9 Subtle Signs Your Cat Might Be Feeling Low

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Sad looking kitten
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Cats, with their independent yet loving nature, bring so much joy to our lives. But when they start acting differently, it can be concerning. If your once-playful, affectionate feline seems withdrawn or disinterested, depression could be at play. Like humans, cats can experience emotional distress, and understanding the signs is key to helping them. Here, we’ll explore the subtle but telling indicators of a depressed cat, so you can offer them the support and care they need to feel like themselves again.

1. Changes In Appetite

Ragdoll cat with blue eyes eating
David Yu/Pexels

If your cat suddenly starts eating less or more than usual, it could be a sign of depression. Cats are creatures of habit, so when there is a disruption in their appetite, it’s often a reflection of emotional distress. A depressed cat may lose interest in their food, not finishing meals or even skipping them entirely. On the other hand, some cats might respond to their sadness by eating more, as a way to comfort themselves. Either change, especially if it’s a drastic shift, can signal that your cat’s emotional state is being affected.

2. Altered Grooming Habits

Gray tabby licking paw while grooming
Cats Coming/Pexels

Grooming is a natural and essential activity for cats, so when they start neglecting it, it’s usually a sign that something is wrong. A cat that is depressed may not groom themselves as regularly, leading to a matted, unkempt coat. Their fur may appear dull or greasy because they aren’t maintaining it. Alternatively, some cats may overcompensate by excessively grooming, often to the point of causing skin irritation or bald patches. Both of these behaviors can point to emotional distress and should not be ignored.

3. Increased Sleeping

sleepy birman
antranias-50356/pixabay

Cats are known for their love of napping, but if your cat suddenly starts sleeping excessively, it could be a sign of depression. While a typical cat sleeps between 12 to 16 hours a day, a depressed cat might spend even more time lying down, appearing lethargic or disinterested in interacting with their surroundings. This drastic increase in sleep might indicate that they are retreating emotionally, struggling with feelings of sadness or disinterest in life. If your normally active cat becomes a couch potato, it’s a signal that something deeper may be going on.

4. Withdrawal From Social Interaction

Black and white cat sleeping on table
Min An/Pexels

A cat that begins to withdraw from social interaction can be showing signs of depression. Cats are known for being independent, but they still enjoy their bonding time with their humans, whether it’s curling up in your lap or following you around the house. When a cat stops seeking affection or hides for long periods, it may be emotionally withdrawing. A depressed cat often feels overwhelmed or anxious and may shy away from people and even other pets. This retreat can indicate that they are struggling internally, and they may need extra love and attention to feel safe again.

5. Changes In Vocalization

Cat growling or meowing.
Viktor Mogilat/Pexels

Sudden changes in your cat’s vocalizations can be a sign that they are feeling emotionally unsettled. If your cat, who usually stays quiet, starts meowing or yowling excessively, it could be an indication of stress or sadness. On the flip side, a cat who is usually talkative but becomes unusually quiet may be retreating into themselves due to depression. These changes in vocal patterns are a way your cat may express discomfort or frustration, so it’s important to pay attention to these subtle shifts in behavior to understand what they need.

6. Aggressive Behavior

brown angry tabby
michael-morse/pexels

Depressed cats might also exhibit uncharacteristic aggression, such as scratching, biting, or hissing. These behaviors are often a result of frustration, discomfort, or a lack of emotional balance. A normally calm and friendly cat may lash out when they feel threatened by their sadness or anxiety. Depression can cause a cat to feel irritable and overwhelmed, leading them to react in ways that are out of character. If your once-friendly cat suddenly starts acting aggressively, it’s a red flag that their emotional well-being is compromised.

7. Litter Box Issues

Cat in a litter box
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When a cat is depressed, it may experience changes in its bathroom habits, which are often a sign that something deeper is going on. If your cat starts urinating or defecating outside the litter box, it could be a behavioral response to emotional stress. Cats are creatures of habit, and litter box issues are often their way of expressing discomfort or unhappiness. Depression can lead to a sense of confusion or insecurity, which may make a cat reluctant to use their litter box properly. If this occurs, it’s important to assess their emotional state, along with ruling out any medical issues.

8. Physical Symptoms

Black Cat
jugendweihebb/Pixabay

While depression is often thought of as an emotional state, it can manifest physically in your cat as well. Cats may experience changes in their weight, energy levels, and even their digestive systems when they’re feeling down. A depressed cat might lose weight due to lack of appetite or, conversely, gain weight if they overeat to cope. Vomiting or diarrhea can also be signs of stress, which often accompanies depression. If your cat’s physical health is showing symptoms without an obvious cause, it may be related to emotional distress, and it’s essential to check with a vet.

9. Reduced Playfulness

Cat
Vahid Sadeghi/Pexels

Cats are typically playful creatures, especially when they’re feeling healthy and happy. A decrease in playfulness or interest in toys can be a major indication that your cat is depressed. If your once energetic cat suddenly loses interest in activities they previously enjoyed—such as chasing a feather wand or batting at a ball of yarn—it could be a sign that they are emotionally withdrawing. Depression can make even the most engaging activities feel uninteresting to a cat, as they are overwhelmed by sadness or lack of energy. If this shift happens, it’s worth considering their emotional state and providing comfort and companionship.

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