaviors. If repeatedly put in these conflicted situations, compulsive behaviors may be triggered more quickly and a lower degree of stress. If untreated, a compulsive behavior can become the cat’s way of dealing with stress and anxiety on a daily basis.”

One of these stress triggers might be if they are constantly at odds with either a dog or cat in the same home. When they are constantly on their guard they can develop one or more compulsive tendencies.

Compulsive Cat Behaviors

Besides tale chasing some of the other habits that can prove problematic is over grooming. When cats engage in this behavior they can often experience problems with hair balls and can clean themselves so much that they develop bare patches or even body sores where they can’t seem to stop their self grooming.

Another potentially damaging habit your cat can start is to eat items that are not food. Not only can this cause a problem around the house in lost items, but it can be damaging to the cats health.

How to Help

The Shine article suggests, “If your cat is diagnosed with displaying compulsive behavior, your veterinarian will guide you on how to handle it. Medication may be needed to help lower the cat’s anxiety level. Behavior modification is crucial in dealing with this problem. The stress levels in the environment must be lowered. If the cat is in a tense multi-cat environment, make sure there are adequate vertical places for escape so the cat isn’t constantly put in a  position of conflict. A total re-introduction of the cats may have to be done in order to break the cycle of aggression. Provide your cat with outlets to release pent-up anxiety such as engaging in regular interactive play sessions. Also, set up activity toys in the environment so kitty has fun things to do while you’re not at home.”

Cat Whisperer?

A pet behavior specialist may provide positive relief for cats that are overly anxious and prone to fear based compulsions. While it may seem odd sometimes our pets can experience the same sense of control loss that we can when fears are at their strongest and they are not equipped to manage the anxiety, compulsion or underlying fear.