Cat Depression — Signs, Causes and How to Treat It
Humans aren’t the only ones who struggle with depression. Cats are highly perceptive and easily react to their environments. They may be triggered by something as seemingly small as a change in food and kitty litter to a situation as considerable as a move or a death.
Symptoms of cat depression include, but are not limited to:
Cats display depression symptoms in a number of different ways. Photography © 2002lubava1981 | Thinkstock.
- A cat not eating, or overeating
- Under- or over-grooming
- Hiding, or avoiding affection
- Aggressive behavior
- Excessive vocalization
- Inappropriate litter box behavior
Just because your cat exhibits any one or more of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean he’s in the throes of depression. He could be presenting with physical or behavioral signals that point to other illnesses, so it’s important to visit your vet and rule those out before considering cat depression. Cat consultant Ingrid King advises, “To treat feline depression, physical symptoms need to be addressed first, especially inappetence. A cat who doesn’t eat for 24 to 48 hours is at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening condition.”
Here are common reasons for cat depression and some possible solutions for responding to them.
Cat depression may stem from the death of a human or another animal
Losing a pet or human might make a cat depressed. Photography ©kipuxa | Thinkstock.
“Despite a reputation for being aloof, [cats] are social animals who form strong bonds with humans or other cats,” King says. “As a result, feline depression often sets in after the loss of a companion.” It’s important not to force attention upon your grieving cat, but do provide her with extra attention and cuddles if she’s open to receiving them. Offer kitty the same love and compassion you’d want after losing a loved one.
Cats get depressed because they’re not getting enough interaction
Some people think that cats are solitary beings who don’t need or want a lot of human interaction. This isn’t true at all. Although some cats enjoy more interaction than others, they all require attention. If you’ve recently adopted a cat who’s been neglected, be gentle with her, but bring out interactive toys like wands with dangly feathers to encourage her to play and interact. A single cat may also enjoy the company of another cat to help with boredom and encourage exercise and companionship.
Change in food or litter might cause depression in cats
Cats are creatures of habit, and that should be taken into consideration when making changes to their daily routines. This includes litter and food, and not only the brands or types but their locations in your home. With both food and litter, gradual changes are best and give kitty time to adjust. As far as litter boxes go, it’s a good idea to keep the old one in the original location while your cat gets used to the new one. If you’re not willing or able to provide a temporary box, then move the box toward the new location a little bit every day until it reaches the new spot.
Feline depression happens because of other changes in the household
Cats can be affected by divorce, children leaving for college, a new spouse or any other change in what they’ve come to know as “home.” Being in tune with your cat’s behavior changes and offering welcome attention and play help him feel like he’s still in a safe place.
A final word on cat depression
“Depressed cats, especially cats who are grieving, will need extra compassion and care from their humans,” King explains. “Spending extra time with the cat, providing new toys or beds, interactive playtime, and special treats can all help. Holistic modalities such as Reiki, Tellington Touch and other forms of energy healing can be beneficial. Holistic remedies such as Jackson Galaxy Solutions can support depressed cats through the healing process. In extreme cases, your cat’s veterinarian may prescribe medication.”
Thumbnail: Photography ©Stegarau | Thinkstock.
Struggling with depression yourself? These tips can help cure depression >>
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10 comments on “Cat Depression — Signs, Causes and How to Treat It”
Hi. I need advice. Please. My cat Tibs went blind. He started out with s rough life. Till I got him. He became blind. After he was a year old. Now he’s losing weight. He’s been to the vet now seven times. I see that he’s depressed. Its braking my heart, I want to help him so much. Now he’s about two years old. He’s still s baby to me. Help.????
Hi Danette,
Sorry to hear that your kitty isn’t doing well!
These articles might help your kitty feel more confident and happy:
http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-blind-cats-tips
http://www.catster.com/cats-101/adopting-and-living-with-special-needs-cats
I was wondering how my Tiki was dealing with the death of his 2 yr companion Garfield. I am still grieving over the loss of him. Now I know. I did give Tiki lots of love and play, treats and his favorite CATNIP. I could sense something was wrong with him, and I believe I handled it correctly. He’s bouncing back, while I am still so devastated. Tiki is a very loving cat, and he actually makes me feel better.
I’ve noticed that our Birman kitty would go under the bed and stay there until we got home. When we were home, she would socialize with us all of the time. We have had more than one cat previously and it seemed much easier on the cat family. They had each other during this time when we were gone.
I managed inumerable colonies of feral cat’s/kitten’s while living in Florida. I love all animals and did not mind spending all my extra time feeding caring and looking out for these cats/kittens as well as TNR, I had other’s who helped out over time as well as it became an overwhelming project each day. Unfortunately neighbors did not take kindly to all the cat’s roaming the neighborhood, all the fights and howling at night. I did this for years, but lost out to neighbors, animal control and police… : ( I do not believe in euthanization unless an animal is hurt so badly it needs to be put down. I believe in TNR and that animals have the right to roam this earth and live their lives !
My cat is coming out of depression a little at a time. His brother was killed by a dog on the 20th. They were feral cats that I could never get to stay inside. Two died from illnesses and one from the unleashed dog. Now I have brought in the remaining kitty and he misses his little brother. I have had three of them seven or more years without serious incident. Now my heart is broken. My only kitty now is eating well, sleeping well and has learned to use a litter box. My house stays locked to keep him inside. He will never be outside again if I can help it.
A couple of weeks ago I responded to a person who was in favor of cats being allowed outside. In my situation I had no choice but to agree with that person. I was so wrong. Please keep kitties inside or have ferals euthanized. Anything is better than having a huge dog break their little back. It was a quick death but so very needless. Our hearts are broken. Our only cat now is our comfort and strength.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your feral kitties and happy you were able to “convince” your last feral kitty that you were trustworthy of her care. However, I disagree that other feral cats should be euthanized. I have been feeding about 6 or so ferals & just finished a trap, spay, & neuter event that was very successful. They got their rabies shots as well. My ferals are extremely skittish as they hide when I even open the door to check the bowls. One can love them from afar as I do, but to euthanize them is too harsh.
You are right. Ferals are doing a service to humans. Remember the black plague? Farmers love them too. After altering a feral and giving them the necessary shots, they are returned to their home, the great outdoors to live their lives in their familiar environment. The trap, neuter, and release people are wonderful.
Energy healing? Really? Please stop peddling this unscientific snake oil. That’s just misinforming people about how they can help their pets. Catster, I love this site, please don’t let your standards slip.
This Granny says: Cats are receptive to energy medicine because they are more sensitive to their environments than humans can imagine.