depression in cats ?

depression in cats ?

Cats possess serious temper, they are very moody and secretive animals, but at the same time they are rather sensitive animals which can experience such an emotion as depression. Same as people, the cats can be sad and lose interest in what happens in the surrounding. It is, therefore, very important to notice the symptoms of depression and how they can enhance the health of their pets. This cat care guide covers all you need to know about depression in cats including its causes, symptoms and how to treat it.
depression in cats ?

What is Depression in Cats?

Feline depression is a low mood state, which can change the cat’s behavior, appetite, and quality of life. Their actions and habits are clear indication of what they cannot say to you or what they are feeling at an instance like this. Some of these signs include gastrointestinal disturbances, altered vocalization and significant change in food and water intake Othe

Signs of Depression in Cats

1. Changes in Appetite

Depression in cats might lead to either complete loss of appetite, or excessive eating to help alleviate the sadness. Volatile changes in weight are another sign of danger signals, as recommended by experienced nutritionists.

2. Increased Sleeping

Ordinarily, cats do a lot of sleeping themselves, but if the cat is depressed, you will either find it sleeping much more than it used to or, if it is awake, it remains rather sluggish.

3. Withdrawal from Social Interaction

Signs that are characterized by a once friendly, playful cat may stop playing with people or other animals. They may well react by keeping out of sight more often or by appearing to lose interest in their normal pursuits.

4. Excessive Grooming or Neglect of Grooming

depressed cats might over groom and develop patches of skin or don’t groom themselves and develop scruffy coat.

5. Unusual Vocalizations

If your pet is not making any noise at all or if its vocalization has changed from one type to another, for example from purring to howling, then this is yet another sign that there is something emotionally wrong with your pet. Think how they used to talk and try to recall how they sound now.

6. Aggressive Behavior

A depressed cat may easily try to get angry or be aggressive to other people or to other animals.
Read also HERE

depression in cats ?

Common Causes of Depression in Cats

1. Loss of a Companion

Cats, like other pets, also need the company of their kind or, in this case, their best friend if the companion is a cat, or master if the friend is a human since their passing can lead to depression.

2. Environmental Changes

Felines are fairly consistent in their habits and anything that alters the stability of the environment they are living – for example, a new house, changing the placement of furniture or bringing in another animal.

3. Lack of Stimulation

Apathy, and depression result from boredom because of the lack of toys, climbing spaces, or playtime.

4. Illness or Pain

Medical conditions such as an untreated health problem, or chronic pain, can rub off on a cat’s disposition. Thorough veterinary check- up are necessary in order to stabilize the general body health.

5. Neglect or Inconsistent Attention

Cats are creatures of habit and very much love being pampered. They may become insecure as well as unwanted each time they are neglected or they are hardly interacted with.

depression in cats ?

How to Help a Depressed Cat

1. Provide a Consistent Routine

Cats are comfortable with a routine; they prefer that their daily plans are set. Nurtured, entertained and communicate with them at the set fixed hours in a day to create a routine.

2. Create an Enriching Environment

Give them toys they can play with, scratching posts, toys that challenge their brains and bodies. Another source of entertainment can also include standing catteries and window shelves.

3. Spend Quality Time Together

Teach them tricks using feather sticks or laser pointers in order to actually interact with them. Possessing additional quality time to hug or just to sit near your cat is also beneficial.

4. Use Pheromone Diffusers

Manufactured feline pheromomes produce a soothing atmosphere and tend to decrease tension in the animal.

5. Gradual Adjustments to Changes

If you’re taking your pet with you or changing the home environment in some other ways, do so gradually. Let your cat roam around at his or her own convenient and ensure that there are some things like beds or blankets that were familiar to the cat.

6. Introduce a New Companion Carefully

As for the second change, if you are bringing in another animal to the household, you should do so step by step. It must see that both animals are given individual space and are introduced to each other under supervision.

7. Consult a Veterinarian

However, if your cat’s depression still continues, then you should take your cat to a veterinarian. The veterinarian may prescribe behavioural therapy or inject your cat with, so as to assist in regaining its health.
Read also HERE

Preventing Depression in Cats

1. Regular Veterinary Care

Early detection of medical conditions through regular check-ups will help you avoid them worsening the condition of your cat.

2. Encourage Physical Activity

Exercising can make people have little chemicals called endorphins which makes people happy. Try to use attractive toys for motivating children to move around and to play.

3. Offer Companionship

Every day take at least several minutes to sit down next to your cat, even if you are doing something else. Sometimes simply your presence can be incredibly comforting.

4. Monitor Behavioral Changes

Pay particular attention to the hygiene of your cat and the changes of his behavior. You can be able to counter any problems that may occur early enough before they become out of control.

When to Seek Professional Help

However if you have noticed some disturbing symptoms in your cat that last for more than two weeks or you see your cat ‘s condition deteriorating, you need to consult a vet. A veterinarian or a feline behaviorist are trained to understand the requirement of your cat and offer the best of the care.

Conclusion

Feline depressive disorder is a condition that brings a lot negative changes in the cat’s life. So when the signs are seen, the causes understood and steps initiated to meet the needs of our pets, we are guaranteed that our little friends are happy. More time with them, creating good environment, or talking to professional make a lot of difference within their lives.
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depression in cats ?

What is Depression in Cats?

Signs of Depression in Cats

1. Changes in Appetite

Depression in cats might lead to either complete loss of appetite, or excessive eating to help alleviate the sadness. Volatile changes in weight are another sign of danger signals, as recommended by experienced nutritionists.

2. Increased Sleeping

Ordinarily, cats do a lot of sleeping themselves, but if the cat is depressed, you will either find it sleeping much more than it used to or, if it is awake, it remains rather sluggish.

3. Withdrawal from Social Interaction

Signs that are characterized by a once friendly, playful cat may stop playing with people or other animals. They may well react by keeping out of sight more often or by appearing to lose interest in their normal pursuits.

4. Excessive Grooming or Neglect of Grooming

depressed cats might over groom and develop patches of skin or don’t groom themselves and develop scruffy coat.

5. Unusual Vocalizations

If your pet is not making any noise at all or if its vocalization has changed from one type to another, for example from purring to howling, then this is yet another sign that there is something emotionally wrong with your pet. Think how they used to talk and try to recall how they sound now.

6. Aggressive Behavior

A depressed cat may easily try to get angry or be aggressive to other people or to other animals.Read also HEREdepression in cats ?

Common Causes of Depression in Cats

1. Loss of a Companion

Cats, like other pets, also need the company of their kind or, in this case, their best friend if the companion is a cat, or master if the friend is a human since their passing can lead to depression.

2. Environmental Changes

Felines are fairly consistent in their habits and anything that alters the stability of the environment they are living – for example, a new house, changing the placement of furniture or bringing in another animal.

3. Lack of Stimulation

Apathy, and depression result from boredom because of the lack of toys, climbing spaces, or playtime.

4. Illness or Pain

Medical conditions such as an untreated health problem, or chronic pain, can rub off on a cat’s disposition. Thorough veterinary check- up are necessary in order to stabilize the general body health.

5. Neglect or Inconsistent Attention

Cats are creatures of habit and very much love being pampered. They may become insecure as well as unwanted each time they are neglected or they are hardly interacted with.

How to Help a Depressed Cat

1. Provide a Consistent Routine

Cats are comfortable with a routine; they prefer that their daily plans are set. Nurtured, entertained and communicate with them at the set fixed hours in a day to create a routine.

2. Create an Enriching Environment

Give them toys they can play with, scratching posts, toys that challenge their brains and bodies. Another source of entertainment can also include standing catteries and window shelves.

3. Spend Quality Time Together

Teach them tricks using feather sticks or laser pointers in order to actually interact with them. Possessing additional quality time to hug or just to sit near your cat is also beneficial.

4. Use Pheromone Diffusers

Manufactured feline pheromomes produce a soothing atmosphere and tend to decrease tension in the animal.

5. Gradual Adjustments to Changes

If you’re taking your pet with you or changing the home environment in some other ways, do so gradually. Let your cat roam around at his or her own convenient and ensure that there are some things like beds or blankets that were familiar to the cat.

6. Introduce a New Companion Carefully

As for the second change, if you are bringing in another animal to the household, you should do so step by step. It must see that both animals are given individual space and are introduced to each other under supervision.

7. Consult a Veterinarian

However, if your cat’s depression still continues, then you should take your cat to a veterinarian. The veterinarian may prescribe behavioural therapy or inject your cat with, so as to assist in regaining its health.Read also HERE

Preventing Depression in Cats

1. Regular Veterinary Care

Early detection of medical conditions through regular check-ups will help you avoid them worsening the condition of your cat.

2. Encourage Physical Activity

Exercising can make people have little chemicals called endorphins which makes people happy. Try to use attractive toys for motivating children to move around and to play.

3. Offer Companionship

Every day take at least several minutes to sit down next to your cat, even if you are doing something else. Sometimes simply your presence can be incredibly comforting.

4. Monitor Behavioral Changes

Pay particular attention to the hygiene of your cat and the changes of his behavior. You can be able to counter any problems that may occur early enough before they become out of control.

When to Seek Professional Help

Conclusion

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A depressed cat may easily try to get angry or be aggressive to other people or to other animals.
Read also HERE

depression in cats ?

However, if your cat’s depression still continues, then you should take your cat to a veterinarian. The veterinarian may prescribe behavioural therapy or inject your cat with, so as to assist in regaining its health.
Read also HERE