We’ve already discussed how to tell when your cat is stressed, anxious, or depressed, and what to do about it. But, of course, it would be better to prevent the stress in the first place. If it has a physical cause, that may not be possible. Mental stress, however, can be cut down with an enriched environment – and supplying that is not as hard or expensive as it sounds.
Dr. Lorie Huston, a long time vet and writer on pet health, says there are a few things cats need to be able to go about normal
Posts Tagged ‘Veterinarians’
Feline Depression and Stress
by Jane Wangersky February 9th, 2010 | Cats
Cats can become depressed, as you might suspect if yours has ever stopped playing or grooming, but it’s a different illness from human depression.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University says depression – “a decreased response to the environment” – in cats is common in association with medical conditions, not strictly as a mental condition. Dr. Lorie Huston, a vet and writer, says, “Feline depression is probably more aptly termed feline stress and/or
anxiety.”
The most common cause is fever. Pain, and sometimes the loss of a human or animal companion, also can
Dr. Bonnie Beaver of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University says depression – “a decreased response to the environment” – in cats is common in association with medical conditions, not strictly as a mental condition. Dr. Lorie Huston, a vet and writer, says, “Feline depression is probably more aptly termed feline stress and/or
anxiety.”
The most common cause is fever. Pain, and sometimes the loss of a human or animal companion, also can
