{"id":638736,"date":"2024-08-19T06:31:09","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T10:31:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=638736"},"modified":"2024-08-19T06:31:09","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T10:31:09","slug":"can-cats-have-bipolar-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/can-cats-have-bipolar-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cats Have Bipolar Syndrome? Our Vet Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nOverview<\/a>
\nCats and Bipolar Syndrome<\/a>
\nDiagnosis<\/a>
\nHow to Help Your Cat<\/a>
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One minute, your cat is cuddling with you as happy as a clam, and the next minute, they are climbing up the curtains, yowling, and acting like a banshee. What could be going on? With such fluctuation in behaviors, one may wonder if their cat could have bipolar syndrome. While this is a reasonable suspicion, it\u2019s important to note that at this time, cats are not recognized as being able to be diagnosed with bipolar syndrome.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore what this condition is, specifics of why it\u2019s not recognized or diagnosed in cats, and tips and techniques for ensuring good mental health for cats in general.<\/p>\n

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About Bipolar Syndrome<\/h2>\n

What exactly is bipolar syndrome? The word bipolar can be broken down into the root \u201cbi\u201d which means two and \u201cpolar\u201d which can be akin to having extreme opposites on two points or ends of an axis. In people, this mental illness is characterized by two very different moods: that of a very high or elevated mood (termed mania) and that of a very low or hopeless (termed depressive) mood.<\/p>\n

These intense and extreme emotional states swing dramatically from one to another over time, with each mood often lasting from days to weeks or months. In between, there is also the potential for a normal mood, called euthymia.<\/p>\n

While bipolar syndrome was also previously referred to as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, there are different types, such as bipolar syndrome type 1 or type 2. What all bipolar diagnoses have in common is that they are characterized by recurring, dramatic shifts or swings in mood. These intense moods can affect the individual\u2019s energy levels, thinking patterns, overall behavior, sleep schedule, etc. In people, a diagnosis is obtained by ruling out other causes followed by a thorough psychological evaluation.<\/p>\n

If diagnosed, treatment often includes various medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy).<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Kginger, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cats and Bipolar Syndrome<\/h2>\n

As mentioned, cats are not recognized to have bipolar syndrome. In fact, it\u2019s a bit tricky to actually assess depression and mania in our feline friends.<\/p>\n

When a pet cat is acting subdued or potentially displaying some of the signs below, one may inadvertently think depression could be a potential cause:<\/p>\n

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