Is my cat depressed? How to spot and treat feline depression

Updated 08/12/2023

Dealing with what you think might be cat sadness or even a depressed cat? We know just how difficult it can be to suspect something like depression in an animal – changes in behavior, a lack of interest in their usual hobbies and eating less are all worrying signs for any pet parent. And while our furry friends can’t tell us how they’re feeling, there are certainly signs and symptoms we pet parents and sitters can look out for. So, whether you’ve got a kitty of your own or you’re house sitting and you suspect a depressed cat, stick with us as we explore the signs and causes of feline depression, along with things you can do to help.

Can cats get depressed?

Yes, cats can suffer from depression, just not in the same way that humans do. While we can’t read our cats’ minds, we can be sure they show clear signs of anxiety, depression, and certainly sadness. Changes in your cat’s behavior, routine, and preferences should always be taken seriously, so take a look below where we explore the signs of depression in cats, its causes, and what you can do to help a depressed or sad cat.

Signs of a depressed cat

Think your kitty might be suffering from depression? Below we’ll explore the signs of a depressed cat and the warning signs your cat is crying for help. If they’re experiencing any number of these symptoms or behaviors, be sure to make an appointment with your vet - depression could be a symptom of another health condition.

Loss of appetite

We all know how much our feline friends appreciate their food, and as a pet parent, you’ll know their culinary likes and dislikes better than anyone. So, keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits from the moment they’re in your home and take note if anything changes. One of the signs of a depressed cat is loss of appetite, which can of course lead to weight loss and other health issues as a result.

Change in sleeping habits 

You’ll know how much your feline friend adores their window-side sun spot, but if they suddenly give it up, it could be a sign of feline depression. If they’re sleeping more or less than usual, it could also be a cause for concern - tired and lethargic cats should be treated with a trip to the vet.

Change in attention needs

If you’ve spent any time with cats other than your own, you’ll know each has their own needs, likes and dislikes when it comes to how much human attention they enjoy (or can tolerate, in some cases!). So as you know your kitty best, take note if they’re seeking your attention any more or less than usual. You might notice they seek physical comfort more often (or less), and are being a whole lot more demanding of your time than usual.

Grooming less than usual

Our feline friends take pride in their appearance, but a depressed cat  might take care of their coat less than otherwise, or might stop grooming altogether. While these might not seem so detrimental to their health, it’s a clear sign of cat sadness, and should be taken seriously. Plus, it can lead to a matted, dull coat, and you know your kitty living their best life wouldn’t want that!

Decreased activity 

Like depression in humans, depressed cats can lose interest in their usual hobbies (For example chasing birds, hopping fences, and enjoying quality time with their favorite patch of carpet!). Along with their lack of interest in play and exploration, they might also show a general decrease in exercise altogether, with some even hiding away and sleeping outside of their usual hours.

Vocal cues

If you’ve got a chatty kitty, you might notice they meow less than usual if they’re experiencing feline sadness, which goes hand-in-hand with decreased energy levels and motivation to interact with pet parents. If your feline is usually on the quieter side of things, depression could in fact make them a whole lot more vocal, so knowing your cat inside out when they’re healthy is super important for spotting the signs of depression in cats. Your sad kitty might even produce low-pitched yowls, which clearly reflect a lower mood than their usual energetic, content meows.

Body language

If you’ve been pet parenting for a while now, you’ll know the body language cues that mean they’re feeling sprightly. If you suspect cat sadness, look out for certain behaviors - they may have their tail tucked, ears pinned back and hair standing on end, plus they may look down more than usual and seem to have sad eyes.

Aggression

A depressed kitty may well become more aggressive than usual, having less tolerance for their humans and other furry family members. While an aggressive cat can certainly be a sad cat, you may simply have an overstimulated cat on your hands.

Changes in bathroom habits

Our feline friends are generally quite predictable when it comes to their bathroom habits, and are usually quite straightforward to house train. So, while there are various reasons for a change in bathroom habits, spraying, urinating or otherwise outside of their litter box are certainly behaviors that need addressing by your vet.

Scratching

Cats can sometimes scratch furniture and other objects if they’re depressed, bored or anxious - it’s incredibly stress-relieving for our feline friends. While you’ll need to address their health concerns, you could invest in a cat tree to save the state of your sofa!

Causes of depression in cats

Symptoms of depression in cats should always be met with a vet appointment, but it’s worth getting clued-up on the causes as a pet parent. The causes below won’t always cause long-lasting depression in cats, and may simply be part of an adjustment period to any changes in their lives or to your home.

• Moving home.
• Change in routine (whether that’s due to your work schedule, a new puppy or human addition to your household).
• Visitors, a new baby, pet or person living in your home.
• Continued noise in or outside of the home (like construction or new, noisy neighbors)
• The absence of a family member or the loss of a loved one.
• Trauma (like an attack by another animal or being hit by a car).
• Illness, injuries, pain or other health problems.
• Boredom (check out our blog for the signs of boredom in cats).

How to help a depressed cat

• Routine. If you’ve been pet parenting for a while now, you’ll know that our furry friends appreciate routine - regular meals, playtime, sleep and cuddles are a simple way to reduce feline anxiety, and help provide the sense of security cats love (deep down, that is).
• Playtime. Cat sadness can sometimes be caused by a lack of stimulation, so make sure you’re giving your feline friend the play they need incorporating toys like ribbons and feathers to get those brains ticking and bodies moving.
• Love and attention. It goes without saying that the kitties in our lives need TLC! Offer your cat the quality time they need and it could make a world of difference.
• Mealtimes. If it’s loss of appetite you’re concerned about, consider adding something yummy to your kitty’s bowl (like chicken broth, for example). Be sure to check that anything you’re adding is safe for cats to eat, and if you’re unsure, consult your vet.
• Calming music. Playlists made specifically for pets (and even plants!) are all the rage - stick one on and see if it calms and consoles your sad cat.
• Consider welcoming another cat. While for some cats this may simply be their worst nightmare, you might have observed that your feline friend craves the company of another furry family member. Consider your cat’s age, temperament and activity levels first, and think about whether welcoming another cat into your home will suit them.
• Place a bird feeder in your garden. Hear us out on this one, and maybe avoid if your feline friend is prone to bringing home bird-shaped presents! If you know the birds are safe though, simply place a bird feeder in your garden - your cat will be entertained (behind the window) for hours.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Is my cat bored?

Is your kitty overeating, fighting with other felines, or shredding apart your furniture? They may well be suffering from boredom - check out our blog to find out the symptoms of feline boredom, and what you can do to avoid it.