Can Cats Get Depression?
Yes, cats can suffer from depression. In fact, there is even some evidence that cats can experience mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depression in cats can be ongoing and persistent, requiring treatment to alleviate the symptoms.
What Triggers Depression in Cats
Many situations can trigger depression in cats. For instance, if you recently moved to a new home, your cat might struggle with depression while adjusting to this change. On the other hand, maybe you recently lost a family member that pet your cat shared a strong bond with. If this is the case, your cat might display signs of depression as it mourns the loss — just as a human would.
Even a simple shift in your schedule can impact your cat’s mental health, which is why it’s so important to stay in tune with your furry friend and pick up on any signs of emotional distress.
6 Signs Your Cat Is Depressed
Worried your cat is experiencing mental health issues? Here are a few signs that your cat is struggling with depression.
1.Lack of Appetite: If your cat hasn’t been eating as much as usual, it might be struggling with depression. Just as humans experience a lack of appetite when they’re going through a difficult time, cats can also get a nervous stomach that prevents them from eating. As soon as you pick up on this issue, you should contact your cat’s vet to address concerns.
2.Behavioral Changes: Certain behavioral changes can also indicate depression in cats. For instance, if your cat is less playful or more clingy than normal, it might be struggling with its mental health. Remember: you know your cat best, and report any abnormal behaviors to a vet.
3.Increased Vocalization: Some cats are more vocal than others, but increased vocalization might point to an issue like depression. Just like humans cry as a form of release, cats will sometimes vocalize their emotional pain, too. If your cat is consistently vocal — especially with long and deep meows — mention this symptom to a vet.
4.Lethargy: Depression can be exhausting, and lethargy is a common result of mental distress like depression. If your cat has been lying around more than usual or isn’t acting like its energetic self, it might be time to bring your furry friend to the vet for a mental health visit.
5.Lack of Grooming: Just as it can be difficult for humans to keep up with their health and hygiene during depressive episodes, cats will sometimes stop grooming themselves when they’re experiencing depression. If you notice your cat hasn’t been taking care of itself as much, this might be a good indicator of depression.
6.Increased Urination: Increased urination is another sign of depression in cats. If your cat is making more frequent trips to the litterbox, or starts spraying or urinating on the floor/ furniture, first take it to the vet to rule out other health issues. If nothing is wrong physically, you can determine whether depression is the cause of this symptom.
Caring for a Depressed Cat
If your cat is displaying signs of depression, your first course of action should be to take your feline friend to the vet. They might prescribe medication or provide other treatment options. Some additional ways you can support your kitty are by spending quality time with your cat, keeping an eye on new or worsening symptoms, trying new toys or games, and simply checking that your cat is taking care of itself.