Is My Cat Depressed? How Your Kitty Tells You They're Unhappy
Are you wondering if your cat is depressed? Cats are complicated creatures that don’t always wear their emotions on their furry sleeves. This makes it hard to tell when they are feeling down.
However, depression in cats can be a symptom of a larger problem, so it’s important to explore the issue further.
Can Cats Get Depressed?
First of all, do cats even get depressed? Are their brains evolved enough to allow for such complex emotions? Veterinarian Karen Hiestand of the University of Sussex, says yes. The problem is, the signs are often overlooked.
“Cat behavior is incredibly subtle,” Hiestand told The Guardian. “We don’t notice when cats are miserable because a miserable cat sits still and doesn’t do much. We think that, if they are miserable, they’ll be hissing and fighting. But that’s an action of last resort for them. There’s a world of misery before then. We just don’t notice.”
Causes of Cat Depression
So, what does a spoiled house cat have to be depressed about? Unlike their feral cousins, they can depend on a steady supply of nourishing food and a warm, safe place to sleep. What else could they want? It turns out, cats have many of the same depression triggers we experience.
Injury or Illness
The pain, fatigue, and loss of social engagement that come from changes in physical health can certainly make a cat depressed. If a once active, healthy kitty suddenly becomes ill or injured, it goes without saying that their happiness will be affected.
This is also true of the physical changes that occur during normal aging. Achy joints, dimmed vision, and energy loss can all leave your kitty feeling sad and anxious.
If you are unsure what is causing your cat to be depressed, make an appointment with your veterinarian. He or she can identify any treatable health conditions and hopefully get your furry friend feeling better. Even if the condition is chronic or degenerative, your vet can give you tips on making life easier for your cat.
Lack of Social Engagement
According to certified feline behaviorist, Linda Hall, cats are far more social than popularly believed. And when their social needs are not met, they can and do experience depression.
“Cats are often misunderstood because they appear to be independent,” Hall writes on her blog. “Despite appearances, cats are social souls! Take a look at cats in nature. They live in groups together, called Clowders. They need their village! Cats who live in homes without other animals often show signs of depression and may exhibit some ‘naughty’ behaviors.”
In addition to their desire for the company of their own species, cats also form strong bonds with the humans in their lives. This means that losing a family member - whether furry or hairless - can be extremely stressful.
Your cat may not know whether a housemate has moved or passed away, but they feel the loss either way.
Moving to a New House
Moving is stressful for everyone but think about it from your cat’s perspective. They are suddenly uprooted from everything they have come to know and love, placed in a hated travel carrier, taken on a nausea-inducing road trip, and relocated to a place with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
On top of all this, there may be unfamiliar humans or pets in the new home, less space to move around, or a change in their access to the outside world. For a routine-loving kitty, this is a recipe for stress, anxiety, and yes, even depression.
Changes in Their Schedule
Anyone who has ever been woken up by an angry cat five minutes after feeding time knows that felines like to stick to a schedule! When their humans go back to school or change their hours at work, it affects that delicate balance.
Not only is your cat depressed at losing your company, but they also have to deal with the stress of adjusting to a new routine.
What Are the Signs of Depression in Cats?
Now that you know some of the common causes of cat depression, it’s time to learn the signs. Cats tend to be very stoic when it comes to physical and emotional pain, so paw-parents must be prepared to read the subtle cues.
Depressed cats may experience:
Loss of appetite
Lethargy and increased time sleeping
Changes in grooming habits marked by thick, overgrown nails, mats, or an unkempt coat
Loss of interest in toys, play, and socialization with other pets
Avoidance or irritability with human family members
Hiding or fearful behavior
Aggressive behavior or body language such as hissing, swatting, flattened ears, tucked tail, or hair standing on end
Excessive scratching or licking of self or other objects
Decreased interest in going outside or watching the outside world
House soiling, spraying, or going outside the litter box
Changes in vocalization - mournful “crying”
Do Cats Cry?
While cats don't cry actual tears when they are upset, they do sometimes cry out for your attention. Vocalization in cats is almost exclusively reserved for communicating with humans, so pay attention to unusual chirps, meows, and cries. These sounds could indicate a physical or emotional problem like depression. Sad or mournful cries tend to be lower-pitched and more drawn out than the short, chirpy meows of happy cats.
How to Help Your Depressed Cat Feel Better
Once you’ve identified that your cat is depressed, what can you do to help them? Some antidepressants and anxiety-fighting drugs are approved for use in cats, but your vet may recommend trying a more holistic approach first.
Here are a few things you can try:
Spend More Time With Your Cat
If a recent move or change in schedule is behind your cat’s depression, the solution could be as simple as prioritizing quality time together. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just 10 to 15 minutes per day without phones, iPads, or distractions. Sit quietly together and rub your kitty’s ears or break out the brush. You’ll likely find yourself feeling better afterward, too.
Introduce New Toys and Games
Your cat may be depressed due to boredom. Try rotating their toys or adding some new ones in fun styles and colors. Puzzle games are great for challenging active feline brains. These toys encourage your kitty to engage their inner hunter, solve problems, and seek out treats. They also promote exercise, which helps get the endorphins flowing.
You can kill two birds with one stone by joining in the fun. Grab a fishing pole toy or a laser pointer and play with your cat. You can even try watching videos created to catch your kitty’s attention.
Offer New Treats
Kitties have notoriously sensitive tummies, so consult your vet before adding any new foods or treats. If you get the all-clear, you may find that new snacks are the cure to your cat’s depression. Look for high-quality treats with meat sourced in the U.S. or Canada. Some “human” foods may also be acceptable, including fresh fish, roasted chicken, or plain yogurt. Again, defer to your vet on this subject.
Play Soothing Music
Did you know that services such as Spotify and Amazon Music have tunes just for pets? While dogs like reggae, cats prefer classical or pop. You can even find songs specifically composed for cats!
Just avoid rock music. Studies show it stresses cats out.
Try Supplements
Supplements such as CBD, l-theanine, and l-tryptophan may naturally increase the serotonin levels in your cat’s brain without pharmaceuticals. Serotonin is the “feel-good” hormone and is known to help in the fight against depression.
Use Pheromones
In addition to supplements, feline pheromones may help soothe your cat. Veterinarians often use pheromone sprays and diffusers to reduce the stress of feline office visits. Your cat may also respond to certain scents and essential oils, such as mint, catnip, sunflower, chamomile, valerian oil, and rosemary.
Seek Professional Help
As always, the best way to help a cat with physical or emotional problems is to see your trusted veterinarian. They can rule out any medical causes of cat depression and help you come up with a home treatment plan. In serious cases, they can prescribe pharmaceuticals and/or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.
As you navigate this difficult time, do your best to stick to a routine and remember to be patient with your cat. Our pets depend on us most in times of sickness and sadness. Now’s your chance to prove your undying love and devotion.