Cat Depression: Is It Real And How To Spot It


If your kitty is acting out of character, you might wonder if it’s cat depression. After all, every cat has a unique sense of character and when that starts to change, it can be very worrying. The very last thing you want is for your cat to be ill! The thought of that is probably enough to send you into a mild panic.

Related: Secrets To Keeping Indoor Cats Happy

So, what should you do? Well, if the signs are all there, you could find that your cat is actually suffering from depression. It might sound a little crazy, but this can happen to a whole load of animals, and so you really need to know your stuff. Here’s what you need to know:

Is cat depression real?




First of all, let’s answer the main question here. Is cat depression real? Is it something that actually exists or just a made-up idea? Well, we can reveal that, yes, this is a very real and authentic condition. It is similar to clinical depression in humans and has to do with the chemical balance in your kitty’s brain.

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Like people, cats are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. They can also be affected by mood swings and the like. If that sounds all-too-familiar, it’s crucial that you get your pet the help they need and deserve as soon as possible. Cat depression can lead to other medical problems, especially if your pet loses their appetite. For that reason, you need to take action.

Symptoms you need to look for

So, what are the symptoms you need to watch out for? Well, there are a few telltale signs that you really should know about. Here they are:

  • General quietness or moodiness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sickness
  • Shyness and hiding away

If you notice these symptoms over an extended period, your pet needs your help sooner rather than later. Remember, as a pet owner, you have an obligation to do something as soon as you notice the signs!

How to treat cat depression

Once you have identified that, yes, your cat could have depression, what you do next is very important. If there is something that’s stressing your cat out, like another animal or loud noises, you need to remove this problem. Separating your cat from other animals or distractions may be the best way forward. Next, you ought to ensure that you are kind and supportive of your pet. Pay them extra attention and help them feel more content overall.

Related: The Best Ways to Give Medicine to your Cat

If all of the above doesn’t work (and it may well not!), don’t panic. You should take your cat to the vets and have a professional check them up. They will be able to advise you on what you should do next. It could be that the condition is physical, rather than mental, and so getting a vet’s opinion is a bright idea. Good luck.

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Comments (18)
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  • Jeanette

    I had no idea that they can get this way. I have a friend that has a cat has a lot of the symptoms I’m going to tell her about this and see if this will help make her cat happy.

  • Our Family World

    I did not know cats can suffer from depression too. I guess I am fortunate I have not seen this happening to my cats. Thanks for listing the signs to watch out for. I think we must be responsible pet parents and give them the love, affection and attention they need.

  • Guest

    I had no idea that they can get this way. I have a friend that has a cat has a lot of the symptoms I’m going to tell her about this and see if this will help make her cat happy.

  • Natalie

    Wow I did not know cats could also suffer from depression. I know I would be worrying if those symptoms surfaced, so I am glad this was brought to my attention!

  • Hey Sharonoox

    This is great info! I didn’t know cats can suffer from depression. Will share this with my friends who has cats.

  • Guest

    I did not know cats can suffer from depression too. I guess I am fortunate I have not seen this happening to my cats. Thanks for listing the signs to watch out for. I think we must be responsible pet parents and give them the love, affection and attention they need.

  • adriana

    This is a great, informative post. Something I didn’t know existed for sure! I don’t have a cat but it’s important for pet owners to know the signs.

  • Guest

    Wow I did not know cats could also suffer from depression. I know I would be worrying if those symptoms surfaced, so I am glad this was brought to my attention!

  • Guest

    This is great info! I didn’t know cats can suffer from depression. Will share this with my friends who has cats.

  • Elizabeth O.

    Who knew! I didn’t know that cats could suffer from depression although it does make sense. I have a lovely cat and I’m going to make sure that he doesn’t go through this.

  • Guest

    This is a great, informative post. Something I didn’t know existed for sure! I don’t have a cat but it’s important for pet owners to know the signs.

  • Guest

    Who knew! I didn’t know that cats could suffer from depression although it does make sense. I have a lovely cat and I’m going to make sure that he doesn’t go through this.

  • Travel Blogger

    I had no idea that cat depression was a real problem. It is good to know. I will have to keep this in mind if we ever have a cat.

  • Dawn McAlexander

    I didn’t even realize that this was a thing. I will keep it in mind though. We currently don’t own any cats, but if we do in the future, this is some good information to have .

  • Guest

    I had no idea that cat depression was a real problem. It is good to know. I will have to keep this in mind if we ever have a cat.

  • Guest

    I didn’t even realize that this was a thing. I will keep it in mind though. We currently don’t own any cats, but if we do in the future, this is some good information to have .

  • Guest

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