Is My Cat or Kitten Sad? Signs of an Unhappy Cat & How to Help

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Cats can feel sad, just like people do. If you’ve ever thought a cat or kitten looked upset, you weren’t imagining it. Despite the myth that cats are cold or distant, they can experience a wide range of emotions—including sadness.

“While true ‘depression’ as seen in humans cannot be directly diagnosed in cats, they can exhibit symptoms of behavioral or emotional distress,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, VetMB, MA, a veterinarian and owner of The Pets Kingdom.

Cats love routines, so changes to their daily life can make them sad. Dr. Dench says things like moving to a new home, losing a loved one, feeling stressed, or having health problems may cause them to act like they’re depressed.

Keep reading to discover what makes cats and kittens sad, what to look out for, and how to help them feel better.

6 Reasons Cats Feel Sad or Depressed

Depression in people is often linked to brain chemicals and genetics, but in cats, it’s usually simpler. Dr. Amanda Chambers, a veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, says cat depression is often caused by an event or illness.

Drs. Chambers and Dench list some common causes of sadness in cats:

1. They lost a feline friend

Cats may seem independent, but they can form strong bonds, especially with other cats.

If a cat loses a close friend due to death, running away, or rehoming, they can grieve just like people.

2. They miss their favorite human

Cats can feel sad when their favorite person isn’t around—from long absences to a permanent loss.

Whether a caregiver travels a lot, moves away, or passes away, cats may show signs of sadness from missing their owner.

3. They’re anxious or stressed

Chronic stress can affect a cat’s mental and physical health.

Stressed cats may sleep more, avoid people, lose interest in their favorite activities, or eat much more or less than usual.

4. They’re experiencing changes at home

Cats are sensitive to changes, like moving to a new home, a new pet getting more attention, or someone new joining the household.

These shifts can make them feel uneasy or sad.

5. They’re meeting new cats or kittens

Adding a new cat to the family without careful planning can upset your current cat. Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats, says cats don’t have a natural way to repair relationships, so it’s important to properly and patiently introduce cats.

If introductions fail, it can lead to stress and behaviors that seem like sadness.

6. They have a health problem

Sometimes, sadness in cats can be traced to a diagnosable medical problem.

Conditions like arthritis, hyperthyroidism, Feline Leukemia (FeLV), or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can cause pain, low energy, or appetite changes that mimic depression.

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Signs of Cat Depression

Just like people, cats show certain signs when they’re feeling down. Look for these common clues:

Low energy
Eating more or less than usual
Hiding
Sleeping a lot or in strange places
Losing interest in toys
Tense body language
Avoiding people or other pets
Not wanting to be held or pet
Making unusual sounds
Changes in litter box habits
Grooming too much or too little
Spraying
Scratching furniture or walls

Critical Symptoms of Cat & Kitten Depression

Drs. Dench and Chambers say some changes that seem like sadness might be signs of a serious health problem. Cats and kittens are experts at hiding pain, so watch for these symptoms that need quick veterinary care:

Not eating or drinking for more than a day or two
Straining in the litter box or peeing outside of it
Blood in urine
Overgrooming, causing bald spots or sores
Sudden hiding or withdrawal in a social cat
Loud yowling, which can signal pain or distress

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How to Help a Sad Cat

If your cat seems sad, there are many ways to help them feel better.

From small changes at home to medical treatment, Heather Alvey, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting, and Dr. Dench recommend these steps:

Enrich their environment: Provide outlets for natural behaviors like scratching, climbing, and foraging with items like puzzle feeders, cat towers, and tunnels. Calming pheromones like Feliway can also help.
Go on outdoor adventures: Set up a safe outdoor space like a catio or train your cat to walk on a leash and harness.
Build social bonds: Spend extra time with your cat. If they’ve lost a feline friend, consider adopting a compatible new companion.
Try clicker training: Positive reinforcement training boosts their confidence, stimulates their mind, and strengthens your bond.
Add essential resources: Ensure they have fresh water, clean litter boxes, scratching posts, and comfy spots like beds, perches, or cardboard houses.
Play with interactive toys: Engage them in play with toys that mimic hunting, like wands, ball towers, or kicker toys. Play keeps them active, happy, and mentally sharp.
Work with a cat behaviorist: Experts can assess your cat’s needs, identify stressors, and create a personalized plan.
Add supplements: Options like L-theanine or omega-3s may help, but always check with your vet first.
Use prescription medications: If other solutions don’t work, your vet might recommend anxiety medication to support your cat’s emotional well-being.

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Takeaway

If your cat seems sad, don’t worry—it can get better! Most causes of depression can be helped with more play, love, attention, and a good daily routine.

If these changes don’t help or your cat’s behavior gets worse, especially with new physical symptoms, visit your vet to check for and treat any health problems.

Is Your Cat or Kitten Depressed? Signs and Causes to Look Out For