Why cats?

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I have realized many people have cats here, why do we all have cats? I have 24. BLAME MY MOM! And no I don't live in a farm. Actually the cats know how to communicate better than me. They ask to open the door.

I think cats suit the AS personality - they're so independent and grounded in their own being. Contrast them with dogs, who as pack animals are grounded in social matters.

I like both, and I get on with them very well, but I've only kept cats.

I love cats and dont like dogs I think cats and so friendly and loyal but also independent give you your own space unlike dogs. You are right many aspies love cats I guess it is to do with how we are and how they are.

This is why:


All Cats are Autistic (v1.3)
Based on the DSM-IV Criteria

A. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):

(1) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

(a) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviours, such as eye-to- eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction:
Except when agitated, interpretive behaviour is limited. Cats show very little change in facial expression and posture is usually relaxed. Eye-to-eye contact is difficult, as cats are seemingly unable to bear looking into the eyes for a period of time.

(b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level:
There is a marked deficiency in friendly social interaction with other cats. Cats must have been in consistent contact with each other for an extended period of time (delayed achievement of "comfort zone") before interacting in any sociable manner and the relationship is tenuous even then. This often applies to interaction with humans, as well.

(c) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest):
Cats do not point or retrieve objects for others. Cats are not concerned about whether or not their interests are similar to those of other entities. Cats find your interest irrelevant.

(d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity:
Cats are concerned with their own interests only. They will not lick your fur for the sole purpose of bringing you enjoyment. If they do so at all, it's either because you taste good or are dirty and need cleaning.

(2) qualitative impairments in communication, as manifested by at least one of the following:

(a) delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime):
Many cats do not speak, or do so only occasionally. Nor are they able to gesture their needs beyond the very basic, such as leading you to the empty food dish.

(b) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others:
Cats do not converse well. Even in situations where it appears they are carrying on a dialogue with a person, mutual misunderstanding of each other's meaning is inevitable.

(c) stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language:
All cats with speech perseverate on the word "meow" and its variations.

(d) lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level:
Often, older cats will engage in play which, on a developmental level, is more appropriate to kittens. Their pretend and imitative abilities are limited as well.

(3) restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities as manifested by at least one of the following:

(a) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus:
Cats are generally fascinated and often obsessed with entomology (insects), ornithology (birds), ichthyology (fishes). Sometimes obsessive interests also include string-like objects and ball shaped objects.

(b) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, non-functional routines or rituals:
Cats have little tolerance for changes in routine, including the routines of the individuals they live with. They find it distressing and will often attempt to remedy the situation with control measures (waking you up at 5a.m. on a weekend). Cats also ritually bathe.

(c) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting or complex whole-body movements): Cat's tail. 'Nuff said.

(d) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects:
Strings. Dangling parts of objects. Flying objects. Crawling objects. Single bits of kibble. Shadows. Laser pointer lights.

B. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 (cat) years: (1) social interaction, (2) language as used in social communication, or (3) symbolic or imaginative play.
Not enough study done in relation to normal society.

C. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rhett's disorder or childhood disintegrative disorder.


Other Symptoms Common to Autism

Sensory Issues:

Sounds
Cats are easily distracted and disturbed by a wide variety of noises. Sudden noises are particularly distressful, although very quiet noises are distracting also.
On the other hand, cats are prone not to hear or understand specific words, such as their name or "come", causing them to appear as though they are ignoring the speaker, particularly when hyper-focused on another subject (usually nothing).

Smell/Taste
Cats typically have hypersensitive smell and taste in comparison to humans. As a result, they tend to be extremely finicky. Few cats will eat vegetables.

Touch
Cats are often hypersensitive to touch. They may shrink away when an attempt to touch them is made. However, rubbing/scratching certain areas of their persons can be quite pleasurable to them. These places include, but are not limited to: behind the ears, cheeks, under the chin, and the shoulders.

Self-Stimulation, or Stimming
Purring is an activity cats engage in which increases their calm and receptivity. Stretching and scratching are also prevalent stimming activities. Some cats have been known to make kneading motions on soft blankets and people.

By Alice Loftin

Source: www.spacehost.us/~aliki/autism/autiecats.html

When my children began to pester me about having a pet, we considered a dog. But, unlike cats, dogs are always underfoot (attention-seeking). Our cat, on the other hand, has his own little routine way of spending his days.
He wakes me up in the morning, by pouncing around my bed and meowing. That part is all fine and good, as he generally does this before the alarm makes it's terrible noise. He oversees the cleaning of his box and the refilling of his food and water bowls. And right about now (when I am usually on the computer) he is lying in wait, for time to wake up the children. I think that waking us, has less to do with attention-seeking (though, he does seem to enjoy a bit of attention) and more to do with routine/habit. He wanders off once his task is complete.
The rest of his day is also routine. Very much an aspie-cat. Whether he's sitting in the window and watching the birds, or spending some alone time in his cat condo, he's his own little man. I can appreciate that.
I also wish to add that we adopted our lovely old cat from the local animal shelter. Though, we went in search of a kitten, the kids fell in love with a 3 year old (he's now about 7) cat who resembles Garfield. He was already "fixed", litter box trained, and had all his shots. Though, kittens are cute, one should not overlook an older cat. You could save a life.

Cats ! !!

This thread is making me nose itch ! !!

Cats are Autistic?

I always wondered why cats and I always got along so well...

I had a cat but she passed away this year. I would get another one but my landlord doesn't allow pets and who is going to watch my pet when I go on a trip?

So that's why I don't have a cat right now.


The purpose of having a cat is, it teaches you body language and caring about others. But you only learn it about your own cat, not about humans. Owners tend to reads their animals better than anyone else. Same as parents with their own kids.

Cause they are better than dogs, yup it's true.

I seem to be both dependent and independent.
I don't care for social structures and all that formal conventional riff raff, but I do need a lot of assurance.

Musically, I'm probably naturally independent... I find working hard, and being in a band tough too, although I am trying to form one.
Working though... it does feel too much like a pack to me, and I feel like an omega wolf in such environments - I avoid work. I avoid conventional work anyway. At least... that pack feeling was how I felt in school and College.

Cats are the cheese. The beez kneez. The clotted cream on scones.

i actually prefer dogs... cause dogs are needy, and i'm clingy... and cats don't like it when i cling to them.. but, dogs don't seem to mind.

Why NOT cats?

Reasons I keep a cat or two around:

- Cats are very low-maintenance, second only to having a caged animal as a pet.
- Cats are intelligent and do the funniest things
- They don't demand your attention (unless you forget to feed them) and they don't pout if you occasionally ignore them, like dogs do
- Cats seem to know when you're feeling ill or depressed, so they will come over and nuzzle you for no other reason that they're trying to cheer you up
- They're furry, cute and huggable (like teddy bears, but with claws)

Good question. I don't really like cats, they are boring and just sleep a lot.

I've been a dog person since I was about 5, yeah they can be needy and annoying but they are full of life and fun. Even though I'm not a very outgoing person around people I feel very at ease around dogs and they bring me out of my shell, the only time I really talk to people I don't know is when I'm out with the dogs. Plus Ridgebacks share some of my traits at times - they are aloof with strangers but very loyal to those they trust, like routines/averse to change, very strong minded, prefer peace and quiet and don't like crowds

I love cats because they're much easier to communicate with than humans (both NTs and other aspies), they're also far more loyal than humans.

I like cats because they can stimulate me while I stimulate them.
Petting fluffy cats is very fun.

I do not disagree with accolades directed at the temperament of cats, but I'm surprised there is not more praise for their tactile qualities too (only 2 earlier mentions). They look great, feel great (their fur is very nice and frequently smells good too), and often sound nice as well.



Also my cats do not act like the cats described in the 'cats are autistic' passage.

My eldest cat in particular is very communicative, social (including with other cats). On one occasion he managed to communicate to me (with much persistence) that a cat was stashing her kittens under my bed.