can a cat have depression

Cats, like humans, can suffer from mental exhaustion, depression, and anxiety. The reasons for these conditions can be illness, injury, pain, or loss of a companion. Whatever the reasons are, the symptoms are usually the same.

Spend Quality Time With Your Cat

You can spend more time with your depressed cat to help them feel better. Even just spending time with them and giving them hugs can cheer up a melancholy cat. Certain cats might take pleasure in ear massages, cheek or under-chin scratches, or even brushing.

Do Indoor Cats Get Depressed?

Since you see indoor cats more frequently, it is simpler to detect signs of depression in them. But outdoor cats can also experience depression.

Keep in mind that cats experiencing depression exhibit a general decrease in activity as a reflection of their mental state. Your cat is sleeping more and more and isn’t doing the things they used to enjoy. Your cat might thus stick to one section of the yard or not venture outside at all, rather than exploring the neighborhood or the yard.

Reasons Your Cat Gets Sad

Cats get sad for specific reasons. If the bond that was anticipated between you and your cat is broken, your cat might get depressed. To keep you both happy, it’s critical to spend quality time with your cat.

Here are some additional causes of your cat’s sadness:

Loss of a loved one. Cats grieve for the loss of a loved one just like you do. Over time, your dog and cat might have formed a bond, for instance. If your dog passes away or moves out of your house, you might notice that your cat appears depressed. This is a temporary behavior, and your cat will recover.

Injury. When playing, going for a walk, or just being a cat, your cat might get hurt. Your cat might become depressed if they can no longer do activities they used to enjoy. Â.

Illness. A depressed cat may also indicate an underlying medical issue that needs to be checked out by your veterinarian. Your cat may experience emotional disturbances due to various illnesses and infections, such as cancer, ringworm, upper respiratory infections, dental issues, and fatty liver disease.

Disruption at home: Even a small inconvenience like construction can be depressing.

FAQ

How can I tell if my cat is depressed?

Body Language. Your cat’s body language may clue you in on their unhappiness, and there are body positions that can indicate this. Ears held back, slit eyes or pupils, tucked or wagging tail, and hair standing on end are forms of silent communication that can indicate depression in cats.

Do indoor cats get depressed?

Indoor cats can also experience depression, and it may be easier to notice their behavioural changes as you tend to see them more often. If your cat is no longer engaging in daily activities they once enjoyed, and they are sleeping more often, then this may be a sign of depression.

How do I make my cat feel better?

When your cat is not feeling well, it may require extra attention. A sick cat might need special food, to have its litter box cleaned more frequently, help moving around, etc. Caring for your cat in this way and being patient with it can comfort it. If your cat wants rest or to be left alone, honor its wishes.

What to do when your cat doesn’t feel good?

“If you have any concerns or questions about your cat’s health, visit or call your veterinarian’s office.” Because signs of illness can be very subtle, if your cat does not seem right to you, err on the side of caution and to make an appointment for a veterinary examination as soon as possible.