Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

7 telltale signs of depression in cats you should know

Paige Cerulli
By

If your normally feisty cat suddenly starts sleeping more and doesn’t want to play, you might assume that he’s feeling depressed. Depression in cats isn’t defined in quite the same way that it is in humans. While cats do sometimes exhibit depressed behaviors, those changes in cats aren’t necessarily driven by pure emotional feelings. Instead, the depression you’re seeing is likely caused by a medical issue, and your cat may need veterinary attention. Being able to recognize these signs of depression in cats can help you check in on your pet’s well-being and get him the care he may need.

Increased sleeping

One of the most common signs that your cat isn’t feeling like himself is a change in his sleeping habits. Your cat may sleep longer each day or sleep at times when he would normally be awake.

Related Videos

In addition to sleeping more, your cat may change his sleeping spots. He might seek out dark, quiet areas of your home, like under your bed or in your closet.

Related
Tiger cat looking sad
Anduka66/Pixabay

Changes in socialization

You may notice that your cat’s socialization habits change, too. Your normally social, affectionate cat might stop climbing into your lap each night or greeting you when you get home from work. Alternatively, your normally independent cat might start seeking you out and sleeping next to you for comfort. While all cats will have their moods and preferences for socialization, look for big, recurrent changes in your cat’s socialization habits.

Appetite changes

Sudden appetite changes can indicate that your cat isn’t feeling well. Many cats may stop eating or may eat much less than normal when they’re suffering from a health issue. Other cats might eat more than usual. These appetite changes might be reflected in weight loss or weight gain.

Changes in grooming

Cats who aren’t feeling themselves will often do less or no grooming. You might notice that your cat’s coat becomes oily or matted and that he doesn’t bathe. This behavior change is often caused by pain or discomfort.

No interest in play

If your cat typically loves to play, a lack of interest in playtime might indicate that he’s not feeling great. Your cat might ignore his favorite toys and lack his usual enthusiasm when you give him catnip. He might also avoid playing with the other cats of the house and may even respond aggressively when his buddies try to get him involved in playtime.

Grey and white cat lying down
pasja1000/Pixabay

Vocalization changes

Your cat may meow more often or less often than he usually does. You might notice a change in pitch of your cat’s noises or that he’s making new yowling sounds. Keep in mind that your cat may purr more often, but he might be doing that as a form of self-soothing instead of out of happiness.

Litter box habit changes

Many cats will change how they use their litter boxes when something is amiss in their lives. Your cat might stop using the litter box entirely or might seem to have accidents outside the box.

Numerous factors can be behind these changing habits. If your cat is experiencing pain, then using the litter box could be uncomfortable, so he’s choosing to go elsewhere. Cats may also spray or mark their territory, so they don’t bother with the litter box.

If you’re wondering, “Is my cat depressed?” you can look for these signs, but it’s also important to seek veterinary help. Your vet can evaluate your cat for potential health issues that could leave him feeling depressed. Pain can cause many of the symptoms listed above, so it’s important to get to the bottom of what’s causing the changes in your cat’s behavior. Cats can act depressed when they’re under significant stress or mourning the loss of a family member, but typically those symptoms will be short-lived. If you notice big changes in your cat’s behavior and your cat doesn’t quickly return to his normal self, then be sure to involve your vet. Watch your cat carefully and make a list of the changes that you’re noticing. The more information you can give your vet, the better they’ll be able to understand what’s going on with your cat.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more
Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

Read more