If your cats are usually jolly, then you notice that the other day they are not. Then don’t just ignore it. The change in their behavior and personality might be a sign that there is something wrong with them.
Our pets also feel happiness and sadness just like us humans. But the big difference is that humans can tell when they are happy or sad, while our pets can’t. Because they can’t talk. We just usually notice their changes through body language and change of their usual habits.
Let us know what is the signs that your cat is sad or depressed.
1. Body Language
The body language is the first thing the owner can notice when their cat is sad or frightening. What the cats do is tail tucking, hair standing, and ears held back. And sometimes you as the owner can also see it in their eyes if something is wrong. The cat makes a different body position as a clue for being unhappy.
2. Hiding
Hiding is what cats do when they see other people to the house where they are living. Mostly, when their owner came home from work and call them, cats immediately go to their owner to welcome them. Because they are happy seeing their owner. But when they were called by the stranger, they hide.
Aside from hiding, the cat is also being clingy when they are sad. Because they have lost their interest in other things, they do like playing.
3. Sleeping too much
It is not new if you can see your cat laying down and sleeping. But it is not normal if you see them in the other place where they don’t usually nap. Sleeping too much is a sign of depression not only to the cat but also to human. And if the cat sleeps much and changes their favorite spot to nap are signs that they are sad.
4. Stressed eating signs
The stressed eating signs are losing appetite or eating too much than usual. What you can observe to cats when they are not happy is that they don’t eat even a single bite. Others can eat too much when they are depressed but only a few. If you can prefer to lay down and continue to sleep than to eat in their meal time, is a sign. So, the owner must also watch your cat’s eating habit to observe the difference, for you to know if they are okay or not.
5. Excessive vocalization
Some cats are more active at night when all people sleep tight. But when your cat creates different vocal sounds you must take a look at them, maybe they are afraid or they are in trouble. Usually, they have loud but low-pitch when they are in trouble. Mournful yowls are what you can hear. Obviously, it indicates that they are unhappy.
6. Aggressive behavior
Unhappy cats have a tendency to be more sensitive and act violently. The cats have an aggressive behavior when they are sad, even though they are in their comfort zone. You as the owner becomes angry to the cats when you touch and slide your hands in their smooth fur but what they do is bite your finger. If they do that, don’t hit them. Be sensitive enough and know that they are sad or depressed that why they do that.
7. Crying out loud
When cats crying out loud, some owner feels annoyed. Especially when they saw their cat’s bowl still full of cat food. They usually come up to the conclusion that their cat is so picky when it comes to food. But that is not the reason. The cat’s stomach is still full of food, but they are a pet lack of attention of their owner. What they want are your time and attention, they want to play with you or just to lay down in your lap then feel the slide of your hands back and forth to their smooth fur.
Another reason why your cats are sad or depressed.
- They have illness
- They have injury
- They have lost their loved ones
Final Thought
Don’t panic when you observe depression to your pet. Just bring them to their vet and listen carefully to what their vet has to say. A happy cat is a sign of a healthy one. So, don’t just ignore them suffering from sadness or depression. As a pet lover and owner, you have to do something.
Being with them and feeling loved by their owner is a good practice and a good treatment for your cat to stay happy and healthy.