1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?

What you need to know about your cat's mental health

By

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.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What causes mental health issues in cats?

Did you know that many mental health issues in humans are hereditary? Unlike us, our feline companions don’t develop mental health disorders due to genetic predisposition. Instead, cats may develop mental health problems because of traumatic external problems.

Household changes, such as losing a family member, having new addition (adopting a new pet, the birth of a child, or a new housemate) to the home, being rehomed, and even having her daily routine disrupted may all contribute to your cat’s mental health issues.

Accidents, illnesses, toxic substances, or infectious diseases may also be to blame for your cat’s symptoms, so it’s always a good idea to speak with your vet about your cat’s behavioral changes.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Symptoms of mental problems in cats

Here are a few symptoms you should look out for regarding your cat’s mental health.

Changes in body language

If your fur baby usually trots through the house like she owns the place, but is suddenly spending all her time under your bed — that is cause for alarm. However, not all changes in body language are as drastic. Look at the way your cat holds her ears and tail. Most cats tend to flatten their ears and tuck their tails between their legs when they feel anxious.

Unusual vocalizations

Is your cat meowing constantly all of a sudden? If a normally soft-spoken cat begins to sing the song of her people at all hours of the night, she’s not trying to annoy you. She’s trying to tell you that something is wrong. Cats also vocalize their discomfort when they’re ill or injured, so we recommend consulting a veterinarian.

Changes in appetite

While some cats are voracious eaters, others don’t eat all that much. If you notice sudden changes in your cat’s appetite, it’s time for a vet visit. Your cat may be skipping dinner because she has a toothache, but she could also be suffering from a mental health issue.

Destructive behaviors

If your cat claws up your ankles, shreds the arms of your sofa, or begins urinating and/or defecating outside the litter box, that’s a good indication that something is wrong. Kidney infections aren’t uncommon in cats, so having a few tests done to get to the root of the problem is always a good idea.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to keep your cat mentally healthy

While some life events are beyond our control, that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps we can take to help keep our cats as mentally healthy as possible. Just like dogs, cats can suffer from boredom, and they often become destructive when they have too much energy and too little to do. A high-quality cat tree, plenty of bonding time with their favorite human family members, and a variety of engaging toys can all provide your feline fur baby with much-needed mental stimulation.

As much as diet isn’t a cure-all, it does play a role in your cat’s mental health. Nutrient-dense foods with omega-3 fatty acids provide essential cognitive-boosting vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they can help prevent mental decline as your cat ages.

Your cat’s mental and physical health mean the world to you, so we recommend a cautious approach. If you notice a change in your cat’s appetite, behavior, or appearance, it’s not a bad idea to speak to your vet. When it comes to your fur baby, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why do cats twitch in their sleep? The real reasons behind this curious behavior
Here's when you should be concerned about your cat twitching

While appreciating your cat's various sleeping positions, you may have noticed some twitching. Have you ever wondered why this happens? Are they dreaming? What is going on in their bodies? We've uncovered the reasons behind this peculiar behavior to share what it means, why it's important, and when to be concerned. Read on to answer the question: Why do cats twitch in their sleep?
What are the sleep stages for cats?

On average, cats sleep 15 hours a day as compared to the eight hours of sleep humans (should) get. It would appear that cats understand the value of sleep and prioritize taking time to rest. Sleep helps them recharge, maintains their immune system, and supports their general well-being. Essentially, adult cats experience three stages of sleep and kittens experience four.
Catnaps
The lightest type of sleep is the short “catnaps” felines take. During this stage, cats are very aware of their surroundings. You may notice that while your kitty is taking a catnap, their ears still turn in response to sounds. Initially, wild cats used catnaps (as opposed to deeper sleep) as a natural defense mechanism and passed this behavior to modern domestic cats.
Light sleep
Light sleep is between a catnap and deep sleep in terms of the level of awareness cats experience. In this stage, cats are still able to pounce at a moment's notice if necessary. This stage lasts an average of 25 minutes before deep sleep sets in.
Deep sleep
Deep sleep is also known as the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. When truly sleeping, cats cycle from light sleep to deep sleep and back again. Deep sleep only lasts 5 to 10 minutes at a time and is when cats twitch and likely dream. You may also notice that your pet is harder to wake when they're in this stage.

Read more
Why do cats roll in dirt? 10 reasons for their dust bath
Why your kitty does this (and what to do)

Cats are famous for being tidy little creatures. They meticulously groom their fur, giving themselves tongue baths daily. Indoor or indoor/outdoor cats take pride in using their litter boxes. Given their noble commitment to top-notch hygiene, you may assume your feline friend would avoid dirt at all costs. Yet, you may peer out the window one day and be surprised to see your kitty rolling around in the dirt — and looking happy as a pig while doing so.

Cats love throwing us for loops almost as much as they love grooming themselves, don't they? That question was rhetorical. This one is not: Why do cats roll in dirt? There are several reasons why your cat may be taking a dust bath, ranging from "just for fun" to an attempt to boost digestive health (seriously). Here's the dirty truth about why your cat rolled in dirt.
Why do cats roll in dirt?

Read more
Why do cats cover their face when they sleep? This adorable behavior, explained
Keep an eye out for these symptoms of feline sleepiness and discomfort

If you ever notice your cat sleeping in an especially cute or odd-looking position, you're not the only one. Most cats get comfy in unique ways -- whether curled up on top of a laptop or stretched out on their back like a dog -- but some feline sleeping positions are more difficult to understand than others.
For example, why do cats cover their face when they sleep? There are several noteworthy reasons, though it's up to you to decipher which reason applies to your kitty. The good news is that none of these reasons are cause for worry unless, of course, there are other unusual behaviors or symptoms present. If this is the case, please consult your cat's veterinarian instead!
If sleeping with their paws covering their face is all your feline friend is doing, all you need to do is keep an eye on them. If there is a minor problem going on, like seasonal allergies, you'll be able to notice and help your cat sooner rather than later.

Sense of security and comfort

Read more