Is Your Feline Not Feeling It?

While the internet’s famed feline, the Grumpy Cat, brings about much joy and laughter, trust us when we say it’s not as amusing when your kitty cat starts brooding and moping around at home. Did you know that cats can suffer from depression, as well?

Humans aren’t the only ones capable of feeling down, blue and even depressed once in a while. Believe it or not, cats are as sensitive to emotions and can feel this way too. Identified by behaviourists back in the 1990s, cats can exhibit depressed behaviour even if the experiences they face are not the same as the emotional changes associated with clinical depression in humans.

 

There are plenty of factors that can attribute to your feline’s mental health; ranging from lack of stimulation to the loss of a best cat friend, cats can become depressed from any major disruptions to their lives. Each cat is different and while these symptoms could also indicate other underlying health problems, it’s best to check with your veterinarian first if you notice any behavioural changes in your feline friend.

Lethargy

Although this can be pretty tough to diagnose seeing that cats are well-known for their unshakable commitment to sleep, depressed cats lack energy and tend to sleep even more than usual. An emotionally and physically healthy cat will enjoy the occasional burst of activity, whether it’s stretching, playing or going about the house exploring.

Decrease in appetite