Is your Cat Depressed?

I stumbled upon this interesting article about signs that your cat might be feeling a bit down in the dumps. Yep, cats can get depressed too. I thought it was super important to share this with you because our furry friends can't just come out and tell us when they're feeling blue. So, here are some signs to look out for, straight from one cat parent to another.

We haven't talked a lot about cats here and I don't know why. I love cats and have almost always had one in my home. I even had a feral cat that lived with us because she was in love with my male cat and followed him inside. But we have discussed them here and here before, so you can see those posts.

When I lived in Austin, I participated in TNR because there were so many cat colonies just in my apartment complex and no one was helping them. They looked terrible, so I caught all of them, one by one, and got them checked and vaccinated and spay/neutered before releasing them back to the apartment complex. 

First off, if your cat's been hiding more than usual, it could be a sign

something's up. I mean, we all know cats love their alone time, but if it's more than their typical "I’m an independent kitty" behavior, it might be worth paying attention to. I remember my Junior once spent days under the bed, and it turned out he was just feeling really stressed.

Speaking of stress, a loss of appetite can be another red flag. Cats are usually pretty into their food, so if yours is suddenly turning up their nose at their favorite treats, they might be feeling off. And on the flip side, overeating can also be a sign of depression. It's like they’re trying to fill a void, just like we sometimes do with ice cream.

Changes in sleeping patterns are another biggie. If your cat is sleeping way more than usual or seems restless and can’t settle down, that’s a clue. I know, I know, cats sleep a lot. But you know your cat's normal rhythm, and any big deviation from that is worth noting.

Is your usually playful cat ignoring their toys? That loss of interest in play can be a sign they're not feeling themselves. It's like when we lose interest in things we usually enjoy because we're feeling down.

Watch out for any changes in litter box habits too. Cats are pretty consistent with their bathroom routines, so if they're going outside the box, it might not just be a behavioral issue but something deeper.

If your cat seems more vocal than usual, especially with those sad, mournful sounds, they might be trying to tell you something’s wrong. It's their way of expressing discomfort or distress.

Look out for any aggressive behavior too. If your usually sweet kitty is suddenly hissing or swatting more, it could be a sign they’re not happy. 

Changes in body language are another indicator. A cat that’s always tense or has their ears back and tail tucked might be feeling anxious or depressed.

Sometimes, it's a matter of them just not being as social. If your cat usually greets you at the door and suddenly isn't, or they seem uninterested in your presence, that can be a sign of depression.

Physical symptoms like weight loss or gain, a droopy posture, or dilated pupils can also be clues. 

Lastly, if you've got a multi-cat household and one cat is acting differently, it might affect the others too. Cats can pick up on each other’s moods and stress.

Remember, these signs don't necessarily mean your cat is depressed, but they're definitely worth keeping an eye on. If you notice any of these changes, a trip to the vet can help rule out any medical issues and get you some advice on how to help your kitty feel better.

Hope this helps you keep your furry friend happy and healthy! If you’ve got any tips or experiences with a sad kitty, feel free to share. We're all in this together, making sure our cats live their best nine lives. 🐾

Finally, so you don't have to take just my word about this, here are a few articles for you to read about cat depression:

• Is Cat Depression Real?
• How To Tell if Your Cat Is Depressed, And What You Can Do About It
• Why Is My Cat Sad?