ignore the puppy and stroke your cat, your cat will soon realize that you still love him/her. pain is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in cats. Your first stop should be the vet. Looking for Signs of Depression Monitor your cat's sleeping habits. I want to get him back to his old self. Unfortunately, those symptoms are caused by a wide variety of conditions in felines, so getting to the root of the problem usually involves a visit to the veterinarian to rule out other problems. For that reason, she recommends people seek veterinary care for pets exhibiting depressed behavior, as accurate diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life. See our Cookie Policy for more details. Behavioral experts explain cat depression as “an absence of joy”. please dont send the puppy back after only 1 day. 8 Signs Your Cat Could Be Depressed. A healthy cat will also have a healthy appetite. ». They just have limited ways of showing empathy. If you know something stressful is about to happen, use a Feliway diffuser. One of the most common forms of cat anxiety is separation anxiety, in which your cat becomes anxious and stressed when you leave their sight or when they are left home alone. There can be several reasons why a cat gets depressed. From fleas and allergies to chewing and bad breath, these common health issues in cats and dogs can be solved with all-natural remedies. I say he's depressed because he normally has a huge personality but since bringing home the kitten last week, Bean our older baby, has started drooling obsessively, hardly eats, won't play and sleeps a lot. Reasons Why a Cat Gets Depressed . Cats can suffer from depression just like people. We followed proper cat introduction protocol. Position a platform near a window so they can watch the birds. “On occasion, stressors can cause depressive-like signs,” says Hendrix. If we resist applying the human definitions of mood disorders to our feline friends and instead evaluate them strictly from a cat-friendly perspective, there is often much we can do to make our beloved kitties happier and healthier! Read on to find out if your cat may be dealing with depression, and what you can do to help your sad cat. Who washes their ears? The diagnosis is based on self-reported symptoms, says Hendrix, meaning that the symptoms can be expressed verbally to the doctor or psychologist. The most common cause of depression in cats is the loss of a friend. Cats, just like humans, experience periods of depression that can be only a temporary state or a long-term situation and the depression can be mild or severe. Yes, cat depression is not uncommon. After all, cats are creatures of habit that feel safer with a consistent routine, and here you are disrupting it for a vacation. Consider clicker training to reward purrs or times when your cat does break out of their funk. You can’t throw cats together and expect them to fall in love. There are several other symptoms of cat depression that may or may not appear in all cats. Brandon Hall. This helps to reduce anxiety and help your cat to cope better. What’s the cat to think? According to Hendrix, pain is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in cats, seniors in particular, and is one of the leading causes of clinical signs of depression. Cat depression is not an unusual phenomenon. “Most of the time, there is pain or physical disease causing a cat to act ‘depressed’,” she says. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, your veterinarian may help you look for external stressors that are affecting him or her. so how do you engage their mind? Hi – thanks for your email. But what does it mean if your cat is acting depressed? Depression can be situational, caused by a stressful situation, or medical, due to chemical imbalances in the brain. Petcube is a window into your cat’s activities. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply, 10 Father's Day Gift Ideas for Modern Pet Dads, My Dog is Not Eating: Reasons & Solutions For Loss of Appetite in Dogs, 9 Free Courses and Books Pet Parents Shouldn’t Miss, 7 Holistic Solutions for Common Pet Problems, New Petcube Care Perks for National Pet Month, Loss of appetite and disinterest in treats, Sleeping when they would usually be awake, Lack of grooming. The problem is cat depression can be tricky to spot. When you bring your kitten home, allow your cat to sniff it while the kitten is in a carrier or your arms. Cats alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. Chronic stress can have an impact on a pet’s emotional, and even physical, health. Keep meals on time and spend time playing and fussing with them no matter what the changes are. Yes, you can help a sad cat! A cat knows only that its companion has disappeared. Let them sniff the body of the recently passed-companion, so they can process the death and accept it. Of course it's hard to know what cats think death means. Moving can be very stressful on cats. “In general, depression in humans is considered a multifactorial disease,” says Dr. Lynn Hendrix, the owner of. There’s a gaping hole in their life: Who do they snuggle up to now? Will the cat hurt the kitten? Certainly cats can exhibit depressed behavior, but the general consensus is that they do not experience the same emotional changes associated with clinical depression in humans. Julie, I am so sorry to hear about Cosmo, I am sure he is chasing the big ball of yarn in the sky right now! A depressed cat withdraws and ceases doing things they used to enjoy. Likewise, for other changes in circumstances, try to shield your cat. Setting a routine, entertaining the cat, and medication can lift a depressed cat's mood. Do Cats Help With Anxiety? Those baseline tests usually provide a good overall look at a pet’s health and organ function. Certainly cats can exhibit depressed behavior, but the general consensus is that they do not experience the same emotional changes associated with clinical depression in humans. Recognize your cat’s normal play behavior and look for changes. This has the bonus of the cat expressing normal behaviors such as hunting or pouncing. Causes of Depression. Hendrix encourages those owners to consider medical causes instead. Depressed Cats Display Abnormal Behavior. The bond between feline littermates is often an intensely strong one. in Davis, California and a palliative care expert. There’s nothing like boredom for anyone (human or feline) to over-think things and sink into a sad mood. Cats are known for their diverse, often feisty, personalities; some are anxious, some reserved, others inquisitive. Cats are extremely sensitive creatures of habit who are not great fans of change. Cats don’t like uncertainty. Depression in Cats: Treatment. In fact,… By continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of our cookies. Depending on the results, other tests may be recommended. Make an effort to adhere to the schedule. Like many species, time spent sniffing and nuzzling the dead body of their companion may be a necessary part of the grieving process. You may notice this as a dull, dry, or knotted coat, Withdrawal from tactile exchanges such as head bumping or lap cuddles, Altered habits such as not coming to greet you, Weight loss or gain (depending on whether they comfort eat or not). If your cat gets the all clear on a health check, you may well have a depressed cat. Cat behaviorists explain that depression occurs when a pet experiences events beyond their control. A new cat at this time simply provides an extra source of stress. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play. This might be moving home, the loss of a companion, or an owner returning to work. In the earlier days when a cat was suffering depression the owners were unable to identify the problem. Give the surviving cat a chance to say goodbye. Thus, if your feline stops doing something that usually makes them purr, you may have a sad cat on your hands. Established Kitten not getting along with new Kitten..., Cats, 35 replies Freaked out cat has kitten during tornado. 3 Ways to Tell If Your Cat Is Depressed How to Tell if Your Cat Is Depressed. We got a new kitten, so our very affectionate, needy older cat would have a buddy. For example, a mild depression could be triggered by a change in the cat’s food and severe depression could be … What makes things even more difficult is that cats can get very sick from not eating and actually create big … Depending on the situation, owners may need to add resources in the form of additional cat litter boxes and cat bowls, or even separate cats that are not getting along. Those cats know that their new owner is distressed, that meals don’t arrive on time and that no one brushes their coat. Cats have a stoic and tough public image, but that doesn't mean that the furry creatures aren't at all vulnerable to the grieving process. In fact, … “Their terminal illness [is] making them feel sick, nauseous, painful.”. So if your cat no longer strolls over to greet you or stops grooming, this might be a sign that something is wrong. This is an example of how cats like to be in control. Depression is indeed a possibility for cats that experience the major stress of the death of a sibling. Do cats even suffer from depression? For more severe cases, veterinarians can prescribe a cat anxiety medication, which has been known to help with anxiety in some cats. Follow-up: Julie writes: After 5 days of high fever, with antibiotics treatment and IV, Cosmo was put to rest yesterday. Can't find kitten. Competition in multi-cat households can also cause stress. They may sleep more than usual and move more slowly, sulking around. They have stopped fighting, but now all the old guy does is sleep. Occupy your cat’s mind with plenty of mental stimulation. The kittens, however, may have a little more trouble with the process. Help., Cats, 14 replies I have a cat. Go directly to the room previously designated and set up for your new kitten and allow the kitten to explore. Cats can grieve. Keep up the good work! Copyright © 2020 Petfeed ®. “Despite a reputation for being aloof, [cats] are social animals who form strong bonds with humans or other cats,” Ingrid says. A male will leave to claim his own territory and sow his seed. Do a quick risk assessment on your cat. It’s likely they’re unhappy at their lack of control and that the markers in the day have gone. It was FIP. Of course, cats don’t do crossword puzzles or Sudoku (they can’t hold the pen!) In some cases, owners who were considering euthanasia actually postponed their decision due to the improvement in their pet’s temperament once proper treatment was instituted. Anxiety is, in fact, one of the major behavioral conditions seen by veterinarians. Mealtime is the most exciting time of the day for most cats. Get the latest news from Petcube about pet care, rescue and funny videos. Regardless of the cause, a cat showing signs of depression can benefit greatly from a prompt evaluation by a veterinarian. Check what they’re up to, whether that’s play (great fun!) And importantly, avoid boredom. Post pictures of your cats, talk about cats, ask questions, get advice. Answer. Make sure your cat has plenty of outlets for natural behaviors and play. Some cats may show changes in cat litter box usage, while others have disturbed sleep patterns. They bond with human and non-human family members and can grieve when the dynamics of the relationship is lost. It may not stop the cat from becoming depressed, but it may reduce the depth and severity of the sadness. Many cats may cease to groom themselves, and their coats may become dirty and matted. Petcube allows you to reassure your pet remotely and watch their reaction. In Hendrix’s experience, many pet owners who are dealing with terminally cats are concerned that their cat is experiencing depression, often mirroring their own sadness about a pet’s illness. Cats choose who they love and receiving their affection is a great honor. Their emotions will be unstable at the time so check for signs of excessive fear or anxiety and try to give them more attention than before since that will help them heal. A sad cat alters their normal behavior. Those diagnostic criteria are not available to veterinarians. Provide tall cat condos for your kitty to climb. your cats probably frightened and will need time to adjust, you need to give it at least 2 weeks, but do things to keep your cat at the top of the pecking order ie feed your cat before the puppy. “It is possible that spinal tap and MRI may be needed,” says Hendrix, often if the veterinarian is concerned about a neurologic condition affecting the spine or brain. A cardboard box with scrunched up paper inside makes an irresistible toy, so you don’t have to spend big. Yes, you can help a sad cat! Sometimes a kitten may refuse to eat or seem depressed for several days after … Self-inflicted hair loss, aggression, or changes in litterbox usage are often traced back to anxiety. Getting our … Cats are big sleepers. This eases frustration, one of the contributing factors for depression in cats. He has also peed on the floor a couple times. Although cats tend to be independent and resilient, they can suffer from anxiety due to changes in routine, feeling threatened, or the addition or loss of family members. Fact: Depression in cats is a real and recognized condition. It’s official! Feline Depression Symptoms. You’re probably familiar with Grumpy Cat, the little feline whose frown has made her famous across the internet. According to PetMD, your cat's grieving period may last anywhere from two weeks to six months after a longtime fellow pet dies before his behavior returns to normal. Spend Time Together. Veterinarians will begin the evaluation by taking a full history of the symptoms and performing a complete physical examination. Trazodone, gabapentin, alprazolam, and midazolam are just some of the options that a veterinarian may recommend, depending on the situation. Cats are known for their diverse, often feisty, personalities; some are anxious, some reserved, others inquisitive. If “Yes”, you may have a sad cat! And, best of all, play laser games with your cat to lift their mood. Depression can be situational, caused by a stressful situation, or medical, due to chemical imbalances in the brain. A cat that feels exposed and doesn’t have a place to hide, for example, may respond to more covered furniture or additional vertical spaces in the house so he or she feels more in control of the environment. My 2yr old cat is very depressed after bringing home a new kitten. Before the arrival of a new member it is very important to continue to pay attention to our feline. Has their life changed recently in an unsettling way? If their world has recently turned upside down, then restoring their routine can help a lot. Always rule out medical causes before assuming a problem is psychological. Treatment Options. Subscribe to receive a free dog anxiety treatment guide. If clearly stated, photos of cat(s) you don't know is allowed, within reason. You may also be familiar with your own grumpy cat, if you happen to have a particularly temperamental one at home. Have a think about your cat’s circumstances and the chances of them developing depression. Famous for being highly territorial animals, they tend to rub their body scent all over various household objects in an attempt to define and set their boundaries. The last thing you want to do after your cat had a fight is offer them a new trauma by scolding them. I want a kitten. A BIG NO NO! If you’re out at work, this can be tricky, but not with Petcube. We prefer that if you post photos, it be of your own cat(s) or one(s) you personally know. Changes due solely to stress and anxiety can be difficult to differentiate from medical conditions, so it is often a process of elimination to reach a diagnosis in cats. An upset cat has a major tell: Its tail. You hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Cats! Since we can’t ask cats exactly what they are feeling, whether they’re sad or angry or anxious or joyous, we must rely on the clues they give us through their behavior and daily activities and make our assessments based on that. Adopting a dog or cat: The "competition" for food, the best place on the sofa or your caresses can cause serious sadness and depression in your cat. This will ease the new and existing cats into a relationship together and reduce the chance your existing cat will become depressed. As well as prescription drugs, you can try: If you are in a sad situation where you are about to lose one of a pair of cats, try to plan for the final parting. If a stressor can be identified and eliminated, often the symptoms will improve or resolve. or excessive sleeping (a sign of a depressed cat). Speak to your vet about what’s the most appropriate med for your pet. Cats do recognize human moods. Please recommend something we can do to help our cat! Well, yes and no. A depressed cat has a weaker immune system, so it is important to treat depression… Your cat may be feeling a huge gulf of anxiety that something so familiar is gone. A happy kitty’s tail moves like a … Imagine a cat that has lost a life-long companion. Often, “it is sick behavior,” she says. The litter box, food bowls, bed, and some toys should all be easily accessible. Medical problems such as kidney disease or GI cancer can cause nausea and decreased appetite that mimic depression. Try playing with real pets in shelters using our Petcube app. Infections, tumors, and inflammatory diseases of the nervous system can result in significant behavioral changes in cats. Swishing and twitching its tail. After all, many terminally ill pets and people die outside the home in a medical facility. Here’s how to help your cat get back to a routine after your return. Unforunately, he seems depressed instead. Your cat sounds stressed! These signs are general; hence check that your cat is not ill before assuming they’re depressed. So if you’re feeling sad and the cat sits on your lap; it might be their way of offering comfort. Petcube uses cookies to personalize content and ads on our website, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. As another environmental modification, some cats respond to cat calming products, like pheromone diffusers such as Feliway, which can have a calming effect. “It’s only an animal; you’ll get over it!” It actually follows the states of grief that occur when a human loved one dies. “Bloodwork, chest x-rays, and abdominal ultrasound may be suggested by your veterinarian,” says Hendrix. Advice?, Cats, 26 replies Reactions of resident cat to new kitten addition, Cats, 9 …

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