Related: Understanding How Your Cat Feels: A Quick Guide To Feline Emotions
Signs and Symptoms of Cat Depression
Too Much Sleep – Cats sleep an average 16 hours a day, but if you notice your kitty’s typical sleep cycle is different, it may be a warning sign. If he or she usually wakes you up but begins to regularly miss the morning routine, take note. Also, note any lethargy. If your cat is typically a ball of energy but hasn’t played or enjoyed some feline fun, it could be a sign of depression.
Vocalization – Excessive vocalization could mean an unhappy cat. If your feline friend begins to cry, yowl, or hiss randomly through the day or becomes more demanding of your attention, it could be a sign you need to consider.
Appetite – Overeating and not eating enough are two big symptoms of cat depression. If your cat has no interest in eating suddenly or begins to howl and beg for more food, you might have a feline who isn’t fine.
Grooming – If your once well-kept cat stops keeping himself clean, you’ll not only need to intervene but find out what the underlying cause is. Look for signs of matted hair or dirty coats. Your well-trained furry friend may also stop using the litter box. This is another big sign your cat is unhappy.
Isolation – Watch out for your cat’s sudden or irregular need to be alone. If he or she withdraws from the company of once beloved human pals, it might be a depression warning sign.
Related: The Science of How Cats Form Relationships
Help Your Cat Cope
Check Up – Always, always, always check with your trusted vet when you have any concern about your pet. They will help you deal with your cat’s depression or whatever issue they may be suffering. Some things you’ll need to consider is your current situation. Did you recently move? Did family member or close friend pass away? Have you been too busy lately? These are all reasons your cat may have a serious case of the blues. Also, note the time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has been shown to impact animals and human.
Time – Making sure you have some time each day devoted to playing with your cat is vital. Your feline family member needs attention and love, too.
Consider Your Feelings – Are you depressed or experiencing emotional trauma? You could be projecting your feelings onto your cat. Take time to take care of yourself, too.
Has your furbaby ever gotten depressed? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
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My dad has a cat I will for sure let him know about this. How interesting.
We’ve never had a cat so this is all so interesting! And it makes sense that like dogs, cats can pick up if we’re sad or depressed too.
I have a kitten and she went into heat this week! Oh my goodness I thought she was sick, depressed or just angry (we did move to Canada from LA so the weather is so bluh). Once I realized she was in heat I was relieved. I am ready for my happy kitty to be back again!
Please get her spayed immediately before her next heat cycle for her sake. If you do not, you are exposing her to hormone related cancers later in life and these are not pleasant. I did it for my cats as soon as they were able to get it done. It is very important for behavioral issues as well.
I don’t have a cat but this is interesting info.
To be honest I never knew cats could have depression. But I guess every species can have depression. Thanks for sharing.
This is so interesting. We don’t have any pets but my sister and mom have a cat. Have to share this info with them for sure.
I never own a cat so I’m not familiar with this but I’ll pass this along to my friends who has cats.
Our cat man has been sneezing lately. A lot. I changed his litter. If it doesn’t get better, off to the vet he goes.
I had no idea that cats could suffer from depression. It goes to show you how important it is to be educated about your pet’s health.