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Is Your Cat Depressed? Depression in Cats: Symptoms and Causes

Every cat has its own personality, with some being more outgoing than others, but it's worrying when a normally gregarious cat becomes silent and withdrawn.


Most cat owners have no idea why their feline companion is melancholy or depressed. However, by keeping an eye out for certain indicators, you may be assured that it is only temporary. Learn more about some of the most common causes of depression in cats, as well as the best treatment options.


Depressed Cat Symptoms

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Your cat's appearance is similar. Pay attention to some of your cat's indicators of depression.

  • Changes in vocalization or vocal clues: Your cat may meow more or less than usual. These are all very audible signs that your cat is upset. Low-pitched, sad yowls are typical of these unhappy sounds. Purrs aren't necessarily associated with happiness, and an unhappy kitten may purr more to soothe themselves. Other ordinarily noisy cats may become quiet, while quiet cats may increase their volume.

  • Body language: Your cat's body language can sometimes reveal their discontent, and there are a variety of eye, ear, hair, and body positions that might reveal this. Ears tucked, tail tucked, hair standing on end, and other body cues are all ways for your cat to communicate that he or she is upset.

  • Aggression or fear: Sad cats are more reactive, and they may act aggressively or fearfully. If you see changes in your cat's behavior that make them fearful or aggressive, they may be sad.

  • Clingy, hiding, or personality changes: A melancholy cat may lose interest in the activities that used to occupy him, withdraw, and hide. When a cat is depressed, more quiet cats can become clingy or demanding, and the dread of strangers that all cats appear to have can be heightened.

  • Excessive sleeping: Cats sleep a lot by nature, but sad or unhappy cats sleep even more. If the location of a beloved nap site has changed, this might also be a sign of grief.

  • Poor grooming or changes in grooming can indicate dissatisfaction and illness. When cats are sick or unhappy, they often stop grooming themselves, resulting in untidy coats.

  • Not eating or a sudden change in appetite: Your cat may be unhappy about something if it has stopped eating or if you've noticed a sudden change in hunger. Sad cats may refuse to eat items they used to like and may lose interest in their favorite treats.

  • Spraying or changing toilet habits: A sad cat may try to make themselves feel better by peeing in inconvenient areas. There are a variety of reasons why people urinate outside the litter box, but stress, depression, and sadness are among the most common. In order to disperse their own fragrance, your cat may urinate in high-value spots such as lookouts, your bedroom, or places where the scent of a deceased pet or missing person remains. Also, if your cat soils outside of the litter box, you should be concerned.

  • Scratching excessively: If your cat is upset or melancholy, it may scratch objects more than normal to relieve tension and mark its territory.

Why Does a Cat Become Depressed?

A cat may get depressed for a variety of causes. Cats are capable of grieving. They form bonds with both human and non-human family members and are capable of grieving when the dynamics of the relationship are disrupted. Whatever the reason, make sure to give it additional time and care until it becomes happier. If your cat is in pain, you should take him to the vet.


Illnesses can make your cat feel unwell and even cause discomfort. If it aches to move around, the cat may not be as playful as usual. Due to the sickness, the cat may feel queasy, refuse to eat, have a hormonal imbalance, or lack energy. Fatty liver disease, FIV, FeLV, upper respiratory infections, diabetes, hypothyroidism, dental disease, and other major health issues can all have an impact on your cat's enjoyment.


If you feel your cat is depressed as a result of its illness, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Injury

Your cat's ability to do things it used to enjoy may be hampered by injuries. Your cat may not be as cheerful as it usually is if it is in pain following an injury. Check to verify if you're following your veterinarian's pain-relieving instructions, or if your cat appears to be in pain, make an appointment to have it checked out. Even ancient surgeries and injuries might cause your cat to have residual pain or discomfort, necessitating chronic pain management.



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