It is disheartening to see our furry buddy moping around all day. Sometimes, I wondered if my Siamese cats were sad and depressed. And I usually think their loud, fluctuating meows mean they’re unhappy. But do Siamese cats get depressed?
Cats can and do get depressed. Although feline depression is not so well known yet, cats can indeed experience this.
Cats feel depressed because of many factors. A possible explanation for feline depression could be boredom. If your cat does not have enough things to do, he or she feels depressed. Another cause is loneliness when your cat is alone in the house for too long. Another reason could be a lack of stimulation when your cat doesn’t have enough time to explore and play.
As it turns out, cat depression is a real thing. And no matter the reason, it is sad to see our furry companion feeling depressed. If so, what can we do to help them?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why Siamese cats get depressed. And read the rest to learn what you can do to help your feline friend feel better.
What is causing my Siamese cat’s depression?
These are the underlying reasons why your Siamese cat has depression:
1. Your Siamese cat notices sudden changes to his or her routine.
Cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine. Sudden changes in their schedule can cause mixed emotional feelings. This is crystal clear for Siamese cats.
Siamese cats like to stick to their usual everyday activities. Your Siamese cat can get sad, angry, or confused when their routine changes.
Siamese cats are susceptible to changes in their regular schedule and familiar environment. Your cat may feel sad if he or she notices your schedule for playtime lessons and changes a lot. Your Siamese cat may feel stressed and worried if you start working later or leave the house for a long time.
Whenever we go on vacation Batman and Robyn get so upset with us. Batman starts being naughty and getting into things. Robyn retreats and gets very sad and angry.
By the time we get back home, they are yelling at us! They yell at us for about an hour before they forgive us for leaving them.
See what’s the best way to help your Siamese cat adjust. In the meantime, keep your cat’s usual routine as much as possible. This will make your feline friend feel at ease. It’s essential to be mindful of how your cat adapts and reacts to any changes you make.
2. Your Siamese cat doesn’t like the dietary changes you’ve made.
Changes to your cat’s meals may be the reason why he or she is experiencing emotional distress. Siamese cats are often picky about what they eat. They often balk at any changes to their diet.
A change in diet can trigger feelings of sadness or anxiety in your Siamese cat. Siamese cats prefer to eat foods they have tried and enjoyed in the past. Since they’re picky eaters, they may not take kindly to new foods in their diet.
Your Siamese cat may not like new food if he or she lies around often and does not want to do anything during the day. Watch for changes in your cat’s behavior. If your kitty seems unsatisfied, return to your cat’s old diet.
If you want to give your Siamese cat a new, healthier food option, do it piecemeal or little by little. Mix the new food with your cat’s regular food. Take the time and ensure your Siamese cat is adjusting well to the new diet.
3. You leave your Siamese cat alone for a long time.
Siamese cats can become depressed if you leave them alone for too long. Lack of social interaction is one of the leading causes of depression in Siamese cats. They can grow detached and listless if they do not have regular contact with their owner.
If you’re away for a day or two, contact someone to check in on your cat to provide companionship. Otherwise, you may return home to an upset kitty. You could also get another pet for your cat to bond with.
Siamese cats thrive on care and affection. Spend more time with your kitty when you get back home. You can help your furry friend get over sadness by giving them a little extra love and attention.
When we get home from trips we know we will be spending the first hour with Batman and Robyn. Our Siamese kitties will complain and not settle down until we have spent quality time with them in order to make up for the time we were away.
4. Your Siamese cat’s tight social circle changes.
Siamese cats develop strong bonds with their parents, other cats, and other pets. But, your cats’ social circles can change over time.
For example, a cat who has always lived with your Siamese cat has moved away or died. This change can be challenging and heartbreaking for your cat, and cause depression.
If your cat always seemed distant after a change in their social circle, give them lots of warmth and love. With time and patience, your cat will bounce back and return to his or her old self in no time.
5. You restrict areas where your Siamese cat likes to roam and hang out.
Siamese cats like to explore. Unfortunately, this means they sometimes end up in areas of the house they should not be. You may need to restrict your cat’s access to specific home sections to keep them safe. This restriction could be making your cat sad.
Siamese cats are curious and enjoy it when they have plenty of rooms to roam around in! Siamese cats are especially vulnerable to depression if they feel confined. So they need enough space to move around and play.
Batman hates closed doors. We can not close any of the doors inside of our house. Our bedroom doors remain open so he can move around at night. He gets so mad and will sit at the door trying to open it. He jumps up to grab the doorknob and tries to turn it.
He will cry all night long if he finds any closed door.
6. Your cat is not receiving proper mental stimulation.
Siamese cats are active and clever and must be busy to be happy. Many Siamese cats suffer from depression because they do not receive enough stimulation.
You can do many things to keep your Siamese cat’s mind alive and occupied. Teach your cat lots of tricks and play games with them every day. Set up an obstacle course where your Siamese cat can use his or her natural hunting instincts to find its way out.
You can also get them toys that will challenge your Siamese cat mentally and help them learn more. Or buy them scratching posts! Catnip balls are a terrific way to keep your cat entertained. Puzzle feeders are also cool toys that help keep your cat’s mind busy.
7. Your cat does not engage in any extra physical activities
Siamese cats are playful and energetic for sure. They may grow unhappy and aggressive if they do not have outlets for their energy. Besides giving them food and a place to live, we need to give them time to exercise their bodies.
Playing with your Siamese cat often is one of the best things you can do. You can do this with balls of string, toy mice, stuffed toys, or even a piece of paper.
Give your Siamese cat lots of time to play and look around. To do this, set up a tower, cat tree, or frames that go up and down and hidey-hole for them to explore.
Give your active cat plenty of things to play with. Play and exercise like you mean it. Enjoy the exercise and games too! This can pretty much make your feline friend happy and satisfied.
8. You bring your Siamese cat to a new location or move to a new house.
Familiarity and regularity are Siamese cats’ favorite things. Siamese cats have a strong sense of attachment to their homes and families. Taking your Siamese cat somewhere new may make him or her feel anxious.
Your furry kitty may get upset if you change houses. He or she may begin to show depression once your cat observes you move to a new home. One way to help your cat get used to the new location is to bring him or her along from time to time. Start by driving them short distances to your new house. Then increase the length of time staying there.
Keep your cat’s routine the same as in your previous home. You can also bring some of your cat’s favorite toys or treats, so he or she has something familiar in your new home. During this change, provide your kitty with much love and support.
9. Your Siamese cat is in physical pain or discomfort.
If your cat has physical pain or is in distress, your cat may also be in some kind of emotional distress. Sometimes, your cat’s pain can be the result of an injury. Other times, it may be because of an illness. If you’re unsure what’s causing your cat’s pain, it’s best to talk to your vet.
Knowing what is causing your cat’s pain is essential to get him or her the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, try to make your furry friend as comfortable as possible. And keep an eye out for other changes in your cat’s behavior.
10. Your cat’s health condition starts to deteriorate.
As cat parents, it is heartbreaking to see our feline friends start to deteriorate in health as they age. Your Siamese cat may become depressed when his or her health worsens. He or she may become depressed. This could be because your Siamese cat is friendly and active by nature. They may feel sad and upset when they get old and weak.
Siamese cats know you care. As your Siamese cat ages, it’s great to show him or her lots of tender love and adoration. Tell your cute feline friend that he or she will always have a special place in your heart.
If you think one or a few of these things might be making your Siamese cat depressed, you should talk to your vet. Let your vet know if any of your cat’s behavior changes. Your vet can help you determine what is wrong and find ways to remedy it.
How do I know if my Siamese cat has depression?
We don’t know what is going on in our cats’ heads. But sometimes, we notice they act sad or like they are feeling something different, right? We can also observe some of their behaviors showing intense melancholy.
Depression in cats can be hard to spot. Especially if your cat is a loner type. Be attentive to your Siamese cat’s behavior, which may be a more significant problem.
These are some typical indications that your Siamese cat has depression:
Do Siamese cats have separation anxiety?
Siamese cats are very social and talkative. And it often seems like they are always talking to their owners. But do they get anxious when they are alone? Here’s what you need to know…
Siamese cats can have separation anxiety. They feel anxious because they are so attached to their human owners.
Separation anxiety is a common behavior problem in cats. The veterinarians.org says if you leave your cat alone for a long time, he or she may get separation anxiety.
If you’re like me, chances are you work and spend a lot of time out of the house during the day. This could sometimes make your cat feel lonely and anxious.
What could be making my Siamese cat emotional?
Your Siamese cat could be emotional for some reason. If you change your cat’s routine, he or she might notice. Siamese cats are aware of their surroundings. They know what is happening in your home and what changes took place.
Most of the time, they can tell when something has changed. When Siamese cats see changes in their daily routine, they may have mixed emotions.
Also, your cat may feel bored and needs more to do. Siamese cats are intelligent and active, so they might get bored if they do not have enough to do. Get them new toys or food, or give them more time to play and explore to avoid boredom.
If you have lately experienced stress, your cat may react to it. Your cat can sense how you are feeling. Siamese cats can also feel the same feelings we do.
How do you help and cheer up a depressed cat?
1. Spend more time with your Siamese cat, and make it count.
Siamese cats have a reputation for being loyal and loving pets. If you are lucky enough to have one, spend a lot of quality time with your furry friend. This is one way to reciprocate your cat’s love and affection.
Spending more time will not only keep your cat alive and reassured. It can also ward off your cat’s depression. Make the most of your time spent with your cat count. It’ll make all the difference.
2. Maintain a consistent schedule of playtime with your Siamese cat.
In the same way that we become better when we stick to a fitness regime, cats do too. Yup! With regards to their play schedule!
Siamese cats, in particular, need regular playtime to avoid depression. While some cats are okay to lounge around all day, Siamese cats don’t want that. Siamese cats have high energy levels. They need regular play sessions to avoid becoming unhappy or bored.
Whether your cat is a sleepyhead or a ball of energy, maintain a consistent playtime schedule. This will help your kitty feel happy and fulfilled. And it will help you form a strong bond with your furry feline. Set aside a playtime schedule each day with your Siamese cat. You’ll both be glad you did.
3. Play fun and interactive games to get your Siamese cat moving.
Our feline friends, all the more so Siamese cats, can get depressed if they do not get enough activities. Luckily, you can play many fun games with your cat to help them stay happy and active. One typical cat game is hiding a treat somewhere in the house and letting your cat find it. You can also use a toy to get your cat to catch, run, and chase.
Batman and Robyn, my Siamese cats, love playing games of catching and chasing. Play catch with your cat. Cats cannot ignore anything that dangles or moves—especially a toy on a piece of string. For prey-catching fun, use a toy fishing rod and toy fish. A toy mouse attached to a string wand is always entertaining for cats.
And bubbles! Blow some bubbles. Watch how your cat becomes so happy pouncing on the bubbles while trying to catch them.
For the chasing session, throw bright ball toys across the room and watch your cat chase them. Let your cat enjoy the ball in his or her possession after a few chases. And don’t forget about safe laser pointers!
4. Provide an enriching and fun environment for your Siamese cat.
Siamese cats can become depressed if they feel bored for a long time. It’s important to provide an enriching environment for them. An environment where they can learn and play when they want to.
There are plenty of ways to help your Siamese cat stay happy. Adding cat furniture to your home can help keep your cat entertained and engaged.
Scratching posts and cat towers are among the many cat furniture you can have in your home. Batman, one of my cats, is a big fan of the cat tower at home. Robyn is often busy figuring out the new hidey-hole we have made.
Siamese cats are fans of cat trees and playhouses. You can give your cat a happy home life with some work from you.
5. Give your Siamese cat toys, and more toys, and many toys!
Your Siamese cat super enjoys it when there are many exciting toys to keep him or her occupied. Siamese cats love to play with balls that light up and make sounds. These kitties also love playing with paper bags and boxes.
A play tunnel is a great choice too. It can keep your cat busy and happy for hours. Be sure your feline companion has access to safe cat toys only!
6. Get your Siamese cat a puzzle feeder and see what happens.
A puzzle feeder is a lifesaver when you can’t think of any more ideas for toys. The puzzle feeder’s concept is that your cat must figure out how to get the food out through the puzzle.
When your cat accomplishes this, he or she can enjoy the food or treat. A puzzle feeder is a sure way to keep your cat entertained while you are away.
7. Get a window perch for your Siamese cat.
Let your cat see what’s happening outside. Cat window perches are top platforms you put next to your window to give your cat a place to sit and look out.
By installing window perch, your cat will have a better time inside while enjoying the view outside. Also, if you have a window perch, your cat will not be more interested in escaping the house.
8. Install a “catio” for your Siamese cat.
Your cat needs some sunshine for his or her well-being. Get or install a catio for your cat. A catio is a fenced and protected outdoor space where your cat can explore and play under the light of the day.
Catios come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll find one that works with your home and lifestyle. You can spruce up your patio with a cat bed, spots to sit or hide, and several scratching posts.
You can also put your cat’s toys to give the catio a fun and playful vibe. By putting in a catio, you can prevent unwanted behaviors caused by your cat’s depression. Putting a catio is an excellent way to improve your cat’s mental health.
9. Give supplements to your Siamese cat to raise serotonin levels.
Many supplements can help raise serotonin levels in your cat. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps control and uplift your cat’s mood. A supplement with vitamin B6 and omega-3 can help a cat’s mood. There are many options for cat supplements. Talk to your vet about this. Your vet can tell you what supplements suit your Siamese cat.
10. Consider getting your cat another furry companion.
Siamese cats can get gloomy if they are alone for too long. If your Siamese cat feels depressed, giving them a furry friend can help them feel better.
Siamese cats do well with other cats or in small groups. Most of the time, they are happy to have another furry friend. Taking another furry friend over to your home can make your cat more active and less stressed.
11. Bring your cat to the vet on schedule.
This is an important step that you should not overlook or forget. Our feline friends need regular vet check-ups, as we do. Though it can be tempting to leave appointments off, doing so could hurt your Siamese cat’s health.
Some cats are good at hiding sickness. The time you observe something is wrong, it may already be severe. Taking your Siamese cat to the vet helps catch illness and depression before they get worse. Your vet can help figure out what is wrong. And give appropriate treatment to make your Siamese cat feel better.
A consistent visit schedule to the vet can help keep your Siamese from getting sad. Cats can get nervous when they meet new people, but if they see them often, they will get used to them. Let your vet be your Siamese cat’s friend. So don’t forget to attend your vet appointments. Your cat will thank you for it!
Like all other cats, Siamese cats can experience a wide range of emotions. They can feel happy, sad, upset, or angry. A cat’s living condition, loneliness, and play situation appear to contribute to depression. Discuss with your vet what may be wrong if your Siamese cat seems depressed or does not do as much as usual.
Find out which tips listed above can do best to help your cat feel better. Help your furry companion get back on track!
We gathered all the health tips tailored towards maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide