Is My Kitty Depressed? Signs to Look For in a Sad Cat

October 7th, 2021

While cat emotions differ from those of humans, there are telltale signs that indicate that your kitty is feeling sad. The good news is that felines tend to live in the moment, meaning that depression is usually short-lived. Here are the most common causes of cat depression and things you can do to help.

Common Causes of Cat Depression

Cats are creatures of habit and don’t do very well with change. Your furry friend may display signs of anxiety and depression if you bring home a new pet or baby, move to a new home, rearrange the furniture, or if you move the litter box to a new location. Even changes in your work schedule can cause sadness and distress!

Another cause of cat depression is grieving. While cats may seem like solitary animals, they often develop close relationships with their human families or other pets. Losing a loved human or animal companion can be devastating to your cat, who will grieve right alongside you.

Illness or injuries can often lead to sadness and depression. Pain, nausea, hormonal imbalances, or lack of energy accompanying illnesses can affect your cat’s happiness level. If you suspect a health condition is behind your furry friend’s sadness, you should visit your vet as soon as possible.

Signs of a Depressed Cat

The following are some classic signs of depression in cats:

Loss of appetite or changes in feeding habits
Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end
Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows
Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level
Retreating from humans or other family pets
Hiding or sleeping more than usual
Spraying or changes in bathroom habits
Excessive scratching on objects
Poor grooming or changes in grooming habits
Abnormal aggression or fearfulness

Helping a Depressed Cat

Your furry friend will need a lot of patience and gentle redirection on your part to overcome the sadness and depression. The first step in helping your sad cat is visiting your trusted vets at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital to rule out any injury or health problems. Prompt treatment may be all your cat needs to overcome depression.

If your furry friend has lost interest in food, you may want to offer some yummy treats to get the appetite going again. Spend time with your cat. Try out some new interactive toys and games, or simply cuddle with your feline companion. Stick to a predictable routine to provide your cat with a sense of security and stability. Whatever you do, limit any changes while your cat shows signs of depression. The good news is that your kitty’s depression will likely be short-lived. A little attention from you and help from your vet will get your fur-ever friend back to normal in no time!

Trusted Feline Veterinary Services in Kirkland, WA

If you suspect your cat is depressed, make sure to visit your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Clinic for a consultation. We will rule out any illness or injury and offer tips to help your kitty overcome any sadness or depression. You can always count on our team for purr-fectly compassionate care!