Do All Cats Have ASD, All Dogs Have ADHD, and All Birds Have Anxiety? Let’s Explore!

Do All Cats Have ASD, All Dogs Have ADHD, and All Birds Have Anxiety? Let’s Explore Neurodiversity Together!

Have you ever watched your cat curl up in the same spot every day, your dog dash through the house like a whirlwind, or your bird flap nervously at every sudden noise? It can be fun to imagine that animals might share traits with humans who are neurodiverse—like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or anxiety. But what do these behaviours really mean, and how can they help us better understand neurodiversity in people?

Let’s dive into this idea, using animals as a playful way to explore and relate to human neurodiversity.

Cats and ASD-Like Traits

Cats are fascinating creatures. They often seem independent and mysterious, doing things on their terms. Have you ever noticed your cat insisting on drinking water from the tap rather than their bowl or staring at you until you follow their rules for affection? Or perhaps your cat becomes stressed if their routine changes, like moving their favourite blanket or rearranging furniture.

Why do cats act this way?
Cats thrive on consistency because it helps them feel safe in their environment. They might seem similar to people with ASD, who may also find comfort in routines and struggle with sudden changes.

For example:

• A cat might repeatedly bat a toy around in the same way, just as someone with ASD might find joy in repeating activities that feel calming or satisfying.
• Your cat might not want cuddles until they’re ready, much like how some people with ASD prefer social interaction on their terms.

But remember: cats don’t “have ASD.” Their behaviours come from their instincts as territorial animals who like control over their environment. Still, seeing these traits in cats can help us understand how routines, control, and predictability make life easier for people with ASD.

Dogs and ADHD-Like Energy

Dogs are bundles of energy. They jump, run, bark, chase, and sometimes chew things they shouldn’t. If you’ve ever watched your dog zoom around the garden or bounce up and down for attention, you might think, “This dog has ADHD!”

Dogs seem to match some ADHD traits:

• They act impulsively—like snatching a sandwich off the table without thinking.
• They’re always on the move, needing constant stimulation to avoid boredom.

But dogs don’t actually “have ADHD.” Their energetic behaviour comes from a combination of breed traits (working dogs like collies are especially busy) and their natural need for exercise. Just like kids or teens with ADHD, dogs thrive when they have clear outlets for their energy, like walks, games, or training sessions. These activities channel their impulsive instincts into productive and fun experiences.

Birds and Anxiety-Like Behaviours

Birds are alert, cautious creatures. A sudden noise or movement can send them into a frenzy of flapping and squawking. Some birds even develop habits like feather plucking when stressed, which might remind us of how people with anxiety sometimes experience physical symptoms, like fidgeting or nail-biting.

Birds seem to share some anxiety-like traits:

• They need a calm and predictable environment to feel safe.
• Loud noises or unexpected visitors might make them freeze or panic.

But again, birds don’t “have anxiety.” Their behaviours stem from survival instincts. Still, understanding these reactions can help us empathise with people who experience anxiety, as they might also need quiet spaces or coping strategies to feel secure.

What Can We Learn About Neurodiversity From Animals?

Our pets’ quirky behaviours can help us relate to the diverse ways people experience the world. Here’s what we can take away:

1. Everyone is Unique

No two cats, dogs, or birds are exactly the same. Just like them, no two people with ASD, ADHD, or anxiety experience life in the same way. Some might love socialising in small groups, while others need plenty of alone time. Embracing these differences helps us appreciate the variety of strengths and perspectives neurodiverse people bring.

2. Preferences Matter

• Your cat likes routine—so do many people with ASD.
• Your dog needs lots of exercise—so do kids with ADHD.
• Your bird wants a quiet, calm space—just like some people with anxiety.

Respecting these preferences, whether in animals or humans, makes life more enjoyable for everyone.

3. Everyone Needs Support

When your pet seems overwhelmed, you adjust things to help them feel better—like giving your dog more walks or providing a calm space for your bird. Similarly, people with neurodiverse conditions benefit from supportive environments. This might mean giving someone with ASD time to adjust to change, helping a friend with ADHD stay on track with reminders, or supporting someone with anxiety by helping them find ways to relax.

Real-Life Examples: Relating to Neurodiversity

Here’s how our pets’ behaviours can mirror human experiences and help us understand neurodiversity better:

• Mia the Cat insists on drinking from the tap, just like Emma, who has ASD, prefers eating her food in a specific order. Both find comfort in familiar routines.
• Buddy the Dog loves chasing his tail but sometimes forgets to listen when called, much like Jake, who has ADHD and gets distracted in class. Both thrive when given clear guidance and ways to focus their energy.
• Chirpy the Bird gets startled by the postman, just like Sophie, who has anxiety and feels overwhelmed in noisy, crowded spaces. Both feel calmer when their environment is predictable and quiet.

Final Thoughts: Celebrating Neurodiversity

It’s easy to see why people might joke that cats “have ASD,” dogs “have ADHD,” and birds “have anxiety.” These comparisons, while lighthearted, remind us of an important truth: everyone experiences the world differently, and that’s okay.

By learning from our pets, we can develop greater empathy for the people around us:

• Recognise that everyone has unique needs.
• Offer support when someone feels overwhelmed.
• Celebrate the incredible diversity of minds in our communities.

So next time your cat wants attention only on their terms, your dog runs laps around the house, or your bird flaps nervously at a noise, take a moment to appreciate how their behaviours can teach us about neurodiversity in humans. Because just like our pets, everyone deserves understanding, respect, and a little extra patience.

After all, whether it’s a curious cat, a playful dog, or a sensitive bird, our pets enrich our lives in so many ways—just like the wonderfully neurodiverse people we share our world with!