Cats can suffer from depression just like humans. This disorder can arise from many factors, from moving to a new home to the loss of a loved one. It can be difficult to notice depression in an animal because the changes in its behavior are often subtle. However, if you pay particular attention, you should be able to spot the signs of depression in your cat and take action accordingly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Assess the Situation
Step 1. Have your cat examined by a veterinarian
If you have noticed any behavioral changes in your kitty, make an appointment with a veterinarian. Make sure there are no pre-existing medical causes that are causing the animal to become depressed and require specific treatments.
- Tell your vet about any changes you have noticed in your cat, such as changes in appetite, sleep habits, and personality. The doctor will perform a routine physical exam, listening to the cat's heartbeat, examining its eyes, ears, and taking its temperature.
- If your vet deems further testing necessary based on the information you have provided, they may request blood tests, x-rays, or other tests. Some results will be ready right away, while others will take several days.
- If your cat has no medical problems, she may be suffering from feline depression.
Step 2. Make a note of any recent changes
Feline depression is linked to many factors. Consider your current situation and try to find out if any drastic changes have occurred recently that may have triggered your cat's depression.
- Have you moved recently? Changing residence is a major cause of feline depression. Many cats have problems moving from one apartment to another and may temporarily fall into depression during the adjustment period.
- Have there been any griefs in your family lately? Whether it's the death of a person or an animal, one death can impact your cat. He does not perceive and understand death like humans, but he notices the absence of a person or an animal. This can lead to depression.
- Have you been busier recently? Whether it's at work, your social life, or a new romantic partner, if you've been spending less time with your cat than you used to, it's possible that your cat may go into depression. Cats, especially breeds such as the Siamese, are social creatures and can get depressed if they feel neglected.
Step 3. What time of year is it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) doesn't just affect people. Cats can also be affected by the time of year and can get depressed during the winter months.
- In the winter months, the days are shorter and the sun sets earlier. Lack of sunlight can cause cats to become depressed and change their behavior. If your cat's personality seems to change with the seasons, she may be suffering from seasonal depression.
- Sunlight affects melatonin and serotonin levels. This can lead to fatigue, anxiety and sadness in humans and cats as well. Outdoor cats are particularly susceptible to winter blues because they spend a lot of time away from artificial lights.
Method 2 of 3: Look for Signs of Depression
Step 1. Monitor your cat's sleeping habits
These felines sleep a lot, about 16 hours a day on average. However, if your cat appears to be sleeping even more, he may be depressed.
- Since cats sleep so often, it can be difficult to tell when they do too much. However, you should have a fairly clear idea of when your pet is awake and when it sleeps. Use this information to track your habits.
- If you know your cat is always awake when you get up in the morning and suddenly find him always sleeping when you get to the kitchen, he may be depressed. If, when you get home from work, you find him asleep on the sofa, take note of that behavior as well.
- Pay attention to the animal's general lack of energy. When your cat isn't sleeping, does it seem lethargic to you? Some of these felines are lazy by nature, but if your once-dynamic, snappy specimen suddenly starts sleeping all day, he may be depressed.
Step 2. Notice if your cat makes noises more often
These animals can produce many sounds, such as hissing, purring or meowing. If your dog "talks" more often than usual, he may be depressed.
- Depressed cats may cry, moan, or hiss in reaction to mild stimuli or make sounds at random times of the day. He may be trying to tell you that something is wrong.
- As with your assessment of sleep habits, excessive vocalization levels vary from cat to cat and only you can judge what your pet's normal behavior is. If your cat is normally noisy, meowing to announce its presence or to get your attention, frequent vocalizations may not be a warning sign. If, on the other hand, a cat that is normally quiet starts keeping you awake at night because it is crying, it may be trying to communicate that it is unwell.
- Excessive vocalizations are often caused by the death of a loved companion, animal or human. Your cat may cry to help a lost companion find him.
Step 3. Pay attention to the cat's eating habits
Depressed felines can eat too much or too little when they are sad, so keep an eye on your pet's bowls.
- Loss of appetite is a frequent sign of depression, in animals as well as in humans. Your cat may lose interest in food, eat less than it used to, and stop touching bowls. These changes in appetite can cause weight loss.
- Some cats, on the other hand, eat more when they are depressed. Although it is a rare phenomenon, it does happen. If you notice your cat asking for more food and gaining weight, he may be depressed.
Step 4. Check your cat's fur
Depressed cats may stop caring for their coat or do it too much. These changes may be visible to the naked eye.
- If your cat's fur is dull or matted, he may have stopped caring for it. For example, if your cat frequently cleans up in the center of the living room after dinner and suddenly stops doing it, he may be depressed.
- Others may clean themselves too much to deal with the anxiety caused by feline depression. You may notice that your cat licks itself for a long time. It may have hair-free spots or skin irritation from too much cleaning.
Step 5. Make a note of how often your cat hides
Cats are social animals, but they love to spend moments alone. It's no wonder these felines have a favorite hiding place, like a drawer or closet, but when they hide too much they can be depressed.
- Depressed cats often hide in places where it is difficult to find them. Instead of taking refuge in the usual closet, your specimen may hole up in a corner where you can't see it.
- Again, only you can assess what your pet's normal attitude is. Some cats hide more than others, but if your cat is used to spending a lot of time in the living room in the afternoons and suddenly starts hiding, he may be depressed.
Step 6. Watch out for litter box problems
These problems are related to stress, a symptom of cat depression.
- Learn the difference between urinating and territorial marking. Marking territory with urine is an instinctive attitude of cats and is rarely linked to feline depression. You will usually find urine used for marking on vertical surfaces and you will be able to smell its strong characteristic odor. It is male cats that most often have this attitude. If your dog is also marking territory, he is likely feeling threats to his safety and is not depressed. But remember that tension between cats and other pets can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Make sure you handle all territorial disputes before they cause mental health problems.
- If you find urine or feces in the house, it could be a sign that your cat is depressed. These animals urinate outside the litter tray because they do not appreciate its size, shape or texture and can do so even when it is dirty. If the litter box is clean and you haven't changed it recently, urinating could be linked to depression.
Method 3 of 3: Fighting Depression
Step 1. Give your cat adequate attention
Depression in cats can result from lack of attention. Make sure you give your pet all the love he needs to feel happy and safe.
- Cats are social animals, but they are often more independent than others. They will usually let you know when they want attention and it's best to let them come to you. If your cat approaches and welcomes you warmly, such as rubbing against your legs or nudging you, they want your attention. It's not always possible to leave everything else aside and give your kitty what he needs, but you should at least stroke him for a few moments to let him know you care.
- Cats love stimulating activities, so remember to play with yours. 15-20 minutes a day will suffice. These felines love string toys and animal-shaped soft toys that they can chase. But avoid playing too hard with them. Some owners wrestle with their cats using their hands, but this can cause them to become shy or aggressive.
Step 2. Make sure your cat can have fun when you are not home
If you've been busy at work lately and feel your cat's depression is a response to this change, try making your cat happier when you're not around. You can do this in many ways.
- Leave the curtains open during the day, especially if you live in a rural area. Make sure your cat can step onto a table, cabinet, or other shelf where she can look out the window. These animals love to look outside, to be able to see the sunlight and have fun when you are not around.
- Some companies sell DVDs and other movies that you can play on television when you are not at home. These videos depict images that are pleasing to cats, such as birds, mice, and other cats. Be careful, though, as your kitty may jump and hit the TV. Make sure your television is secure, it cannot fall and break out of the curiosity of the animal.
- Your cat can play with many toys on her own, such as mice and birds stuffed with catnip. There are also puzzle games, in which a puppet or food is inside a machine. Your cat needs to figure out how to open the game to receive the reward and this can keep her interested while you are away. Be careful, though, as some of these toys aren't entirely safe for animals. Make sure you choose harmless items for times when you are not home.
Step 3. Try light therapy
If your cat's depression is related to seasonal changes, phototherapy can help limit winter blues.
- Purchase an ultraviolet light and turn it on for a few hours a day in the presence of your cat. These lights are often sold in greenhouses, as they are useful for growing plants indoors.
- Sol Box is a brand of UV lamps recommended by veterinarians, because they are designed specifically for cats. You can buy them on the internet. Produces a white and clear light; manufacturers recommend exposing your cat for 30 minutes a day during the winter months.
Step 4. Try synthetic pheromones
Your vet can recommend a brand of synthetic pheromones designed to stimulate happiness and relaxation in your cat.
Feliway spray is one of the most common synthetic pheromone products and you should be able to purchase it from your vet. Use it only as directed on the instructions and ask your doctor for more information
Step 5. Consider getting your cat on medication
Medicines are usually considered the last resort for treating feline depression, due to their possible side effects and the difficulty of administering them to the animal.
- There are four types of drugs used to treat depression and other behavioral problems in cats: benzodiazepines (BZs), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Most certainly, if your cat is suffering from depression, your vet will recommend an SSRI or MAO.
- Depending on the drug, side effects can vary. Some are quite serious. For example, some MAOs can cause life-threatening reactions when combined with cheese. Make sure you know all the possible side effects before giving your cat a drug. Ask your veterinarian for more information on what side effects are that require immediate medical attention.
- It is notoriously difficult to administer drugs to cats. Most vets only prescribe them as a last resort. If yours suggests this solution, make sure you know the correct protocol for administration, dosage and storage. If you are confused or worried for some reason, don't hesitate to ask the vet questions.
Advice
- Always consult a veterinarian when you notice behavioral changes in your cat. Do not assume that depression is your pet's problem, as some symptoms, particularly a lack of appetite, are linked to many diseases. If your cat has a serious health problem, taking action right away is very important.
- If you think your cat is feeling lonely because another pet has passed away, you may want to consider adopting a new dog or cat. Of course, this is an emotionally difficult decision, but some cats are more social than others. If yours seems to prefer a companion, look for a suitable pet for him.
