Is my cat depressed?

Question

Recently, we lost both our dogs to illness. Our cat grew up with our dogs and is showing symptoms of depression. It sounds crazy, but I really think after seeing both dogs "disappear", he feels he's next. He's been skiddish, sleeping a lot, and generally not his old self. We try to give him extra attention, but it's not working.

I really don't want to put him on any medication, but if it continues, I'll have no choice. The whole situation is heartbreaking and I really want to help my old friend.

My heart's not in it right now, but would the introduction of a new pet help or hurt? I really feel it would hurt-him and myself at this point.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ladycam38

Answer 1

You are doing what you can right now. Yes cats and any pet can become depressed just give him lots of love and attention. he just lost his two best friends.They say that cats understand even more people words than dogs do. So talk to your cat a lot. Tell him you love him tell him you miss the dogs too use the dogs names. Really I am not a nut case They really do understand!

Answer 2

The whole "family" - cat and people need time to process the grief associated with the loss of the dogs. It is not the time to introduce a new cat for the old one. Wait until you are all feeling "normal".

Ignatia is the homeopathic remedy for grief. You can give yourself and the cat a 30C dose of that.

Answer 3

It sounds as if your cat is grieving the loss of his best mates. I think a new pet is definitely the way to go. Maybe a kitten that he can sort of "mother". He needs to be distracted by feeling needed. If he has something that he can take care of, and the rest of the house is happy with the new arrival, then he will get over his loss alot faster.

Answer 4

It does sound crazy but I heard that cats absorb the emotion of the ones around them. I was in the military and whenever I left for overseas my fiancé would be upset, and every time our cat would get sick right after I left. So cat person told us that if the household is depressed then the cat could absorb that as well. Sounds crazy like I said, but I've seen it, and I don't even like cats (but ours).

Answer 5

My cat and dog act real funny when we take one to the Vet for a bath and my cat goes through the house looking for him and my dog will go outside more looking for my dog.

You cat is missing your dogs too. Wait a little while and get another dog and she will feel better.

Animal goes through grief too.

David

Answer 6

Your cat could very well be depressed.
When our female dog passed away, our male dog was very depressed, we swore we would never get another dog, then one day a stray showed up & our male was so happy.
I believe all animals need an animal friend.
Best of wishes to you.

Answer 7

animals are like humans, if you been used to other animals around you most of your life and then they disappear, it would bother you too. the cat is depressed and feeling alone, so if you had another animal it " might " help, but then again it " might " not, it all depends if your cat's mind is in the right place

Answer 8

if u do get a new pet your cat will have some1 2 play with
but if u do also it will probably think u r trying 2 replace the dogs,but it will need some1 who under stands it well

Answer 9

i dont think that you should another pet right now, my neighbors dogs died, the dog and my cat were really close, my cat was acting a little strange for a while but he got over it!

Answer 10

while it is quite possible that your cat is depressed, consider calling you VET to have your cat checked out to rule out any physical ailments, such as liver failure, kidney failure etc.