9 Signs Of Depression In Cats & Tips

This post looks at the most common signs of depression in cats that you should know and look out for.

Depression in cats can be spurred by many things – sometimes it’s biological, and sometimes it’s psychological – but it’s always treatable with a visit to the vet.

Depression in cats can be a serious problem. When you notice these signs, it’s important to get your cat checked out by a veterinarian right away.

Depression can develop over time and lead to other health conditions, so it’s important to act quickly if you notice any changes in behavior or appearance.

Read more about the 11 Ways To Prevent Separation Anxiety In Cats.

The following are some common signs of depression in cats:

The cat becomes more clingy than usual

Depression in cats can make a cat clingy, especially if they are seeking comfort or reassurance.

They may also become more affectionate and seek attention, which is usually not the case in cats who are depressed.

When you see signs of depression in your cat, take them to the vet right away so that they can be treated before it gets worse.

Read more about the 9 Most Common Traumatized Cat Symptoms.

The cat stopped grooming as usual

If your cat stops grooming, it could be a sign of depression.

Cats are very clean animals and they spend a lot of time grooming themselves.

Depression can make them stop caring about their appearance or even the surrounding environment.

If your cat is depressed and doesn’t care about taking care of themselves, you should take them to the vet, so they can get checked out before any major problems happen.

The cat’s appetite fluctuates

If your cat is depressed, its appetite will change. They may lose interest in food and eat less than usual.

Cats that are anxious or stressed will also tend to eat less than usual.

Cats who are bored or lonely may also not want to eat as much as they normally would because they don’t have anything else to focus on other than their own thoughts (which can include depression).

Read more about the 9 Top Reasons Why Cats Bite Explained.

The cat sleep patterns change

Cats are notorious for their ability to nap. If your cat has been sleeping more or less than usual, this could be a sign of depression.

You may notice that your pet’s appetite decreases and weight drops. This can also be an indication of depression in cats.

The cat stares for long periods of time

Cats often stare at the same spot for long periods of time. They may also stare at you or other people and not seem interested in interacting with them.

If your cat is staring at nothing in particular, it could be a sign that they’re depressed—but this isn’t always the case.

In fact, some cats will spend hours staring at walls or windows (or even the ceiling).

They cat stop using the litter box

If your cat is depressed, he may stop using the litter box.

If you notice that your cat has stopped using his litter box, talk to a veterinarian about it.

Give him some attention and praise when he uses the box again.

Cats are very sensitive to their owner’s moods, so if you seem happy and relaxed while he’s in the bathroom with his business done (or vice versa), this will help make him feel better about himself as well.

Read more about the 9 Top Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Cats.

The cat seem withdrawn

Cats are independent creatures, and they will not like to be forced to do things.

They can also be very sensitive, so if your cat’s behavior is withdrawn and you have no idea why it is happening, then this may be a sign that something isn’t right with them.

If your cat has been withdrawn for a while and won’t interact with other animals or their owner.

Then it would be best for them to see a vet as soon as possible—especially if there is something physically wrong with them at all!

The cat is no longer playful and energetic

If you’ve noticed a change in your cat’s behavior, it may be time to seek help.

Depressed cats are often lethargic and lose their motivation to play with toys or other animals.

They can also become aggressive if left alone for long periods of time—or even when interacting with people or other pets.

Depression can have adverse effects on all aspects of an animal’s health: from weight loss to heart failure and kidney disease.

Depression can lead to many serious complications that could be prevented through early detection and treatment of the condition.

You notice sudden weight loss or gain

You can tell if your cat is losing weight by feeling the ribs.

Cats can lose weight very quickly because they have a large, dense body structure that makes it more difficult to regulate their metabolic rate and maintain the correct amount of body fat.

If you notice your cat has suddenly become thin or frail, then it’s time to take action!

You should also be aware that cats can gain weight very quickly as well—it’s important not to assume that one-time changes in diet mean something is wrong with your feline companion.

Cats are clever little creatures; most likely there’s another reason why this particular diet change happened (like stress).

If a cat does seem underweight despite eating plenty of food but doesn’t appear sickly or disoriented.

Then taking him/her on walks outside might help build up his/her confidence levels so he/she starts eating again without any intervention required from you first!

Read more about the 9 Top Reasons Why Your Cat Run Away From You.

Ways to help a depressed cat

The following are some common ways to help a depressed cat:

1. Provide a safe and comfortable environment for the cat to relax and recover. This can include providing a comfortable bed, toys, and fresh food.
2. Offer mental stimulation and enrichment.
3. Provide positive reinforcement for the cat when it shows signs of improvement, such as giving it treats or petting it.
4. Offer counseling or therapy for the cat if it is struggling with depression.
5. Try to identify the underlying causes of the cat’s depression, such as changes in its environment or diet, and try to address them.
6. Introduce your cat to new people, animals, and other activities slowly.
7. Use medications or supplements to help improve your cat’s mood.
8. Encourage the cat to seek help from a veterinarian if its depression is severe or if it is not responding to treatment at home.
9. Provide affection and love.
10. Provide ample opportunity for exercise and play.
11. Spend more time with your depressed cat.
12. Consult with a veterinarian if depression persists.

Conclusion

If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s important to take your cat to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If left untreated, cat depression can lead to more serious issues such as seizures or even suicide attempts.