Do Indoor Cats Get Depressed?

Every cat owner knows the joy of being in the presence of a truly happy, serene cat. There is a lot of comfort and satisfaction gained from just being in the presence of our magical, majestic felines. We also know that a cat’s trust and love are hard-earned, never automatic, and once given, you feel very privileged.

So, as cat owners, we feel obligated to ensure the environment we provide keeps our cats happy and satisfied. While keeping cats indoors keeps them safe from traffic and predators, many worry it will deprive them of outdoor life. This worry grows when a usually playful cat starts to withdraw, become lethargic, or disengage. Just like humans, cats can get depressed for many reasons. It’s easy to tell if your cat is depressed because it shows the same behaviour as a human and doesn’t hide it.

So, in this blog, we are going to explore whether indoor cats are more prone to depression, the key symptoms, and the causes behind feline depression. Moreover, we’ll share practical tips for creating a stimulating and fulfilling environment to help your indoor cat thrive emotionally, ensuring their happiness within the safety of your home.

Are Indoor Cats More Prone to Depression?

Indoor Cats can get sad and depressed but it’s not usually because they’re inside. We may assume it’s because they’re not getting outside time but expert Ivana Crn points out that it’s more often because of sudden changes in the environment, boredom, pain or underlying health issues. Cats are sensitive creatures and changes in their environment or routine can affect their emotional well being resulting in cat depression.

Similarly, Liz Bergstom from the Humane Society of The United States, an organisation dedicated to the respectful and humane treatment of animals, explicitly states that its a myth that indoor cats are more depressed, and that cat owners need to focus on more important aspects of their cat’s care such as playing with them, providing them with stimulating toys and ensuring they have opportunities to climb and run and stay physically active. 

In conclusion, indoor cats can get depressed, but they’re not more prone to it just because they live indoors. Factors like changes in their environment and not having enough things to do can affect their mental health. By knowing these, cat owners can do something to make their pets happier and improve their overall life.

What Are the Causes of Depression in Cats?

A variety of causes can lead to depression in cats, often linked to changes in their environment, health issues, or emotional distress. It’s important for pet owners to know these factors so they can spot and tackle signs of depression in their cats. Here are some of the main causes of depression in cats:

1. Environmental changes – Any change to a cat’s routine or environment can cause stress, which can lead to depression. Moving house, renovations, or even changing furniture can disrupt a cat’s sense of safety and stability.
2. Social changes – Adding a new person into a cat’s world, a person leaving, or the addition of a new pet can all cause stress, which can lead to sadness.
3. Schedule changes – Cats are creatures of habit, so changing feeding time or even getting a new job so you are not around at the same time can take your cat a while to get used to. 
4. Loss of a companion – Cats can form strong bonds with their owners and other pets. The loss of a loved one can be a distressing time for cats, leading to depression.
5. Boredom – Indoor cats require stimulation, as they are natural hunters born to explore and hunt. Without enough playtime and enrichment, too much time spent alone can lead to depression in indoor cats.
6. Pain or illness – Arthritis, injuries, urinary tract infections, or kidney disease can mean your cat is uncomfortable and in pain, which can lead to depression.
7. Separation anxiety – Being left alone for too long can lead to separation anxiety, which can become depression.

What are the Symptoms of Depression in Cats?

Cats can become depressed and will show subtle signs, similar to ourselves. Usually, a cat’s depression will coincide with changes in the environment, routine, or lack of stimulation or companionship, so if any of these things have occurred, then you should consider depression could be a factor. However, as the following symptoms could also indicate underlying medical conditions, so it’s always a good idea to schedule a check-up with your vet.

Signs of depression in cats can include:

• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss in cats can be a sign of depression, as stress or sadness may suppress their appetite or lead to disinterest in eating.
• Changes in appetite: A depressed cat eat significantly less or, in some cases, overeat as a way to cope, leading to noticeable changes in their weight.
• Lack of interest in interaction: Cats experiencing depression avoid playing or engaging with their owners, showing minimal interest in toys or activities they once enjoyed.
• Avoiding pats or affection: Depressed cats shy away from being touched or petted, even if they were previously affectionate and enjoyed close interaction.
• Hiding: Cats often retreat to hiding spots when they’re feeling stressed, sad, or overwhelmed, avoiding social interactions altogether.
• Lack of grooming behaviours: Depression in cats can result in poor grooming habits, making their coat appear unkempt or greasy over time.
• Low energy and increased sleep: A lethargic cat that sleeps more than usual and appears uninterested in daily activities can be sign of depression.
• Uncharacteristic aggression: Sudden aggression, such as hissing or biting, might indicate underlying emotional distress or unhappiness.
• Increase vocalisation: Excessive meowing or yowling, especially at unusual times, can signal that a cat is feeling lonely, bored, or upset.
• Poor coat condition: A dull, matted, or flaky coat often indicates a lack of grooming, which can stem from a cat’s low mood or lack of motivation.
• Eliminating outside of the litter tray: Urinating or defecating outside the litter tray can be a response to stress or environmental changes causing emotional distress.
• Not interested in food: Disinterest in food, even favourite treats, can indicate depression, as emotional discomfort may diminish a cat’s appetite.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Cat Is Depressed?

If you suspect your cat is depressed, it’s essential to take proactive steps to address their emotional well-being. Here’s a structured approach to help your feline friend:

1. Pinpoint the cause :

Has there been a change to their routine or environment? Are they getting enough interaction with you? Has there been a loss in the family members? If you can identify the trigger for your cat’s depression, you can take steps to rectify the problem or give your cat extra love and attention to help them through the change.

2. Visit the vet :

Depression in cats could actually be a sign of underlying medical problems. Visiting the vet to rule out diseases, injuries, or pain is a great first step for you in managing your cat’s depression.

 3. Spend time with your cat :

If you think your cat is spending too much time on their own, then making the effort to spend quality time with your cat may be exactly what is needed to get them out of their funk.

4. Change the environment :

Take a look around and see what you can add into your cat’s world. Introduce new toys, create hiding spots, or enhance their favourite hiding space to provide stimulation to help a depressed cat.

5. Provide a safe hiding space :

Cats love to hide away where they can feel safe, cosy and relaxed. Make sure your home has some hiding nooks where your cat can get some quality alone time.

6. Reduce any stressors :

Teach children and other family members how to approach cats respectfully. Give them a safe place to hide when visitors arrive, make sure their litter box is clean, and turn down the noise.

7. Get some new treats :

Beat boredom and stimulate those senses by introducing some new delicious treats. 

8. Get professional help :

If you have ruled out medical issues, tried any of the above suggestions, and your cat’s depressed mood persists, you may want to engage a professional animal behaviourist to help you understand and treat your cat. 

Are Certain Cat Breeds More Prone to Depression?

Some cat breeds are known for their social natures and the strong bonds they make with their owners. Because of their affectionate natures, their curious and intelligent minds, and their need for interaction and companionship, these breeds may be more prone to depression or anxiety when left alone too long.

Siamese: Chatty, highly intelligent, form strong bonds with their owners.
Burmese: Intelligent, form dog-like attachments to their owners, gentle, love affection and pats.
Oriental Shorthair: Energetic, highly social, and interactive; doesn’t do well left alone.
Sphynx: Friendly and loving, follows you around the house, curious and intelligent.

Understanding your cat’s breed-specific traits is helpful for providing the right environment to prevent depression in cats.

How Can You Prevent Depression in Indoor Cats?

The key to preventing depression in cats is to understand their nature and their needs and do your best to provide a healthy, stimulating environment. 

Firstly, cats need an outlet for their instinctual behaviours. Cats are born predators and are driven to develop physical skills that can help them be successful in their hunting. Cats want to climb, jump, explore, hide, run, pounce and survey their territories. Cats can easily practise all of these skills safely indoors, but it does require us to put a few things in place, such as:

• Climbing ramps: Providing climbing ramps helps cats satisfy their natural instinct to climb and explore vertical spaces, promoting physical activity and mental stimulation.
• Viewing platforms: Platforms near windows allow cats to observe their surroundings, which can reduce boredom and provide enrichment through visual stimulation, such as watching birds or outdoor activities.
• Toys that dispense treats when played with: Interactive treat-dispensing toys engage a cat’s hunting instincts, encouraging play and offering positive reinforcement that keeps them mentally and physically active.
• Hiding places for sleeping and ambushing: Cozy hiding spots offer cats a sense of security and serve as perfect ambush zones during play, reducing stress and boosting their overall well-being.
• Dangling strings: Dangling string toys mimic the movements of prey, stimulating a cat’s natural hunting instincts and providing an enjoyable way to expend energy.
• Outdoor Cat Enclosures: An outdoor cat enclosure offers safe access to the sensory world, providing stimulating sights, sounds, smells, and sunlight to enhance your cat’s mood and sleep cycle.
• Balls: Lightweight balls that roll unpredictably are excellent for solo or interactive play, keeping cats engaged and active while simulating the chase.
• Scratching posts: Scratching posts allow cats to satisfy their urge to scratch, maintain healthy claws, and relieve stress, while also marking their territory.
• Cardboard boxes: Simple cardboard boxes provide endless entertainment, offering spaces for hiding, pouncing, or simply lounging, all of which help prevent boredom and anxiety.
• Social Contact: Provide the level of social interaction your cat prefers—some enjoy cuddles, while others prefer occasional scratches. Always take cues from your cat regarding how they prefer to socialize.
• Toileting and Feeding Needs: Keep your cat’s litter box clean, provide fresh food and water, and separate toileting and feeding areas to reduce stress and anxiety.

By providing the above-mentioned things to your cat, you can ensure that the cat is not prone to depression, as a stimulating environment, regular social interaction, proper nutrition, and opportunities for play and exploration contribute significantly to their emotional well-being and overall happiness.

Creating a Safe Space to Prevent Depression in Cats

In summary, while cat’s can indeed get depressed, understanding the causes and making simple changes to your cat’s environment can really help alleviate and prevent depression in cats. Providing a sensory-rich world that allows your cat to express their natural behaviors is essential. The best thing you can do for your cat is provide them with a sensory rich world that enables them to express their natural behaviours.

Toys and playtime are great tools for providing mental and physical stimulation for your cat, but in our busy lives we may not always have the time to give our cats all the attention they deserve.

If you have the space, an outdoor cat enclosure is a fantastic option. Even a small outdoor area can provide new sights, sounds, and smells, keeping your cat mentally sharp without the safety risks of free-roaming. Adding elements like climbing ramps, shady resting spots, and trees for scratching will further enrich their experience. If you’re considering enhancing your outdoor space with a cat enclosure and looking for a reliable cat netting enclosure expert in Perth, we can help you by offering secure, purpose-built solutions. With over three years of experience and 70+ five-star ratings, we provide trusted, competitive options tailored to your needs.

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