Tell your vet about any changes you’ve noticed in your cat, such as changes in appetite, sleeping habits, and personality. Your veterinarian will perform a routine physical exam, listening to your cat’s heart beat, examining her eyes and ears, and taking her temperature. If your vet feels it is necessary based on the behavioral changes you’ve outlined, she might call for blood work, x-rays, or other additional testing. Some test results will be ready within the appointment period while others may take a few days to come back. If there is no medical issue, your cat may be suffering from feline depression.
Have you moved recently? Changing residencies is one of the biggest causes of feline depression. Many cats have trouble transitioning from apartment to apartment or house to house and may fall into a temporary depression while adjusting to the move. [1] X Research source Has there been a death in your household recently? Whether it was a person or a pet, death does affect cats. They do not perceive or understand death the same way humans do, but will notice the absence of a person or animal. This can lead to feelings of depression. [2] X Research source Have you recently become more busy? Whether it’s due to work, your social life, or a new romantic partner if you’ve found yourself spending less time with your feline friend this could easily cause feline depression. Cats, especially breeds like the siamese, are social creatures and may become depressed if they feel they’re being neglected. [3] X Research source
Winter months result in shorter days, which means less sunlight. Lack of sun can cause depression in cats, which results in changes to their behavior. If your cat’s personality seems to change with the seasons, they may be experiencing seasonal depression. [4] X Research source Sunlight affects levels of melatonin and serotonin. This can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and sadness in both humans and cats. Outdoor cats are especially susceptible to depression in the winter as so much of their time is spend outdoors. [5] X Research source
As cats sleep so often, it can be hard to gauge how much is too much. However, you should have some idea of when your cat tends to be awake and when she tends to be asleep. Use this as a guide when monitoring her sleeping habits. [6] X Research source If you know your cat is always awake to greet you in the morning and suddenly she spends that time snoozing in the pantry, this could be a sign she’s depressed. If she’s always awake after work and now you find her asleep on the couch, take note of this as well. [7] X Research source Watch for general dips in energy. When your cat isn’t sleeping, does she seem lethargic? Some cats are naturally lazy, but if your once bouncy and energetic cat suddenly lies in bed all day this could be a sign of depression.
Depressed cats might cry, yowl, or hiss in response to mild stimuli or simply vocalize at random points throughout the day. She may be trying to communicate something is wrong. [9] X Research source Much like sleeping, how much is unusual varies from cat to cat and you’re the best judge of what’s normal for your pet. If your cat is normally loud, mewing to announce her presence or ask for attention, you may not need to worry about frequent vocalization. However, if a normally quiet cat suddenly starts keeping you up at night crying she might be trying to communicate unhappiness. Excessive vocalization frequently results from the death of a close companion, which can either be a pet or a person. Your cat might cry to try and help a missing companion locate her.
Loss of appetite is a major factor in depression in both people and animals. Your cat may be disinterested in food and you might notice they’re not eating at feeding times and the dry or wet food you leave out goes untouched. Weight loss might result from such changes in appetite. Conversely, some cats overeat when depressed. While it’s rarer, it does happen. If you notice your cat wanting more food, especially if it’s to the point she’s putting on weight, this may also be a sign of depression. [10] X Research source
If your cat’s coat is dull or matted, she may not be grooming herself. You might also notice a lack of grooming. If your cat frequently cleans herself in the middle of the living room after dinner, for example, and suddenly stops this could be a sign of depression. [12] X Research source Other cats may groom excessively to curb anxiety related to feline depression. You will likely notice your cat licking herself for long periods of time. She may also develop bald spots or rashes due to too much grooming. [13] X Research source
When depressed, your cat may hide in a hard to find place. Rather than simply taking refuge in the closet, for example, she might burrow into a corner where she cannot be seen. [14] X Research source Once again, only you can gauge what’s normal for your pet. Some cats hide more than others, but if you’re used to your cat spending time in the living room during afternoons and she’s suddenly nowhere to be seen this might be a sign of depression. [15] X Research source
Understand the difference between urine marking and urination. Urine marking is a form of marking territory and usually unrelated to feline depression. The urine is usually found on vertical surfaces, tends to produce a pungent odor, and is generally the work of male cats. If your cat is urine marking, this is likely because he feels his territory is threatened and not a result of depression. However, tensions between cats and other pets can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Make sure to manage any territorial disputes before they result in mental health issues. If you’re finding urine or feces around the house, this might also be a sign of feline depression. Cats may urinate outside the litter box due to disliking the size, shape, or litter type and may also urinate outside the box if the litter is dirty. If your litter box is clean, and you haven’t made any recent changes regarding the box, the urination may be related to depression.
Leave the curtains open during the day, especially if you live in a rural area. Make sure there’s a table, dresser, or other perch your cat is allowed to climb on in front of the window. Cats love watching the outdoors, and having access to sunlight and entertainment while you’re gone. [18] X Research source Some companies sell DVD’s and other electronic media you can play on your television set while you are away. Such movies feature stimuli cats will enjoy, like birds, mice, and other cats. Just be careful, as cats may jump and bat the TV. Make sure your TV is secure and is not likely to fall and break in response to a cat’s curiosity. [19] X Research source Many toys are designed to be enjoyed while you are gone, such as catnip laced mice and birds. [20] X Research source Jean Johnson. Cat Expert. There are also puzzle games, in which a toy or piece of food is placed in a contraption. Your cat must figure out how to open this contraption to get her reward and this can keep her engaged while you are gone. However, be careful. Some toys have warnings on them advising you not leave your cat alone with them. Make sure you pick toys that are safe to leave out while you’re away. [21] X Research source
Buy a light that simulates UV rays and turn it on for a few hours a day in your cat’s presence. Such lights are often sold in greenhouses, as people purchase them to grow plants indoors. [22] X Research source Sol Box is a brand of UV light veterinarians recommend as it’s made specifically for cats. You can buy it from the online retailer Pawsitive Lighting. It produces bright, white light and manufacturers recommend exposing your cat to it 30 minutes a day during winter months. [23] X Research source
Feliway spray is one of the most popular synthetic pheromones, and you should be able to get a supply at your veterinarian’s office. Use only as the directions instruct and ask your vet if you have any questions or concerns about Feliway spray. [24] X Research source
There are four types of medications used to treat depression and other behavioral issues in cats: benzodiazepines (BZs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Most likely, if your cat has depression, your vet will recommend an SSRI or MAOI. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Depending on the medication, side effects vary. Some can be quite serious, so make sure you speak to your vet about and understand all possible side effects before giving your cat any medication. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Cats are notoriously difficult in regards to medication. Most veterinarians only prescribe meds as a last resort. If your vet suggests meds, make sure you know the proper protocol for administration, dosage, and storage. If you’re confused or concerned about anything, do not hesitate to contact your vet and ask. [27] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
