How to Spot It, and What you Can Do About it
You love your little furry friend. This is why noticing behavioural changes might cause concern. While cats carry different emotions than humans, depression is universal. So it's okay to ask yourself if your cat might be battling more than just a stubborn hair ball.
Different factors can lead to depression in your kitty. Since all cats are different, they won't all react to things the same. There are, however, some indicators in their daily lives and their environment that might help you figure out if it is depression so that you can begin finding ways to treat it. So let's throw on our thinking cats and break it down.
Triggers for Depression in Cats
If you have recently moved to a new home or even moved around furniture in your current home, this might lead to a feeling of uncertainty in your cat. If you are home less frequently than usual due to a nice new job, this can cause them to miss you a lot. If they experience something traumatic like being attacked or hit by a car, they may become anxious and overly stressed afterward.
If you have recently brought home a new child or even another pet, this may cause anxiety and jealousy in your cat. Maybe your cat has already bonded with another family member or pet in the house, and their friend is no longer with us. Your cat can become sad because they miss their companion. Cats may be small, but excessive stress can quickly turn into a cat-astrophy. Just remember they look up to you as their caregiver, and pam-purr-ing your cat could go a long way towards behaviour improvements.
Behaviours of Depressed Cats
Leaving triggers untreated can cause your cat to fall into depression. You will notice that your furry friend is not as active as usual, if at all. They may become more defensive with you if you try to approach them.
Stress can often bring claws out in your lovable kitten. They may even start peeing and pooping outside of their litterbox. It may be messy, but this is just how your little one is trying to communicate their distress.
Some cats will stop eating and drinking as much too. Which can sadly cause depression to become worse in your lovable feline. They may lose interest in cuddling, pets, playtime, and other activities they typically enjoy.
What You Can Do About It
Cats are very energetic little pets that keep us guessing what their next move might be. Whether they zoom in and out of different rooms in the house or climb on your lap to demand pets, cats can be the highlight of your day.
If you think your cat is dealing with depression, you know it's time to take action. To help your cat in the best way possible, create a stimulating environment. First, set them up with a consistent daily routine with fresh food and water. If you want, you can enhance their meals with treats and wet food to entice them more. This may help stimulate their senses and encourage them to eat and drink.
You can also stimulate your cat's mental growth with toys like the PlayPaw Fidget Spinner or the PlayPaw Floppy Fish. These toys were specifically designed for your cats' enjoyment and mental growth. They have been constructed to stimulate your cat and encourage them to engage more with their environment.
Keeping your cat moving may be the best way to return them to their old chipper selves. And of course, don't forget to shower them with love and affection to remind them that they are safe and well cared for.
Your Cat Will Thank You!
Just like us, cats enjoy living a life of routine and habit. They find comfort in their environment and appreciate having a space to call home. Any change in their environment might feel threatening to them and could be a leading factor in their shift in behaviour. Any unnoticed or untreated behaviour can lead to depression for your cat.
Furr-tunately if you are concerned about your little friend there are plenty of options! You can take steps to foster a healthy, stimulating environment for them and improve their quality of living.