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Tip
83 - Can my cat get depressed - depressed cat - cat depression
Just
like
humans, cats can suffer from depression. The
usual reasons they become depressed involve major changes (in
the mind of the cat, or the human for that matter) to
their routine.
Changing cat food or kitty litter
(both the brands and/or the location) can be reasons why your
kitty has become
depressed. Moving, the death or introduction of a family member
or another pet, divorce, fighting, are all fairly common reasons
why cats
get depressed.
Cats are quite sensitive to the general well being of their owners
and if the owners are stressed out and acting unusually, cats
are likely to pick up on this. Signs that your cat has become
depressed can include; eating very little, sleeping more than
usual, loss of interest in playing and exploring, decline
in grooming, excessive vocalizing, withdrawal from its owner
and not using the litter box. Even though cats are usually lower
down on the totem pole, don't forget
about your cat during times of change. Try to spend extra
moments with your cat during stressful times or if the cat seems
depressed. It will do you both good.
Another
common reason cats become depressed is simple boredom. When their
owners are away all day every day, there is little
for cats to do. If at all possible try to get someone to come
and
interact
with your cat when you are away for long periods of time. Buy
a couple of new cat toys and take them out before you go out
for the day.
Then
when
you
get back, make sure to play and interact with your cat. Some
game suggestions
can be found here.
If
your cat is showing signs of depression, a vet visit is a must.
Your vet will help try and figure out what's causing, and how
to treat your kitty's depression. Sometimes medication for short
or longer periods can be of help. Often reversing the stressor
and reverting back to a normal routine will solve the depression
from the cat's end. Either way, a plan involving your vet's input
will be the quickest way to cure your cat's depression.
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