Kanye Kitty Psychosocial Assessment

Kanye Kitty is a 3 ½ year old male, gray and white, short haired feline. Generally he presents with a somewhat social demeanor, although he does go through long periods of time when he prefers to be off by himself. He usually spends this time sleeping, not unusual for the species, or wandering around the local woods, exploring his environment. He was “tutored” at 6 months by the local vet and recovered with only his dignity intact.

Developmentally, Kanye was the second of five kittens born to a first time mother. One sibling died at birth. He reached all the usual kitten milestones – opening eyes at 2 weeks, playing with siblings at six weeks, chasing balls of yarn and bits of paper at 8 weeks and catching his first mouse at about 5 months of age. He does not maintain contact with any of his other siblings, two of which live in the same town currently or the other, who moved to Hopedale at 8 weeks of age. Mother was a bit overwhelmed by the responsibilities of raising a litter, always providing plenty of nourishment when needed but leaving the youngsters alone for long periods of time. She subsequently disappeared right after the kittens were weaned, possibly the result of an irresponsible relationship with a coyote. Little is known about the father as paternity was never established. It could have been any one of the several Toms who hung out in the neighborhood. None of the kittens resembled any of the Toms, making the possibility of an unknown male the father, a real possibility.

Medically, Kanye has had a relatively uneventful life. Outside of “tutoring” and his required vaccinations, he has not spent any time at the vets for treatments. He has a healthy appetite, preferring foods that he is not allowed to have most, but is generally satisfied with any number of dry foods. Occasionally treats are offered him, such as canned food or cat treats and he enjoys these lavishly.

Clincally, Kanye possess many positive skills. He can be social, climbing up on a lap for some petting or rolling over on his back so that you can scratch his belly. He likes people and does not generally disappear when strangers are present. However he goes through periods of time when he does the exact opposite. After months of sleeping in the master bedroom at night, he currently goes there and when he does, stays only for a short while before moving along. He does not get along well with his housemate, Millie, an 12 year old female, who makes her displeasure at his presence evident by copious hissing, scratching and at times ignoring him or taunting him, depending on her mood. Although generally mellow, Kanye will hiss back, raise his paws to her and attempt to fight back but it is not in his nature to prolong the confrontation most of the time.

Presenting problems are as follows: Apparent mood swings making him affectionate one minute and distant the next. Each of these extremes is seen in detail every day. Does not understand limits placed on him regarding going out at night, people food vs. cat food, or playing nicely with others. Constant whining when he does not get his way. Lack of conviction or severe indecision can be seen when he whines to come in the house and then immediately whines to go back out. Fear of some inanimate objects seen including wood stove and vacuum cleaner.

Diagnosis: Possible bi-polar disorder of rapid cycling depression and short bursts of euphoria, possible autism/Asberger’s syndrome with antisocial behavior predominantly displayed. Possible anti-social mood disorder.

Treatment recommendations: Aw, common guys, he’s a cat, get used to it.

T Fab P, LICSW