Cats aren’t always happy, in fact, some cats can be very
depressed, while others might be feeling just a little bit sad. Nicky
Trevorrow, Cats Protection Behaviour manager, says there are a few signs of depression in cats and it’s
sensible to be on the look out for the symptoms in your cats at home.
Disinterested and
Extra Lazy
One of the signs noticed in cats is their lack of interest
in things that would once keep them happy for hours – such as watching birds or
chasing insects and so on. No longer displaying their hunting behaviours is a
good sign that your cat isn’t happy. You may also notice that your cat has
started sleeping more than usual (yes, that is possible!).
Hiding from the
Family
If your cat is no longer sociable with the family it could
be because they are sad. Not all cats are sociable, but most will tolerate the
family and even spend time sleeping close if not on laps. When cats withdraw
from the family circle it’s a sign that they’re feeling unhappy and perhaps
even anxious. If they begin avoiding spending time anywhere apart from a secluded
hidey hole it’s time to address the problem.
Lack of Personal Care
When a cat stops grooming or perhaps stops sleeping so much there’s
a strong chance that they’re depressed. Look out for matted fur or dirty coats.
Helping a Sad Cat
There are ways to help a sad kitty. Visit a vet before approaching a local pet behaviourist for a full diagnosis first of all. Many of the
symptoms are also symptoms of other illnesses, so it’s wise to ensure nothing
is physically wrong. If there are no underlying conditions you can try the
following steps to help increase happiness in cats:
- New toys and activities for your cat to explore
and use for additional exercise – especially important for indoor cats
- Increasing the amount of space your cat has.
Indoor cats can feel very restricted, increase the space with the use of
catios, a cat balcony or cat fencing if suitable for your home and garden
- Spend time working on the gentle bond you have
with your cat, being quiet and using low voices, sitting still and designating
a time when the home is at it’s quietest to spend time together.
- Provide lots of hiding places and quiet spots
all around the home – cardboard boxes are great for this
- Don’t introduce a new pet, cats are happy to be
on their own and introducing a new pet can increase stress and push your cat
further away
- Work on ensuring your cat has a daily routine –
they like structure
- Check to see if your cat is having difficulties
with the neighbourhood cats – stressful relationships can and do happen on the
streets
