Every cat has its own personality, with some being more extroverted than others, but when a generally social cat suddenly seems wary and alarmingly quiet, something is quite possibly wrong.
There have been many times when we thought that our cat is sad or depressed, but we are never sure about it. Could it just be in a zen phase and this expression in its eyes is the result of absolute relaxation? And what about now that it is gazing? What’s really happening? Is it suffering?
Continue reading and find out some typical signs that show that your cat is sad:
Is my cat depressed?
1. Sound signs
Does it scold you and whine more or less than usual? Is your talkative cat too quiet? Is your quiet cat rather talkative? Do you notice any changes in the way your cat uses its voice?
In that case, we may have a sign of unhappiness, sadness. The different voices that a sad cat uses are usually low pitched. They are sounds that in human language would translate into: “Feel sorry for me”!
Even the gurgling noises do not always mean good mood and happiness. Sometimes they may indicate sadness (as well as an attempt to relieve sadness)!
2. Body language signs
Often the different parts of the body can give you signs that you cat is sad. The eyes, ears, fur and posture often indicate loudly that your cat is not doing well.
The ears being stuck behind (this can also indicate anger), the tail between the legs, the raised hairs of the backbone are only a few of the signs that show that your cat may be sad!
3. Increased aggression
Aggression and fear are often a by-product of a sad cat. If you have noticed any changes in your cat’s behavior, making it more aggressive, it is very likely that it is just sad!
4. Increased clinginess or hiding
Very often you will notice a change in the personality of a sad cat. A more distant cat may suddenly feel the need to cling to its humans while a different sad cat may lose its interest in any activities (except for eating treats) and start hiding!
5. Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
A change in a cat’s appetite may be triggered by a bad psychological condition such as intense sadness. If your cat stops eating or if its appetite changes, if it loses its interest in is favorite food or even treats, it is very likely that sadness is hidden behind all this.
6. Spraying or changes in its toilet habits
A sad cat may try to use its scents to feel better. And so, it starts spraying in inappropriate (for you, humans) places. Although, peeing outside its toilet may be happening for many reasons, sadness is at the top of the list. Urination often occurs at crucial points, such as your bed, the high points it notices or at places where a loved person of your cat’s, that is no longer in its life, used to sit.
Why my cat is sad?
The factors that may make your cat sad are plenty and various. It may be either a physical problem (pain) or a psychological issue that is stressing your cat! In any case, your cat needs you more than ever in this situation, in order to help it better its mood.
Let’s see the 3 most important reasons that cause sadness:
1. Disease
Occasional illnesses can make your cat feel unwell and in pain. The pain may be manifested in its movement. Also, diseases can cause nausea that can affect your cat’s appetite. Also, hormonal imbalances and pathological conditions such as FIV, FeLV and upper respiratory diseases, diabetes, hypothyroidism are all serious health problems that can affect your cat’s level of happiness. If you suspect that this is the reason for your cat’s sadness, schedule a visit to your vet immediately!
2. Injuries
Injuries can limit your cat’s ability to do things it once enjoyed. The pain that comes after an injury can make it impossible for your cat to feel happy. In this case, make sure you follow your vet’s instructions regarding the pain relief and if your cat still seems to be in pain, schedule a visit to check it out. Even old surgeries and injuries may cause prolonged pain or discomfort to your cat and may require chronic pain relief. All of these factors fatally cause misery to your poor cat.
3. Loss of loved ones
Losing a family member is always difficult for everyone involved and your cat is no exception. When a family member (human or animal) dies or moves away, your cat may grieve and become depressed. This is usually just a temporary behavior and at some point, your cat will return to normal.
If your cat is suffering from depression because another, friendly cat has died, consider bringing it new friends (although there are chances that this may not work out well). In any case, time is the best treatment for grief due to loss, but you can try various other treatments as well, such as pheromones and dietary supplements!
So, having closed the cat & sadness chapter let’s ask ourselves a more pleasant question: “when is my cat happy?”
