Understanding (and Helping) the Feline Blues

Provided by P&G Everyday Solutions

Just like you, your cat goes through mood changes as a result of changes in her environment. So what do you do if your cat is melancholy? What behaviors will she exhibit? How can you identify the source of her mood change and help her get back to her usual, contented self?

Actually, minor adjustments in diet, exercise and environment can help perplexed pet owners find solutions to behaviors that seem "off," according to Nicholas Dodman, author of The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats.

Read on for specific tips about helping cure the feline blues.

Q: How can I tell if my cat is depressed?

A: You live with your cat — you see her when she's napping in the sun and chowing down dinner. That's why you are the best judge of her moods. You can usually tell when your cat is unhappy. But here are some telltale signs that may indicate that your cat is down in the dumps:

• Urine-marking, inappropriate urination or refusal to use litter box
• Lack of personal grooming
• Sluggishness
• Sudden changes in mood, especially from friendly to aggressive
• Excessive meowing and/or "hey, look at me" behavior, such as clawing the furniture

Q: What causes depression in cats?

A: The quick answer to this question is: lots of things. There's no comprehensive list. However, a good rule of thumb is to consider your cat to be not so different than your child or your best friend or, for that matter, yourself. Sure, cats are animals, but animals have feelings, too. Here are some of the most common causes of feline depression:

• A major disruption of schedule or routine
• Major life changes, such as a death in the family or the addition of a new pet
• Lack of activity and exercise, boredom, long hours of being alone
• Separation anxiety
• Sickness or undiagnosed health problems

How can I help my cat feel better?

A: If your cat shows signs of depression, your first line of defense should be to take her to a veterinarian for a checkup. Once you've ruled out physiological explanations for her depression, then you can develop a plan to take care of the problem at home. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Be happy around your cat. You may be surprised to discover that your cat takes her cues from your behavior.
• Make a concerted effort to spend more time with your cat. Even if it's just 15 minutes more a day, it could make all the difference.
• When you get home from work or from grocery shopping, say hello to your cat and rub her ears the minute you walk in the door. Get in the habit of making her feel special.
• New toys can sometimes cheer a bored or lonely cat. Rotate them frequently so there's always something new.