Signs of Depression in Cats

Just like the humans who watch over them, cats periodically suffer from depression. Although many people consider cats detached and standoffish, they do develop attachments to their world. When something goes wrong, it can affect their emotional well-being. Feline depression influences brain function and represses the nervous system. This condition can be expressed in a number of ways.

  1. Familiarity

    • Observe your cat. As the owner, you will be the only person who knows what constitutes normal behavior. Some cats are habitually aloof, and some have always been picky eaters -- it's when there is a sudden and radical change in a standard behavior that you should take note.

    Signs

    • If you notice a lack of interest in food, a drastic increase in sleeping time, a complete lack of energy, no interest in interaction or play, lack of grooming, physical withdrawal or hiding behaviors, or if your cat stops using the litter box and starts spraying, you may be dealing with a case of feline depression. If the cat is new to your home, you should expect it to be slightly disoriented and depressed for a few days. Cats are creatures of habit, and if their entire world has just been disrupted it can take a while to make the adjustment. However, if you've seen no improvement or attempts to adapt after a week, you may need professional help.

    Diagnosis

    • Give your veterinarian a full explanation of your cat's deviation from normal behavior, or standard expected behavior. Although there are no actual lab tests to confirm feline depression, your vet can use your assessment to help treat your cat. Certain illnesses and injuries can exhibit depressionlike symptoms and will have to be ruled out to ensure a full recovery. Once these disorders have been eliminated as a possibility, the veterinarian can prescribe medications to improve the cat's appetite, which may help him overcome the illness. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some St. Johns Wort or German chamomile over the cat's food as both substances are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of depression. For extreme cases, the vet may even prescribe Prozac or a similar medication.

    Neurotransmitters

    • Reduce any possible stressors that may be affecting your cat. Stress can diminish normal levels of neurotransmitters; the brain chemicals that influence mood. Low levels of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin -- the good feelings chemical -- lead to a decrease in energy and alertness, which leads to an overall decline in mood. Certain medications and some naturally occurring chemicals can increase neurotransmitter levels and can unblock the reception sites, alleviating the symptoms of depression.

    Causes

    • Consider your own part in the cat's depression. One of the most common reasons for a cat to develop depression is as a sympathetic response to their owner. Your cat is very sensitive to your mood and is strongly affected by the surrounding environment. Cats also develop depression when they are moved to a new location or when another pet is brought into the household. Try to stick to a routine when things around you change and see if you can engage the cat in play or spark her interest with a new toy. Unfortunately, if the depression is loss-related, there may be nothing you can do, but wait it out as the cat adjusts.