Psychological Signs of Cat Hoarding

Cat hoarding is a devastating, difficult problem to deal with, especially when the person hoarding has no idea that he is causing harm. Animal hoarding is explained by the ASPCA as having more animals than one can care for, resulting in neglect and death. Cat hoarding is traumatic not only for the animals but for the hoarder as well. The hoarder has psychological issues that need to be addressed and dealt with in order to overcome this problem.

Mental Illness

• Cat hoarders have a very complex mental illness. Early research by the ASPCA linked animal hoarding to obsessive compulsive disorder. However, now research is leaning more toward attachment disorders combined with other factors such as depression or paranoia. Animal hoarders lack the ability to see the situation they have created, they can be delusional and they view themselves as saving animals. In fact, they are causing greater harm to these pets.

Withdrawal

• Cat hoarders will begin withdrawing from social interactions. They will stop visiting friends and family, and they will not want people coming over to their homes. Cat hoarders have let their homes go, the households overrun by the cats. The home will have strong scent of ammonia and the floors will be littered with feces. Despite the conditions of the home, the hoarder will be adamant that the situation is under control.

Denial

• The hoarders honestly do not believe that they are causing any harm to the cats. They believe that they are rescuing stray cats and providing a community service. They often use the excuse that if they didn't take the cats in, the cats would be euthanized. Denial is very strong and they will argue that they are providing adequate care. They are simply unable to realize the state in which they find themselves. The mental illness allows them to deny the condition of their homes and pets.

Self-Neglect

• Often, a hoarder lets himself go. He will appear unkempt and fail to take his own personal hygiene seriously. The cats have taken over the home, and the home is filled with filth. The person might stop cleaning and washing laundry, and thus himself.

Who's at Risk

• Animal hoarding can affect anyone. This mental illness isn't specific to any race and it ranges in age groups. However, it tends to be more common in women, and the elderly population is at a higher risk simply due to community isolation and poor health. Many hoarders begin gathering strays shortly after suffering from a traumatic event or a devastating loss.