No, We’re Not Anthropomorphizing. Your Cat May Actually Be Depressed.

Depression is primarily a human condition described by the World Health Organization as a low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. In people, it results from a combination of social, psychological, and biological factors that interact in complex ways. It is not always wise to try to apply human feelings to animals as they are very different from us. However, it is also true that many human emotions can be reflected in animal behavior, and increasing our understanding of animal ‘emotions’ is critical for their welfare. Here we will examine if there is any research suggesting that cats can be depressed. We will also look at the signs of depression in cats, what could trigger it, and what you can do to make your kitty feel better.

Can Cats Really Be Depressed?

Because depression is a human emotion and because we cannot ask cats how they’re feeling, diagnosing depression in felines is not straightforward. However, it is possible to ask their owners if there has been a change in their cat’s behavior. For example, one study used subjective ratings obtained from owners to assess whether cats had a behavioral response to the loss of a companion. The results left the researchers in no doubt that cats do indeed suffer from mood changes following an adverse event such as the death of a companion. Other studies have compared nerve networks, physiology, and thought pathways to conclude that animals do experience emotions. There is clear scientific evidence that cats are capable of feeling depressed.

Symptoms of Depression in Cats

Cats show that they are depressed through changes in behavior. These can be noted in both indoor and outdoor cats. While it is important to note that there are no fixed signs of depression and that every cat is an individual, there are some main signs and symptoms of cat depression. The important thing to note is a change in behavior rather than the behavior itself. Many of the following could also indicate that your cat has a medical condition and that they need to be checked by a vet.

Vocalization

Cats are vocal animals. They communicate using a combination of meowing, purring, and chirping but negative emotions are often expressed by growling, hissing, spitting, and howling. Depressed cats may show a change in vocalization — they often meow more and louder. Some, however, do the opposite. Low-pitched and mournful crying is also a sign of depression as is an increase in purring. Cats use purring as a way of comforting themselves.

Demanding Attention

Following the loss of a companion, cats can become clingy and needy towards their human companions. However, other depressed cats can become reclusive and withdraw from contact with humans and other household animals. Fear of strangers can become enhanced, and this can show itself as aggression in some cases.

Body Language

Cats use body language very effectively to express their feelings. Depressed cats often hold their ears back and tuck or wag their tail. You may also notice that their hair stands on end. They may also scratch furniture more than normal, which they do to relieve stress.

Appetite

Mood often controls appetite in humans, who may stop eating or ‘comfort eat’ according to their emotional state. When cats have a low mood, they often go off their food. They can be picky eaters at the best of times, but you may notice that they even turn their noses up at foods that they previously enjoyed. This can lead to medical issues such as fatty liver disease and is something that you need to discuss with your vet.

Toileting Changes

Cats suddenly stop using their litterboxes for a variety of reasons but depression is one possible cause. If the depression has been triggered by the loss of their human or animal companion, they may start to use the bathroom in areas where their owner’s scent is still strong, such as bedding or a favorite chair. In other cats, depression can lead them to urinate more frequently in their litterbox.

Sleeping and Playing

In general, cats sleep a lot but depression can make them nap even more. They will choose to sleep rather than go outside or play with their toys. You may also notice that they have changed where they like to sleep. In a few cats, depression can make it hard for them to rest, and they appear agitated rather than sleepy.

Appearance

Depressed cats often appear to have stopped looking after themselves and can look a little disheveled. This is because they have stopped grooming their coat. When cats lick their coat, they remove dirt, debris, and excess oil. Their coat appears glossy and healthy. When they stop grooming, it can look ruffled and dirty. On the other hand, emotional upsets can also cause cats to excessively groom as they use it as a soothing mechanism. This can lead to bald patches and skin irritation.

What Triggers Cat Depression?

If you have already taken your cat to the vet to rule out any medical conditions, you can start to think about what may be triggering their depression. This could be a number of reasons, but here are some of the most common.

Bereavement

Cats grieve for lost members of their family — both animal and human. You may notice that they focus their time in areas of the house where the lost family member used to spend their time. Sometimes, the obvious distress of a cat can compound the loss felt by the rest of the family.

Illness

If your vet has found a physical cause for your cat’s change in behavior, that does not rule out depression. Sick cats can get depressed too! Being in pain and discomfort does nothing for anyone’s mood. Anything from a urinary tract infection to arthritis can trigger a depressive episode. Your vet can advise you on the best way to deal with this, which may include medication or changes to your cat’s physical environment to make their life easier.

Injuries and Surgery

When cats get injured or undergo surgery, the pain can last for some time. This can cause depression. Your vet may be able to help by adjusting pain medication, so always talk to them about it. Serious physical injuries such as the loss of a limb can make your cat depressed. It can take them a long time to adjust, especially if they are elderly.

Changes to Their Environment

Moving homes, house renovations, or a change in access to the outdoors can be very upsetting for cats. Their reaction can look a lot like depression. Most cats will settle into their new environment given time.

Changes to Routine

Most cats prefer to know what is going on and when it is going to happen. Changes to the household’s schedule can trigger symptoms of depression. This is often noticed if owners start to work away from the home or do so for longer hours. It can also happen during family vacations if the cat is left with a cat sitter or in a cat boarding facility. The depression may last long after your holiday.

Treating Depression in Cats

Once you have ruled out health conditions and injuries, you may be able to identify one of the factors above that have triggered the depression. You can then act to remove the specific trigger. For example, if your cat is depressed because they are left alone, you could consider having someone pop in to see them or providing them with plenty of toys. The saying ‘time is a great healer’ is very appropriate for most cases of depression in cats – they should recover within a few weeks. In the meantime, there are plenty of things that you can do to help them. Here are a few suggestions:

Strengthen Your Bond With Your Cat

Simply spending a little more time with your cat and paying them more attention will help a lot. Often, all you have to do is sit with them, or allow them to sit on your lap, and pet them. You could also talk to them soothingly. Work out what sort of contact they enjoy – it could be back scratches, under-chin rubs, or stroking their face. Some cats enjoy being groomed with a bristled glove or brush.

Provide Plenty of Toys

A new toy can provide something positive for your cat to focus on and allow them to experience some joy again. There is no single type of toy that works best because all cats have different ideas about what is fun. That said, most of them enjoy games that you can also participate in. So, fishing-pole/fly-pole type toys that you can fling around whilst they chase are popular with most cats. Puzzle toys are also a great hit with cats who like to hunt for a tasty treat.

New Types of Food

You can tempt a cat to eat by trying some new food. Try a new flavor or even a new brand. Some owners have had success with meat-based baby food but always check with your vet first. Supplement meal times with some tasty treats or try small pieces of some human food that is safe for cats such as salmon, scrambled eggs, or boiled chicken. Don’t forget to also supply plenty of fresh water.

Environmental Changes

It may help if you keep your home environment as calm as possible and stick to a structured routine. This often makes a cat feel safer and more secure. Soothing music can also have a calming effect and a quick internet search for “music to calm cats” will soon provide you with some appropriate playlists. There are even some frequencies on the soundtracks that only cats can hear.

Provide Some Amusement

Cats are great observers and love to sit on windowsills watching things outside. Why not provide them with something to look at? Try hanging a birdfeeder just outside your window, it keeps many cats mesmerized for hours.

Consider Getting a Companion

The decision to get another cat should not be taken lightly. It will cost you money and may make your cat more upset. Always take your cat’s age, health status, and personality into account before making this commitment. That said, many gregarious cats benefit greatly from having a feline companion. Some cats will even get on with a new puppy – but this is by no means certain!

Aids and Supplements

Cat supplements are available that contain l-theanine and l-tryptophan. Both of these increase the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin which acts like a hormone in the cat’s brain. It can help to lift depression and is associated with happiness. If stress or some sort of upheaval is at the root of your cat’s depression, a calming aid may also help. Pheromone diffusers and sprays can be highly effective at altering a cat’s mood.

Summing up Depression in Cats

Scientific research has shown that cats can suffer from depression. It shows itself as specific signs and symptoms such as changes in body language, appetite, sleeping, playing, and even appearance. Depression in cats can be triggered by life events such as moving homes and the loss of a human or animal companion. It is important that you get your cat checked out by a vet to rule out health issues. Once that is done, you can put measures in place to tackle the depression, such as changing the diet, increasing quality time with humans, and some new toys!