Is Cat Depression Common?

By Author: River Ridge Pet Clinic
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What Can Cause a Cat to Be Depressed?

If you have a cat and have noticed that he or she is unusually quiet, withdrawn, or even hostile, depression may be the culprit. There are many things that can cause a cat to be depressed, including:

1. The loss of a beloved human or feline companion. This is especially difficult if the death was unexpected and traumatic.
2. Changes in the environment, such as moving to a new home or bringing home new pets.
3. A change in routine, such as a new schedule at work or school.
4. Overcrowding in the home.

In many cases, it’s not just one thing that causes depression in cats but rather a combination of factors.

How to Spot a Depressed Cat

There are several signs that your cat may be depressed. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to take them seriously and contact your veterinarian for an evaluation:

1. Decreased appetite or loss of appetite altogether
2. Weight loss despite food being available
3. Increased sleepiness and lethargy, which can lead to difficulty getting up from a resting position or moving ...
... around normally
4. Irritability and aggression toward other animals and humans
5. Lack of interest in playing or interacting with other animals and humans
6. Changes in grooming habits, such as not cleaning themselves as often or as well as they normally do
7. Loss of litter box hygiene, which can be a sign that your cat is upset about something
8. Increased vocalization or meowing - cats are very expressive creatures and will let you know when something is wrong.

If your cat is demonstrating any of these symptoms, it’s important to have them checked by a veterinarian.

Dealing With a Depressed Cat

Here are a few things you can try if you suspect your cat is depressed:

1. Try making sure your cat has a place to hide when they don't want visitors (or anyone else) around them--this could be under the bed or behind some furniture in their favorite room of the house! It's important that cats feel safe when they're depressed so this step is crucial if you want them feeling better soon.
2. Include a range of toys, including kittie condos, scratching posts and climbing towers. Cats love to play, so getting them some toys will help them feel a little happier!
3. Cats are very curious and active animals, so they need space to run around. If your cat has nowhere to explore and play, they may feel more depressed than usual.
4. If you have more than one cat, make sure that they're both getting enough attention. It's easy for one cat in a pair or group to be left out or forgotten about when there are so many other things going on.

And if you have more questions or wish to schedule Fluffy for a checkup, please don't hesitate to call us, your local veterinary clinic in Burnsville, MN, anytime! Also, visit our page for more info: http://riverridgepetclinic.net