Link to image
Feline depression is a real problem amongst house cats. You might not realize it, but your cat can get depressed just like humans can. You must remember that cats are creatures just like you or I, and so they have emotion just like we do too. When a cat feels down and sad, they will change in a few drastic ways. The signs of depression in cats are easy to spot when you know what you’re looking for in your pet. It is never nice to think that your pet is unhappy. Spotting the signs of depression will help you to help your cat. Often what causes a cat to become sad is a change in lifestyle. If you have recently moved home or another pet in the house has died, your cat may be in mourning. Before you do anything, you must identify the problem. Here are some signs that will help you with knowing whether your cat suffers from depression.
Loss Of Energy
As cats grow older, they all become less energetic. That in itself is normal, and you should not worry. If your cat has become slower and more docile over a matter of days, though, then there may be a problem. Cats lack energy when they feel sad and will laze around feeling sorry for themselves. It is vital that you recognize this as a sign of depression and not just laziness. If your cat used to be playful, yet is now quiet and meek, then they may be feeling down. Make sure that you keep an eye on your cat over a period of a few weeks to see if there is any change in energy levels.
Low-Pitched Meows
When a cat is sad, they will let you know about it. Just like we cry when we are feeling upset, a cat will cry too. When a cat cries, it sounds like low-pitched meowing. You will notice this sound immediately as it will be much lower than your cat’s usual meows. The meows will also be much more constant than usual. It will sound as though your cat is walking around the house moaning. That is, in fact, exactly what he or she is doing. Your cat is trying to let you know how they feel, so respond and give them some attention.
Less Grooming
When people feel down they forget to wash and change their clothes; animals are no different. Most of the time cats take great pride in cleaning themselves. If your cat has stopped grooming themselves then you know, something is up. Likewise, if they have fleas, yet aren’t scratching, then are likely feeling depressed. Help your cat out by getting them a flea treatment at www.petfleas.co.uk and helping them to groom themselves. Cats don’t like baths, but if they’re not cleaning themselves, then you need to do it for them. Making sure your cat is clean and doesn’t have fleas will help them to recover.
Hiding Away
If, in the past, your cat was affectionate and friendly, yet now he or she seems scared you have a problem. Your cat might start to hide away from you in the house. When a cat hides, it is often because they are anxious in their surroundings. Try and coax your cat out from their hiding place with food or water. You must never grab them from their hiding place, as this will make the situation worse than it already it. Be patient and wait for your cat to come out on their own. When they do so, make sure you feed them well and give them attention. You need to make your cat feel comfortable in their home.
Aggressive And Angry
When a cat is aggressive, it is because they feel scared. Aggression comes from one thing and one thing alone. That thing is fear. When your cat starts to be fearful and upset, he or she will begin to act out. If your cat used to be pleasant and calm, yet is now angry by nature, they may be trying to tell you something. Be patient with your pet. When he or she tries to lash out at you, give them cuddles and food. Show them that you are not their enemy. The worst thing you can do is shout at a cat or scream when they attack you. Doing so will make your cat more nervous than they were before.
Body Language
When your cat is suffering from depression he or she will look sad. It might sound bizarre, but a cat can tell you a great deal through their body language. If your cat’s back is droopy and he or she holds their head low, then these are surefire signs of depression. By their nature cats are predatory animals. They should stand tall and look large. If your cat is trying to make themselves look small, then they are trying to hide from the world. The body language they use will be unconscious, but you must not ignore it. Try and help build your cat’s confidence back up by playing games with him or her.
Bad Smells
When a cat is sad they try and comfort themselves with their scent. That means that they will stop using the litter box and start urinating around the home. Your cat will urinate in places that he or she feels comfortable, by way of protecting them. They will then sit in these places, as they feel safe there. If your home begins to smell more and more like cat urine, then your cat is likely to be in distress. Don’t be angry about the smell. Clean your home and do everything in your power to make your cat happy again.
Change In Personality
Every cat has a personality. Over the years, you will have got to know your cat and know what to expect from him or her. If your cat has a sudden change in personality, then you will know that something is wrong. For example, if your cat used to be cheerful and full of life, yet is now quiet and reserved, he or she might be suffering from depression. Keep an eye on your cat on a daily basis to see how their mood changes. They might just be having an off day, but if the problem persists, then you know something is wrong.
If you believe that your cat is suffering from feline depression, then you should take your cat to the vet. The vet will help you with what to do next.