Reasons for Cat Depression

Like humans, cats have hard days too. It may not look like it but they also feel emotions. As you spend more time with them and look after them, they develop a close bond with you. Moreover, they soon start feeling comfortable around the house and like to have their own space. However, a sudden disruption in their comfort zone or a major change can result in them not feeling their best. Events like the loss of a family member or a change of scenery can distress them. In this article we look at Reasons for Cat Depression and how to identify it.

As a pet parent, it is essential to look out for changes in their behaviour. If they have suddenly stopped enjoying their leisure activities or stopped eating. It could be a sign of depression.

During these situations, what our pets need from us is love and affection. Spending quality time and participating in their favourite activities can help uplift their mood. Hence, if you have a cat and want to know about the reasons and situations that could make your pet low spirited, this article is for you. Keep reading further to know about the signs and symptoms of cat depression.

Cause of depression in cats

Loss of a family member

It may be surprising to some pet owners that cats grieve too. The feline creature may seem aloof, but the truth is they are social animals and develop bonds with humans. That is why moving out or the death of a family member the cat was close with can make them sad. The only way to communicate and express their emotions is through behavioural changes.

Shifting to a new house

Cat’s can be very sensitive when moving to a new home. The change in environment by buying new furniture or letting go of some of their favourite objects in the new place can make the cats depressed. To help them through this tough time, maintain their routine to give them a sense of comfort. Additionally, before the move, make your cat a little familiar with the new place and let them explore a bit to get comfortable.

Changes in their physical health

As a pet parent, you should be aware that cat’s do not like to sit. Whether they play or jump around, they won’t stay sedentary. This could at times result in an injury. Additionally, the furry creatures can also get seriously ill with infections or non-infectious diseases such as arthritis, which could prevent and stop them from moving about comfortably. This could result in them feeling unhappy due to nausea or pain.

Common traits that could indicate depression in cats

Animals communicate too, just in a different way. They display their happiness and sadness through obvious or subtle behavioural changes. if you suspect that your cat might be going through a hard time and is acting differently. As a pet parent, it is best to look out for the following signs and get a veterinary consultation.

Cats are creatures who love to sleep a lot. However, a depressed cat will likely be sleeping more than usual.

One of the biggest indicators is when they stop grooming themselves. For them staying tidy and clean is a priority. As a pet parent, keep an eye on such changes.

A sudden change in their appetite can be a big sign. Either they are not feeling hungry anymore or stop eating. Or it could be possible that your feline creature has lost interest in its favourite cat treats.

When cats are sad, they often become more reactive and aggressive. Such changes in their behaviour could be a symptom of depression.

Conclusion

During this phase, try spending more time with your furry pet. Have playtime activities and be affectionate with them to provide comfort. However, if you notice that these symptoms linger for a long duration, it is best to get veterinary consultancy from renowned platforms such as Supertails. Their experts’ knowledge and experience can provide proper insights about the treatment. To know what can help improve your pet’s mood and get them out of depression talk to a vet.