It might seem comical to some but animals get the blues too, specially cats. There are many reasons a cat can get depressed. Depression gets triggered in a cat when their human is stressed out, or in case of a death in the family. Moving houses can also depress cats. But how to know your cat is depressed, here are some symptoms that can indicate that your cat may be depressed.
- No interest in playtime
- No interest in grooming
- Changes in personality
- Increased aggression
- Increase in nap time
- Hiding in remote corners
- Extreme twitching its tail
- Climbing walls or high spaces
- Whining at the window
- Clawing the windows
- Ignoring the litter box
- Showing anger by spitting and hissing
- Scratching the furniture or the owner
But these symptoms may be caused by other conditions as well. It’s advised to know the symptoms in detail and observe your cat well before seeking treatment.
Little or No Interaction
People may think that cats are remote beings who doesn’t like much interaction but that’s not really true. Cats like being around their human, they need all the attention they can get from their owners. The limit of attention varies from cat to cat but they all need basic attention and interaction. So, if your cat is suddenly acting out in any manner, think hard if you are ignoring or avoid her need of interaction. Does it feel alone? If its an adopted cat then depression is totally understandably and easily rectified as well. Just give it more time, be gentle, play together with cat toys and you will soon have a happy-go-lucky cat.
Change in Litter or Food
Cats are very sensitive to their routine and habits. They are habitual creatures, they like their stuff as it is. Cats don't take well to changes, and this may become a huge cause of their depression. These habits may include their food as well as their litter. Its all connected with taste and smell. Scent is one way of marking their territory. When there is even a slight change in litter or food, it alarms the cat. They don't take well to changes hence the depression. They might stop using the litter or just stop eating, if a cat goes without water or food for 24 to 48 hours, it can become very dangerous for the cat. This goes for the placement of litter as well. If you do need to change it, then do so gradually. Let the cat adjust to changes and while you do so, let the old litter tray stay in its prior position so the cat doesn’t get alarmed. For more details click here.
Atmospheric changes in the house
Stress can change the air around the house, and cats are very sensitive to this as well. They can detect changes in mood of the humans living in the house. The stress level of their human effects the cats as well. Divorce, demise or illness, these can also cause depression in your cat. If they sense even a slight disruption in their home, they might go into depression. If any such case is about to occur in your house, then make sure it doesn’t reach your cat. Keep it busy and play with it like you usually do.
Conclusion
Cats are pretty tough, but when it comes to changes, they can get very sensitive as they don't take well to sudden changes. That is why its very important to introduce any change gradually. That way the cat will have ample time to adjust to the change and not have depression.
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