Feline depression – Symptoms, treatment. How can you help your pet?

Depression in cats has various causes. These include, for example, sterilization, prolonged separation of the career, boredom. In addition, there is a tendency to increase the incidence of the disease among animals. Find out more about depression in cats in this article.

Depression in cats is an insidious disease. It is not unusual not to be able to identify the causes of his presence and has many symptoms that require a diagnosis compared to other conditions. Feline depression is treated with pharmaceutical products, but also the diet, activity and supply of a comfortable environment for animals are important in the treatment.

Feline depression – What are its causes?

Feline depression can be caused by many factors. Among these are:

● Change of residence: some cats easily adapt to their new environment, while others can find the change of strange and stressful environment. The same can be valid in the case of an important renewal, in which the existing cat environment has changed considerably;
● Solitude: cats have been labeled as alone, who like to go to them. However, in reality, cats are sociable animals. They like to spend time with their master and stick to it. A sudden change in their life, such as the disease or the death of a family member with whom the animal spent a lot of time, can contribute to depression;
● Career separation – Cats connected by a custodian do not tolerate to remain alone at home for several hours. The frequent trips of the custodian, especially if they are irregular, will also have a negative effect on their mental state. It can be difficult for an animal to adapt when the custodian, who returned home every day, missing abruptly and reappears after a while.

Feline depression due to treatments, boredom and lack of sun

Depression in cats can also occur after castration or sterilization. In these cases, the cause of feline depression is complex, since it can derive from the stress that accompanies the operation and the hormonal imbalance associated with it. A reduction in the activity of the bodies responsible for the secretion of sex hormones is often associated with an increase in appetite, but also a decrease in activity and enthusiasm. This, in turn, promotes boredom and depression. In the case of these treatments there is also the risk of so -called Caftano depression. As the name suggests, a shirt of force is responsible for this condition, which protects the cat from interference with wounds after surgery. The simple fact of transporting it (all the more if it has been poorly worn and limits the movements of the animal, rubbing and causes pain) can have a negative effect on its mood. Some cats will try to escape at any price of the strength shirt, while others will fall into a state of numbness.

Boredom is undoubtedly one of the most common causes of cat depression. A cat is a hunting animal. Preventing them from exercising their natural instincts can have a negative effect on their well -being.

The lack of sunlight can also be responsible for feline depression. As for humans, limited quantities of natural light can negatively influence the psyche. This is highlighted by the greater impact of the feline depression in autumn and winter, when it is gray and dark outside. A deficiency of sunlight slows down the metabolism and interrupts the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

Symptoms of depression in cats

Depression in cats can manifest itself in various ways. The most typical events are apathy, the loss of appetite, the party more time to sleep than before. You can also see that the cat drinks much less water. He has no more desire to play and when the custodian tries to attract it with something, reacts with anger or runs. In some cats, depression can be accompanied by an obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is manifested by self-aggression, destruction of furniture and a strong miracle.

As a result of feline depression, there is a decrease in immunity and, therefore, greater sensitivity to diseases, in particular those related to the urinary tract.

The image of feline depression also includes symptoms such as:

● a decrease in the interest in the environment,
● lack of attention paid to hygiene,
● A reluctance to establish relationships with other animals in the house and even conflict with them,
● Previous lack of response to your name and avoid contact with people,
● Hide in isolated places
● reluctance to greet the custodian,
● Leccate more intense than before – cats lick mainly on the belly, which, in extreme cases, can become chef,
● Perform physiological needs outside the litter
● Aggressive behavior, for example bites, scratches, jumps on family members or other animals in the house.

Cats depression – How to treat it?

When you notice the symptoms mentioned above or other symptoms in your cat that does not correspond to the previous behavior of the cat, it is necessary to consult a specialist. It is very important not to give any medicine to the animal alone. The symptoms that accompany depression can indicate other diseases. The doctor will make a precise diagnosis and only after excluding any other possible corresponding conditions will it determine the way of the action.

Usually, the specialist will recommend other measures before deciding the depression of cats. The diet is important. He should be careful to include more L-Triptophan in the cat’s diet. This is a protein amino acid that influences the production of serotonin. This is a hormone and an important neurotransmitter, whose low levels cause poor mood and irritability. Therefore, the deficiencies of serotonin can also become a cause of depression in cats.

An important part in the treatment of depression in a cat is taking care of his free time. It is worth focusing on the game. In addition to common activities, it will be a good idea to give independent entertainment to your cat. Interactive toys are a solution.

They stimulate cognitive functions, can be a sort of substitute for instinctive behavior and cause movements, which is, after all, an excellent counterfeiting sheet.

In addition, the animal must be supplied with a comfortable rest environment. Cats must be supplied with beds, scratches, tunnels, etc. If the animal is a cat that does not remain outdoors, it is a good idea to provide a balcony. Previously, it must be protected with a special mesh. On the balcony, the cat will be able to see other animals.

As for pharmaceutical products, the veterinarian may recommend the use of a synthetic form of feline pheromons. These make the animal that perceives the environment as more friendly and safer. Similar effects can be obtained by spraying inside the house with products reminiscent of the smell of the pheromone.

There are indications that melatonin can alleviate the anxiety that accompanies depression. Preparations containing alpha-casozepine can improve cat’s mood. This is a natural bioactive peptide derived from milk, which has a calming and reducing stress effect.

The cat’s grass has a stimulating effect on cats. This provides a state of temporary relaxation and euphoria.

Photo Source: Canva.com

Olga Dąbska