Changes in Vocalisation: Cats express emotions through sound. A normally quiet cat becoming louder or a chatty cat going silent may be experiencing depression. Unusual meowing, yowling, or silence can reveal emotional distress. (Image: Canva)
Litter Box Issues: Depressed cats may avoid their litter box, urinate outside it, or misuse it. Such changes often reflect stress, sadness, or depression, showing your cat’s emotional state needs gentle attention. (Image: Canva)
Reduced Playfulness: A cat uninterested in toys, games, climbing, or usual activities may be depressed. Reduced play reflects sadness, low energy, or emotional withdrawal, showing decreased enjoyment in daily routines and stimulation. (Image: Canva)
Changes in Their Sleep Habits: Cats sleep plenty, but depressed ones may oversleep far beyond normal. Extra hours of rest often reflect boredom, sadness, or low energy, indicating your cat’s emotional health may be struggling. (Image: Canva)
Scratching: If your cat is sad or depressed, it may start scratching furniture or other objects more than usual to relieve stress and mark their territory. (Image: Canva)
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Lack of Grooming: Cats normally keep their coats pristine. When grooming stops, fur may appear greasy, messy, or unkempt. Poor grooming habits often suggest depression, stress, or lack of motivation in cats. (Image: Canva)
Avoiding the Outdoors: A cat that once loved exploring outside may suddenly refuse. Losing interest in fresh air, nature, or roaming often indicates sadness, anxiety, or emotional withdrawal. (Image: Canva)
Loss of Interest in Affection: A cat that no longer enjoys petting, cuddles, or lap time may be depressed. Rejecting affection reflects sadness, emotional withdrawal, or feeling disconnected from familiar bonds. (Image: Canva)
