14 Warning Signs Your Cat Could Be Dealing with Depression

Cats are known for their independent and sometimes mysterious nature. It is pretty normal for them to like to be alone and act aloof. But just like us, they can experience extremely low moods, too.

If you’ve noticed your feline friend acting a little off lately, they might feel more than just a case of the everyday blues. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to help them bounce back to their playful, purring self. Take a look at these 14 signs that your cat may be struggling with depression and what you can do to help. Hopefully, these tips will help your cat cheer up quickly!

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Loss of Appetite

When a cat stops eating regularly and starts avoiding its food bowl, it is a sure sign that something is wrong. When a cat is feeling sad or depressed, it will affect its interest in food. It can also be a sign of health issues, so if the behavior continues, be sure to contact your vet. If you notice your cat eating less, try to encourage it to eat by giving it its favorite food or treats. Make sure food is always available and easy to access. 

Excessive Appetite

On the other hand, cats may overeat when they are depressed. Just as humans often overeat or indulge when feeling bad, cats may do the same. If you notice your pet eating nonstop and begging for more, it is a sign that something is off. Give your cat pre-measured portions of food and just a little bit at a time to help control their eating. Monitor their eating as much as possible so you know what is “normal.”

Hiding

A scared or sad cat may often hide. A happy, content cat will freely walk around the house without worry. But, if you can’t find your cat or notice that they are never around when you are home, it may cause concern. Depressed cats are generally more fearful, so they may hide as a way to soothe themselves. Try to coax your cat to come out and play, but also make sure you give them space so that they feel safe. 

Disinterest In Normal Play

If you had a cat that loved to play but now have a cat that is bored and uninterested, it is another sure sign that something is wrong. When a cat completely changes its normal behavior and becomes disinterested in activities it used to love, there is a chance it is feeling off. Sure, some cats just want to relax and hang out rather than play, but if this is not normal for your cat, then you may want to consider why they are avoiding playtime. 

New Sleep Schedule

Just like humans, cats have pretty distinct sleep patterns. When you notice your cat’s patterns have changed, it may be a sign that they are not feeling well. Any shift in daily activity can mean that something has changed in your cat’s mood. Pay attention to when they sleep and when they are awake so you will notice if anything alarming changes.

Excessive Sleep

Cats sleep about 12-18 hours a day. If you notice your cat sleeping even more than that, it could be a clue that they are not feeling right. Changing sleep location is another possible indicator that your cat is feeling strange. If you find your cat dozing for hours on end in weird locations, you may want to keep an eye on them. Too much sleep is not a good sign!

Aggressive Actions

An aggressive cat is not necessarily a bad cat. It may be acting aggressively as a natural response to a threat. An unhappy cat may perceive more things as threatening and scary, causing it to act in a hostile way. Take the time to observe your cat and think about why it is acting aggressively. Is there a good reason for the aggression, or are they simply feeling a little depressed and nervous in general?

Lack of Grooming

Cats are usually pretty good about grooming themselves. They lick, preen, and stay relatively clean all on their own. Grooming actually helps a cat stay healthy and is a natural part of their daily routine. If your cat starts to look disheveled or unkempt, it can be a sign that it is unhappy. They may not have the energy or desire to clean themselves anymore, which is a sure sign of a larger issue.

Over-Grooming

While undergrooming can be a sign of depression for a cat, overgrooming is also a bad thing. If you notice bald spots in your cat’s fur due to overgrooming, it may be time to talk to your vet. A cat who obsessively licks and grooms all day long is not a healthy, happy cat. They are likely nervous, scared, or feeling worried. It is time to get to the root of the problem and help them break the habit of licking excessively.

Excessive Talking

Your cat probably meows now and then when it is excited, playing, or trying to tell you something cool. But when it starts meowing nonstop, something is wrong. Your cat may be trying to vocalize its issue, and all the meowing is just their way of asking for help. Listen to the pitch and tone of your cat’s meow. Is it a sad moan, a loud yowl, or a constant screech? You may be able to interpret what they are trying to tell you and then get them help. 

Constant Purr

Even a constant purr may be a sign that your cat is not feeling good. We often associate purring with happiness, but a continuous purr can signify that your cat is trying to comfort themselves. Purring will soothe your cat and can make them feel better when they are sad. Be on the lookout for too much purring, which can indicate depression. 

Litter Box Accidents

Cats actually like to use the litter box. They enjoy digging and the cleanliness of the box. When they start to have accidents and go to the bathroom outside of the box, they may be experiencing strong emotions or might actually be sick. A cat that abruptly stops using the litter box is likely trying to tell you that something is wrong. This is not a sign you should ignore! 

Acting Skiddish

If your cat starts acting afraid of you or just running around the house in a general panic, something may be wrong. Cats are not typically in a hurry to go anywhere. if they ditch their laid back walk for a nervous run, they may be struggling with an emotional issue. Observe your pet and see if you can determine why they are afraid. If you can, try to help them overcome the fear! You can always talk to your vet about their change of pace and what it means.

Scratching

Cats naturally need to scratch things in order to keep their claws trimmed and healthy. However, if your cat begins to obsessively scratch furniture, rug, or even you, then it could be a sign that something is wrong. Excessive scratching may indicate an unhappy cat or an unwell cat. Your pet may be depressed or even physically sick. If there is a lot of scratching going on, it is time to call your vet.

If you think that your cat is depressed, make sure you do everything possible to help them feel better. First, consider why your cat may be feeling sad and try to address the cause of their depression. Give your cat the food, water, mental stimulation, and physical attention that they need. If they continue to act unhappy, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. They will be able to give you professional advice that will help your cat cheer up.