How To Tell If Your Cat Is Sad

Plenty of people assume that cats are aloof characters who prefer to keep themselves to themselves and don’t show many emotions. Still, that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you have ever welcomed a bundle of fluff into your life, then you might have realized just how loving they can be when they bond with their owners.

Sadly, things can sometimes be a little different if something is going on with our feline friends. Learning how to tell if your cat is sad can be the first step that so many cat owners need to get their friend back on track and feeling like their old selves again.

Changes in vocalizations can be a cue that something is wrong

Plenty of cats are vocal creatures, but have you noticed they are meowing more than usual? Perhaps they’re meowing less? How about yowling at a lower tone? These can all be signs that something is wrong, especially if they are sad. Even though purring is usually associated with a cat enjoying a nice cuddle with their owner, it can sometimes be a cat’s way of trying to comfort themselves. If anything changes in the way your cat talks, it might be time to see if something is wrong.

Excessive scratching can be one of the more obvious signs

Sometimes, it can feel that no matter how many scratching posts we buy our feline friends, they still want to use our furniture to sharpen their claws. However, this could be a problem if this is completely out of character. That’s because sad cats will often start to scratch everything and anything when they are feeling down as a way to relieve stress and to mark their territory around the home.

A change in appetite could indicate your cat is sad

Not all cats are food lovers, but if they stop eating altogether and you haven’t changed their food or where they are fed, it could be a sign your cat is sad. The same goes for if they are simply eating less than they used to. Pay close attention to the number of treats they eat, too. Did they used to love them, but now they turn their nose up?

Being overly clingy might mean your cat needs cheering up

Let’s face it; many of us love the idea of our cats curling up in our laps and having a cat nap. Still, it could be a sign they’re sad if this is out of character or you suddenly find you can’t move without your cat acting as your shadow. The same can be said if your cat used to be playful and suddenly has no interest in their toys or if they used to love a cuddle and now want to be nowhere near you.

Sleeping excessively can be a sign that a cat is depressed

One of the biggest signs in humans that someone is depressed can be sleeping a lot more than usual. The same goes for cats. Sure, they are known to be some of the biggest lovers of sleep, but sleeping too much and taking themselves away from their favorite nap spot to someone quiet and away from people might mean that something is wrong.

How can you help if your cat is sad?

There can be plenty of reasons your cat is sad, including losing a loved one, a change of scenery, being bored, or if they are ill. Thankfully, there are also ways that we can help our cats to feel better and more like themselves. Firstly, it might be worth getting your cat checked by a professional in case something is going on. From there, you can also ensure you always offer fresh food and water to keep them happy and hydrated. Be sure to spend time with your cat when they are in the mood by playing and petting them while also taking time to rotate their toys every now and then so they don’t get bored of their toys.

Learning how to tell if your cat is sad can often be the first thing so many of us need to help get our feline friends back to their usual selves. While it can sometimes take time for them to bounce back, other times, they just need to know they’re loved and appreciated.