Does your cat ever stare at you with a sad look when you are depressed or anxious and you ask yourself, “Can cats sense depression and anxiety?” We have the answer to that question!
Depression is a mental illness that is characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Anxiety is a mental illness that is characterized by feelings of unease, worry, and fear.
Can Cats Sense Depression and Anxiety?
There is no clear answer to this question, as there is very little research on the topic. However, some people believe that cats can sense when their owner is feeling sad or anxious and that they may react accordingly.
For example, a cat may become more affectionate when its owner is feeling down, or it may hide under the bed when its owner is feeling anxious. There are a few possible explanations for why cats may be able to sense depression and anxiety.
One possibility is that cats are able to pick up on the changes in body language that associates with these conditions.
For example, people with depression may have a slumped posture, and people who are anxious may have a tense posture.
Cats may also be able to smell the changes in hormones that are associated with these conditions.
Finally, it is possible that cats are able to sense the changes in brain chemistry that are associated with depression and anxiety.
7 Signs That Your Cat May Be Sensing Depression or Anxiety
Some of the most common signs of anxiety or depression include:
1) Changes in Eating Behavior
If your cat usually eats a lot, but suddenly starts eating less, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
Alternatively, if your cat usually doesn’t eat much, but starts eating more than usual, this may also be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
The reason that changes in eating behavior can be a sign of depression or anxiety is because these conditions can often lead to changes in appetite. This is a result of changes in hormones and in the way that the brain functions.
2) Changes in Sleeping Behavior
If your cat usually sleeps a lot but starts sleeping less, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
Alternatively, if your cat usually doesn’t sleep much, but starts sleeping more than usual, this may also be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
The reason that changes in sleeping behavior can be a sign of depression or anxiety is because these conditions can often lead to changes in sleep habits. This is a result of changes in hormones and in the way that the brain functions.
3) Changes in Behavior
If your cat usually behaves in a certain way, but suddenly starts behaving differently, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
For example, if your cat usually loves to play, but starts avoiding interaction with you, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
Alternatively, if your cat usually hides under the bed when there is noise, but starts coming out when there is noise, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
The reason that changes in behavior can be a sign of depression or anxiety is because these conditions can often lead to changes in how a person behaves. This is a result of changes in hormones and in the way that the brain functions.
4) Changes in Emotional State
If you feel like your cat is always sensing your emotional state, there may be some truth to this.
Cats are very sensitive animals, and they may be able to sense when their owner is feeling sad or anxious.
This is because cats rely heavily on body language and on the emotions of the people around them to understand what is going on.
Worrisome that your cat may be sensing your depression or anxiety, the best thing to do is to keep an eye on its behavior. If you notice any changes, talk to your veterinarian about it.
5) Changes in Grooming Behavior
If your cat usually grooms itself a lot but starts grooming itself less, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
Alternatively, if your cat usually doesn’t groom itself much, but starts grooming itself more, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
The reason that changes in grooming behavior can be a sign of depression or anxiety is because these conditions can often lead to changes in how a person grooms themselves. This is a result of changes in hormones and in the way that the brain functions.
6) Changes in Body Language
If you notice that your cat is acting differently, it may be because it is sending you signals through its body language.
For example, if your cat usually curls up next to you when it sleeps, but starts sleeping at the other end of the bed, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
Alternatively, if your cat usually rubs its head against you when it greets you, but starts avoiding you, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
The reason that changes in body language can be a sign of depression or anxiety is because these conditions can often lead to changes in how a person behaves. This is a result of changes in hormones and in the way that the brain functions.
7) Restlessness
If your cat usually doesn’t move around much but starts moving around more, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
Alternatively, if your cat usually moves around a lot, but starts moving around less, this may be a sign that it is sensing your depression or anxiety.
The reason that changes in movement can be a sign of depression or anxiety is because these conditions can often lead to changes in how a person behaves. This is a result of changes in hormones and in the way that the brain functions.
There are a number of ways that cats can sense when their owners are feeling depressed or anxious. These include changes in behavior, emotional state, grooming behavior, body language, and movement.
If your cat seems to be sensing your depression or anxiety, the best thing to do is to keep an eye on its behavior and talk to your veterinarian if you notice any changes.