Civilizational progress, lifestyle and nutrition irregularities affect our pets’ mental health no less than or own. Any distortion to the familiarity of cat’s surroundings can cause serious chronic ailments. Changing daily routine, frequent commuting, changing places of living – all cause feelings of sadness and uneasiness in a cat. He or she loses orientation, sense of safety, and develops highly apathic or aggressive behavior.
Reasons for Cat’s Depression
There are several causes of cat’s depression; the most frequent ones are listed below:
- Lack of freedom – cats need space to run, play, and “hunt”. Excessive freedom limits can make them feel imprisoned and unhappy. They shouldn’t be closed in small flats or rooms – even if they are typically indoor cats, they all need activity and lots of space to explore;
- Lack of playground – you can’t prohibit your cat from everything. Cats’ owners must realize that cat is a lively creature who wants to play: run around the house, explore all holes and containers, and smell all their surroundings over and over again;
- Lack of stimuli – your cat needs attention and attractions: games, cat’s toys, and not just those left for him on the floor to play with on his own. Lack of care and attention will make your cat feel lonely and unloved;
- Monotonous or poor diet – cats can get depressed due to lack of vitamins, or because they are bored with non-diversified foods. Eating is for cats, just like for humans, a sort of entertainment they shouldn’t be deprived of;
- Illness – cats can be withdrawn or aggressive if they suffer from some of cat’s ailments. Feeling of physical discomfort or pain makes cats feel threatened;
- Longing for company – cats left home alone, or those who miss absent family members can also get depressed. If your life routine doesn’t allow keeping too much company to your cat- consider buying a cat companion.
How to Treat Cat’s Depression
Basically, you should avoid making the above mistakes. Always pay extra attention to your cat if you notice that he's becoming somewhat sad. You can spoil your cat every now and then serving him unique foods and giving some additional, unexpected privileges. If your cat avoids playing, consider buying new toys and organizing more engaging games for him that include running and chasing – it will improve his blood circulation and overall well being.
If you see that your cat’s mood doesn’t improve over the course of several days, consult a vet – pet doctor may prescribe anti-depressants and hormone-based medicine to solve the problem. For more information on cat’s health, see Persian Cat’s Health and Nutrition.
Daria Przybyla - Daria Przybyla is a multilingual SEO consultant fluent in 4 languages as well as an avid SEO, pet care and travel blogger with educational ...
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