Cat Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Do you occasionally suspect your cat is sad, but you just can’t put your finger on it?

It’s heartbreaking to see your beloved companion hide under the bed, withdraw from cuddles, or lose interest in play.

These changes can leave you feeling confused and worried that your cat may be suffering from more than just a simple 'diva mood'.

Let’s uncover how cat depression arises, how you can spot the signs of depression in cats, and what practical steps you can take to help your cat bounce back.

Key takeaways

• Depression in cats often looks subtle, like changes in behavior or reduced appetite

• Cats can experience depression due to grief, loneliness, new environments, or underlying medical issues

• Adding enrichment and daily playtime can help improve your cat's mood

• A vet may offer guidance to rule out any underlying medical or underlying health conditions

• Catnip or feline pheromones (like Feliway) may recommend short-term relief for a depressed cat

• Changes in their environment—like a new pet—could be a sign your cat may be depressed

• If in doubt, consult your veterinarian for a treatment plan or professional advice

Is it possible that cats get depressed?

Yes, absolutely—cats can become depressed just like humans do.

Though your feline friend can’t voice their emotions, changes in daily activities often reveal they’re off-balance.

You might notice that your cat isn’t greeting you at the door, grooming less, or ignoring their favourite toy.

These subtle signs can signal that a cat is depressed.

Indoor cats get depressed in many scenarios, especially if they lack enrichment or companionship.

Even outdoor cats can feel down when separated from a loved one or after a big move.

Meanwhile, older felines with arthritis or chronic pain may show reduced interest in normal activities, leading to more serious anxiety and depression.

Common reasons why your cat may become depressed

• Grief or loss: Perhaps a bonded cat sibling has passed, or an owner no longer lives at home

• Changes in their environment: A new baby, introduction of a new pet, or relocation can disturb routine

• Underlying medical conditions: Illnesses like arthritis or urinary infections may reduce your cat’s happiness

• Lack of mental stimulation: Few toys, no scratch posts, or minimal playtime leaves them bored

• Separation stress: Extended absences of a favourite human or prolonged alone-time

If you suspect separation-based sadness, you can read about ways to keep them engaged, such as our Top Tech For Savvy Cat Owners article, which offers fun gadget ideas.

Waggel’s resident vet expert Aimee Warner says:

As a general point remember cats are intelligent animals with strong instincts. They need stimulation and to be able to exhibit natural behaviours to be happy kitties."

Recognising a depressed cat

A cat may be depressed if they do any of the following:

• Withdraw from social interaction (they hide more, flee from you, etc.)

• Changes in appetite (eating less or overeating)

• Lack of grooming or unkempt fur

• Vocalisation changes—becoming very quiet or excessively meowing

• Reduced playfulness, ignoring scratching posts or toys they once loved

• Tense cat’s behaviour or new forms of aggression

• If your cat used to rub against your leg (because cats rub to bond) but has stopped, that could be a sign something’s amiss.

For more insight on unusual feline signals, check out our Why Does My Cat Stare At Me post. It’s a helpful resource if you’re dealing with puzzling new habits.

Physical symptoms that may show depression

• Lethargy or sleeping much more than usual

• Weight fluctuations from changes in dietary patterns

• Avoiding the litter box or frequent “accidents” around the house

• Overgrooming or pulling out fur in frustration

Depressed cats may also hide in corners or watch the world from a distance.

Because depression can mask significant conditions, it’s always important to see your vet if you notice any changes that persist.

Here’s a quick bullet-point list with easy steps to get that ‘cat happy’ vibe back:

• Routine empowerment: Feed, brush, and cuddle at set times

• Interactive play: Laser pointers, ball chasers, or fishing-rod toys

• Scratching posts: Provide variety of cat trees to promote climbing

• Feline pheromones: Plug-in diffusers like Feliway can help reduce stress

• Catnip: A plant from the mint family containing an oil called nepetalactone—it offers a natural high, which is harmless and temporary

Check out our Cat Grooming Guide Tips article for examples of how to transform grooming into a bonding activity.

This personal time often drives positive feelings in anxious or depressed cats.

Revamping your cat’s environment

Cats tend to thrive on routine and territory. When focusing on a cat's mental health, rearranging furniture or introducing brand-new accessories might spark curiosity and distract from sadness.

For instance, swapping out old bedding or bedding with your scent can help them feel safe.

You might also expand vertical space with cat shelves or window perches that let them watch the outside world in comfort.

Access to the outdoors can also lighten a kitty’s mood, if it’s safe. If you worry about local traffic or don’t want your cat to roam, consider a secure catio.

Using beloved items like catnip

Not all cats respond to catnip, but for those who do, it can prompt fun play and alleviate lows.

This could be a sign your cat is open to new experiences. Because catnip (Nepeta cataria) is in the mint family, it triggers receptors in the brain associated with joy.

A dash of fresh or dried catnip on bedding or a favourite toy might brighten a depressed cat’s day.

However, feline depression won’t magically vanish, so keep catnip as an occasional perk.

Rule out any underlying medical issues

Sometimes, depression arises from underlying medical conditions such as chronic pain or arthritis.

A thorough exam by your veterinarian can detect these illnesses early.

Your vet may conduct a blood test or X-ray to confirm your cat’s overall health status.

If you skip this step, you might treat surface sadness while ignoring a deeper issue.

Collaborative treatment plan

A good veterinarian will also guide you on behaviour modifications. In severe cases, medication might be prescribed to stabilise your cat’s behaviour.

The vet might suggest a combination of medication, environment adjustments, or alternative therapies.

They could even refer you to a feline behaviourist for advanced help.

In many scenarios, adjusting daily routines, providing mental stimulation, or offering structured cuddle time will help improve your cat’s confidence.

If you’re exploring pet insurance to support your cat’s future wellness and comprehensive care, check out Waggel for coverage tailored to all stages of your cat’s life.

Cats are famously independent, but some do enjoy the presence of a friend.

If your cat was once part of a duo and lost their buddy, a new companion might lighten their mood.

However, introducing two cats must be done cautiously—fast, forced interactions might worsen the anxiety.

Gradual bonding and the little things like exchanging bedding or supervised sniff sessions works best.

When your cat is feeling blue or you suspect deeper health concerns, you don’t want the extra burden of expensive vet bills.

That’s why having a trusted pet insurance can make all the difference.

Waggel Pet Insurance is there to help you navigate wellness checks and sudden emergencies.

Because conquering cat depression sometimes requires professional input, Waggel stands ready to safeguard your peace of mind—freeing you to focus on strengthening the loving bond with your furry companion.

Depression in cats isn’t always loud or dramatic. It can be difficult to spot, showing up through quieter signals like vocalisation changes, withdrawn behaviour, or refusing food.

Yet by actively observing your cat’s habits, you’ll know when your precious friend needs help.

From boosting their mental stimulation with new toys, to adding feline pheromones or a dash of catnip, small adjustments can help improve your cat’s mood.

Never forget to consult your veterinarian if these changes persist or you see major cat changes in daily routines.

Depression can affect cats of all ages, but your support can guide them toward better days.

If you crave more tips, see our Cat Insurance Guide to keep every aspect of cat care ready for anything life throws your way.