Signs Your Cat Is Depressed And How To Help The Kitty Blues
Feline depression can be difficult to diagnose and may happen for a number of reasons. Cats are highly perceptive and react to their environments easily. Here are some other common triggers that might cause feline depression, so take a look and see if they tick any boxes for your kitty.
- Change of food
- Illnesses/injuries
- Change of environment
- The arrival of a new pet
- An unhappy owner
- Lack of attention
- Sharing of resources (food bowls, sleeping places, litter boxes)
- Boredom
- Losing a family member
Signs of a Depressed Cat
#1 – Excessively Vocal
Vocal clues are very audible indications that your cat may be unhappy. These unhappy noises are usually low-pitched, mournful yowls. Purrs don't always indicate happiness and an unhappy kitty might also purr more as a way of comforting themselves. Cats which are normally vocal may become quiet, while quiet cats can turn up the volume.
#2 – Poor Grooming
When it comes to personal hygiene, cats are the epitome of cleanliness. Poor grooming can be a sign of unhappiness and ill health. Those that don’t feel well or are depressed often stop grooming themselves leaving them looking unkempt.
#3 – Hiding or Avoiding Affection
A depressed cat may lose interest in the activities that she used to like, and become reclusive and hide. Some quiet cats can become clingy or demanding and the fear of strangers that all cats seem to share can become heightened when a cat is sad.
#4 – Lethargy
Cats usually sleep a lot but depressed cats sleep even more. If there have been changes in the location of their favorite nap spot it can also indicate sadness.
#5 – Aggression
Depressed cats tend to be more reactive and act out with aggression or fearfulness. If you notice behavior changes that result in your cat being scared or abnormally aggressive then they might be sad.
#6 – Loss of Appetite
If your cat has stopped eating suddenly, they might be unhappy. Depressed cats may snub foods they previously enjoyed and might even lose interest in their favorite treats.
#7 – Inappropriate Litter Box Behavior
A depressed cat may use their own scent to feel better by urinating in inappropriate places. There are other reasons for urinating outside of the litter box but stress, depression, and sadness are high on this list. Your cat may urinate in "important" areas such as lookouts or your bedroom.
How To Help Cats With Depression
#1 – Stick To A Routine
Cats are creatures of habits who thrive on routine. While it may seem boring to us, it helps cats feel safe and confident. In fact, routines are so important to cats that having them disrupted can even impact their physical health. Keep things on schedule such as meal times, play time, and bed time. When the cat knows what to expect and when things should happen, she’ll be immensely reassured which would help reduce her anxiety.
#2 – Provide Your Cat A Safe Space To Retreat
Cats are sensitive to stress; even mundane things such as loud music or traffic can be annoying to them, so much so that some might develop physical problems. Help her to relax by providing a calm, quiet environment within home. Avoid loud music and a blaring TV, and try not to shout in her presence.
#3 – Avoid Sharing
Cats tend not to like sharing. Offer food separately - either in different locations or with cats separated to ensure that everyone can eat in peace. Simple things such as giving each pet their own toilet, food and water bowls, and sleeping places, goes a long way to help.
#4 – Keep The Cat Active
Cheer them up by providing your cat climbing towers and scratching poles to keep your cat active and allow her to act out her natural instincts. Cats often like to be up high where it is "safe".
#5 – Extra Attention
Give the depressed cat extra attention. It’s a misconception that cats are anti-social. It doesn’t have to be an intrusive way. Take some time to talk to her, play with her, sit together and hold her, stroke her when she approaches, or gently groom her. Let her know you’re there for her. Try to dedicate at least 30 minutes each day giving her undivided attention.
#6 – Increase Playtime
As depression can be a manifestation of boredom, offer your cat a variety of interactive toys as enriching play can keep them healthy and happy.
#7 – Seek professional help
If all else fails, speak to your vet about medication to help. Just as people takes anti-depressants, there are drugs that can help lift a cat’s mood.