Cats can, for various reasons, develop behavioral disorders reminiscent of depression. It is important to exclude physical illnesses that cause the same symptoms as when the cat is depressed by the mental soul, for example because the mother is away. If your cat’s behavior changes, you should take it to the vet. It may be ill and need treatment.
Depressed cat symptoms
The symptoms and behavioral changes a cat gets when it is depressed / depressed can also be due to a number of different diseases. For example, dental resorption / TR (or FORL as it was called earlier), gastritis or altered metabolism.
- The cat becomes inactive and calmer than usual.
- Lack of energy.
- The cat withdraws or seeks more contact than usual
- It’s getting shyer than usual.
- The cat stops playing.
- The cat stops washing to the same extent as usual. This leads to dull and matted fur.
- It can cause sleep disorders, such as sleeping more than usual.
- Loud moans.
- Screaming.
- The cat stops using the litter box.
- The cat pees inside.
- Decreased appetite or chewing in a deviant way.
- Changed drinking.
- Aggressive behavior, such as biting and tearing.
If the symptoms are mild, you can wait a few days. Often the cat gets used to the circumstances that caused the behavioral changes and the symptoms disappear by themselves.
If there are more severe symptoms or if they do not go away in a few days, see a veterinarian. Especially to exclude physical ailments.
A depressed cat can become powerless and inactive.
Depressed cat causes
Cats are addicted and dislike when things in their environment / territory change. The cats want it the same from day to day.
Otherwise, they may become stressed and change their behavior. Of course, it is individual how sensitive cats are to change.
Here are some reasons why a cat may become depressed:
- Access to food, water, heat, litter box is important for the cat. If there are changes in these basic things, the cat can be disturbed. Changing the type of cat litter or food you give the cat may suffice.
- Loss of family member.
- Loss of cat companion.
- New family members come to the home, that is, to the cat’s territory.
- Changed routines for master and / or mistress, for example changed working hours.
- Visiting guests, perhaps who have a cat or dog with them, affect the cat’s well-being.
- Moving often leads to problems. This also applies to indoor cats that may have difficulty thriving in their new environment.
- New pet moves in.
- Cats are clean and if they find it difficult to wash due to being overweight, it can lead to mental suffering.
- Lack of stimulation and attention.
Cats can also be affected by how you feel. If you are depressed, the cat can be too.
What does the vet do?
When you come to the vet with the suspicion that your cat is depressed, the vet must first rule out other diseases and pain conditions. The cat may have similar symptoms of, for example, tooth resorption / TR (or FORL as it was called earlier), gastritis or metabolic disorders.
- The vet asks the pet owner about the cat’s medical history.
- An examination of the cat is performed. General condition, respiration, heart, hole, etc. are assessed.
- The pet owner’s description of the medical history and the veterinarian’s examination may need to be supplemented with additional examinations such as blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds and ECGs to get a better picture of how to proceed.
- When underlying diseases are hopefully ruled out, you can get advice from your veterinarian on how you can help your cat feel better.
Depressed cat treatment
Depending on the cause of your cat’s depression, there are different things to do.
If there have been changes in the home and the cat cannot get used to it, you can try to change back to what it was before. Switch back to the same lining, move back the litter box, sofa or whatever it may be.
A bored cat needs to be stimulated to play and given the opportunity for a more active life.
Attention with pats and cuddles can help.
Pheromones can help your cat through a process of change. Pheromones are fragrances that can provide well-being and peace of mind. Ask the staff at your veterinary store.
There are antidepressant drugs you can use for cats. Of course, one should primarily try to find another solution for the cat, but in very severe cases of behavioral changes, it may be relevant to try medical treatment.
Make sure your cat can live a safe, stable and stimulating life. Then you can avoid it getting depressed in the first place.