Cats will suffer from depression, which usually manifests itself as sleeping longer, barking more than before, making a hissing sound and not swallowing; abnormal behaviors such as loss of appetite and not liking to clean their fur; Always pay attention to the changes in your cat, detect symptoms of depression in time, and provide intervention and treatment.

Cats can suffer from depression

Depression, also known as depressive disorder, has a main clinical characteristic of persistent low mood, which can range from unhappiness to grief, low self-esteem, depression, and even pessimism and world-weariness, and may include suicide attempts or behaviors. Many people in society suffer from depression, and not only people may suffer from depression, but cats may also suffer from depression.

The causes of depression can vary greatly from cat to cat. If the cat at home is too timid and will be afraid of unfamiliar people or things for a long time, such a cat will be more likely to suffer from depression; if the cat itself is not healthy enough and lacks some trace elements, it will also suffer from depression.

Symptoms of depression in cats:

1. Changes in cat sleeping time

On average, cats sleep for about 16 hours a day. If your cat sleeps for an unusually long time, it may be a sign of depression; for example, you know that your cat always greets you when you wake up early, but suddenly it spends this time instead Napping in the kitchen.

2. Suddenly became more barking

Cats’ voices vary. Although you don’t understand what they are saying, you can distinguish the emotions in their voices. A frustrated cat will cry, and its voice will sound like a hissing sound. It may be trying to tell its owner something, asking for help.

3. Observe the cat’s eating habits

A depressed cat may have a decreased appetite due to sadness, so you need to observe whether the cat has significantly reduced its food intake; in addition, cleaning its own hair every day is the most important thing cats do besides sleeping. Some cats will always be lazy. Some will stop combing, and some will comb too much, causing skin diseases. These abnormal behaviors are all manifestations of depression. Depression will also change their good toileting habits and cause them to urinate and defecate randomly.

4. Hiding for a long time

When it comes to cats, we all think that they are very independent. It is normal for them to disappear and hide in a corner of the home occasionally; but if they are missing for a long time for a day, and they are hidden in a place that is difficult to find, it is normal. Also a sign of depression

What to do if a cat suffers from depression

1. Give me enough love

Give your cat all the love it needs to make it feel happy and safe.

2. Create "sunshine"

If you find that your cat’s depression is caused by insufficient sunlight, you can purchase a simulated ultraviolet lamp and turn it on in front of your cat for a few hours every day.

3. Consider medication

Drugs are usually considered to be the last resort for treating depression in cats. Because the side effects of drugs can be very severe, they should not be used unless absolutely necessary.