Is Your Cat Depressed?

This checklist will help you find out.

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It’s human to feel down, blue or even depressed sometimes. Believe it or not, your cat can feel this way, too. Behaviorists first recognized depression in cats in the 1990s.

“Cat depression is an abnormal behavior in which the cat shows a change in activity, change in vocalization and usually a decrease in appetite,” says veterinary behaviorist Katherine Houpt, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, N.Y. “Depression in cats is not very common, or at least it isn’t recognized as a quiet, less active cat doesn’t bother the owner.”

Cats can become depressed after a major disruption in their lives, such as moving, adding or losing a family member, or having their owner’s schedule change. The most common cause of depression in cats is the loss of a friend.

If you think your cat may be depressed, go through our Cat Depression Checklist:

1) Cats normally sleep a lot, but you will notice if your cat’s activity level decreases, he lacks energy or seems to be asleep all the time. Does your cat sleep more than usual?
Yes No

2) Has your normally friendly and outgoing cat started to hide under beds, cower in corners and generally avoid interacting with her family and companions?
Yes No

3) Does your cat seem less interested in his daily meals and fail to empty his food dish as he used to?
Yes No

4) Has your cat stopped grooming herself?
Yes No

5) Has your cat started spraying or stopped using his litter box properly?
Yes No

6) Is your cat more aggressive, exhibiting uncharacteristic biting, scratching or hissing behaviors?
Yes No

7) Excessive vocalization often occurs when a cat loses a close companion, whether it’s another cat, dog or person. The cat will roam around the house meowing, as if trying to find her missing buddy. Does your cat cry or meow more than normal?
Yes No

All of these symptoms could indicate that your cat is depressed or has a medical condition, so it’s important to take your cat to your veterinarian for a thorough checkup. If the vet gives your cat a clean bill of health, then discuss the possibility of depression and what you can do about it.

“Generally, we think that depression is associated with a poor immune system,” says Houpt. Because a distressed immune system can leave your cat susceptible to other illnesses, try to alleviate his depression as soon as possible.

If your cat displays any of the behaviors on our checklist, don’t worry. Talk it over with your veterinarian and make an effort to give your feline friend some extra love and attention. Petting, grooming, playing with and talking to your cat will help her feel loved.

Remember, your cat depends on you for both her physical and emotional care.

Helen Jablonski is a feline behavior consultant and freelance writer in Malvern, Ohio.  She shares her life with her fiancé and their eight cats.

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Is Your Cat Depressed?

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LJ    International 5/1/2013 4:28:21 AM Hi, I'm not sure if anyone would be able to help but I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give. My cat is a 8 year old male Tabby. He is free to roam the house and has constant access to the garden and outside world, however, he has always come in at night before the household goes to bed and frequently sleeps inside during the day and will curl up on your lap. For about the last two months, he has started to stay out at night and now spends the majority, if not all, day outside. He rarely sits with the family anymore and has started to eat less and less (highly unusual for him!). When he does come inside, he will peek through the door and then sprint through the house, almost like he doesn't want to touch the floor. He doesn't appear to have a fearful reaction, he's no more easily startled than usual, but he seems to be highly averse to the house unless he needs food. We've had him checked by the vet and she's said he's fit and healthy apart from a little weight loss (minor, so far). The only change there has been in the household recently is that one member of the family (who he is usually very close to) is currently struggling with a bout of depression, having recently had a reduction in medication, and there is the first anniversary of a recent bereavement coming up. Is it possible this is a reaction to the emotional state of the household? It's the only change in the house that I can think of. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks! Alex    International 4/25/2013 9:47:28 AM sad cat is sad Wesner    Tampa, FL 4/21/2013 6:12:41 AM My cat is acting maybe cause my new born baby. CatChannel Editor    Irvine, CA 4/15/2013 12:33:15 PM Corey -- Sorry for your loss. All you can do is give your wife's cat some extra attention and reassurance that she is still part of a warm, loving family. A new kitten is bound to irritate her, so make her feel special: give her extra petting, a few more rounds of play than usual, etc. Best wishes for your cat's happiness