Maine Coons are well known for being highly sociable and affectionate cats that thrive on the love, interaction, and play shown to them by their owners.
But what is the best course of action, if you suspect your gentle giant is suffering from Maine Coon cat depression? Keep reading to find the ideal cat depression treatments.
Maine Coon cat depression occurs due to a variety of reasons, including lack of social interaction, poor health, loneliness, and home environment changes e.g. moving house. Owners need to identify the cause of cat depression immediately so they can treat their cat’s depression promptly, therefore reducing the risk of further health deterioration.
If you’ve been wondering why does my cat look sad and tired, recently, make sure you read on to see if you have noticed the cat depression symptoms stated below.
Maine Coon Cat Depression
A common misconception about cats is that they are indifferent to human interaction and affection.
Although this may be true for some cat breeds, it is not the case for the Maine Coon cat breed who is known for its exceptionally sociable nature, and love of human companionship.
Maine Coon cats are known to be some of the most cheerful, outgoing, family-friendly, and expressive domestic felines on the planet.
Whilst the Maine Coon cat breed is generally considered to be a hardy feline, they are more vulnerable when it comes to mental health issues.
This is because they need high levels of human interaction to be happy, and if left alone for long periods, they quickly experience feelings of sadness and depression.
Maine Coon cat depression is often exhibited through the following changes in your cats:
- Demeanor
- Body Language
- Social interactions with humans and other animals
If you notice these changes in your pet, taking them seriously is important because depression can potentially last for six months and lead to a deterioration in their general health.
This timeframe is based on an article that looked at how long cats remained depressed, after the loss of a companion (source 1).
If you suspect your Maine Coon is suffering from feline depression this can make keeping your Maine Coon happy a much more difficult task, so it is important to take action straight away.
Fortunately, there are ways you can help prevent Maine Coon cat depression, as well as treatments that may help bring your depressed Maine Coon back to its normal chipper self.
Talk to your vet about any possible causes of cat depression, and together, you can explore the available treatment options.
Some possible treatments include cat medicine, like antidepressants, or therapy sessions with a certified animal behaviorist.
Maine Coon Cat Depression Symptoms
It is important that Maine Coon cat owners are always vigilant when it comes to the health and happiness of their cats.
Here are the key cat depression symptoms to watch out for:
- Changes To Appetite: Depression can cause Maine Coons to experience a loss of appetite.
- Weight Changes: Watch out for sudden drops in your cat’s weight.
- Anxiety and Nervousness: Maine Coons are sociable beings, therefore, if you notice your cat hiding away, or jumping at the slightest noises, they may have anxiety.
- Excessive Sleep: A depressed Maine Coon will sleep far more than usual.
- Lack Of Grooming: Cats are fastidious cleaners, therefore, if you notice your Maine Coon stop grooming themselves, this is a sign they are not happy.
- Antisocial Behavior: Maine Coons love the company of other animals and people. If you notice your feline is avoiding human or animal contact, this could indicate something is off.
- Lack Of Interest: These cats are usually full of life, late into their adult lives. Therefore, if a Maine Coon seems to have lost interest in playing with its favorite toy, consult the vet asap.
- Aloof: Depressed cats like to hide, and will act aloof.
- Reduced Motor Activity: Maine Coons need roughly 30 minutes of play a day. A sad Maine Coon will be less interested in playing.
What Can Cause Cat Depression?
There are numerous causes of cat depression, including the following:
1. Medical Conditions And Complications
Unidentified medical issues such as pains or gastrointestinal complications resulting from infections or dietary inefficiencies can cause Maine Coon cat depression.
2. Feline Parasites
Parasites often create more than one negative health effect, including:
- Weight Loss
- Skin Problems
- Increased risk of contracting fatal illnesses e.g heartworm disease
A parasitic infection can also result in cat depression, making your pet lethargic and unwilling to move or play.
3. Changes In Lifestyle
Maine Coons tend to be creatures of habit, therefore changes in their environment or routine may lead to depression.
Depending upon how chilled your cat is, will determine if your Maine Coon is stressed by external changes e.g. moving home.
When making household changes like moving furniture, consider taking the process slowly so that your cat has time to adapt.
4. Physical Injury
Maine Coon cats that have endured physical injury (such as fractures), might experience depression.
If they have sustained psychological trauma that affects their mental well-being, they also might suffer from depression.
5. High Cat Population In The Home
Maine Coons are not naturally highly territorial felines, but they do need to feel like they have a place to revert to, that is theirs.
Thus, if your cat feels there is not enough room for them in the home, maybe due to lack of space, or too many other household pets, they might experience cat depression.
6. Unwarranted Disturbances
Maine Coons love having all of their owner’s attention!
Some cats will become stressed when intruders enter their territory, which can contribute to the Maine Coon Cat depression.
It is worth noting, however, that the male Maine Coon cat is usually very sociable and likes to investigate household visitors!
7. Threats
If a Maine Coon feels under threat, this can cause Maine Coon cat depression.
Whilst these cats are not considered highly territorial, a territory dispute with another cat or predator might lead to cat depression.
The best way to avoid depression due to threats is to provide your Maine Coon with a safe environment indoors.
8. Mistreatment
If a Maine Coon is being mistreated or feels it is no longer loved, it may experience Maine Coon cat depression.
9. Perceiving Worry In The Owner
Maine Coons are very intelligent animals who pick up on their owners’ moods and emotions.
If you are worried, your Maine Coon will pick up on your mood and may start to feel depressed too.
10. Moving Home
Is your cat depressed after moving home?
Did you know that moving home can be as stressful on a Maine Coon cat as it is on the homeowner!
Therefore, if you have recently moved home make sure you give your precious Maine Coon cat lots of extra time, attention, and love to help them adapt and settle into its new environment.
11. Companionship
Maine Coons are quite independent felines, but might still yearn for the companionship of another cat if they are feeling alone.
How Long Does Cat Depression Last?
Maine Coons can suffer from depression or mood issues just like people do.
Depression in cats is quite serious as it can lead to further unrelated health issues.
One article suggested that cat depression can last for as long as 6 months. This time frame was based on a study that analyzed the behavior of cats that had lost their companion (source 1).
Maine Coon Cat Depression Treatment
There are many ways to help a Maine Coon cat with depression.
Cat depression treatment varies, but here are some great tips on how to help a sad cat:
Take Them For A Walk
If you have trained your Maine Coon to walk on a leash, why not take them out for a walk?
Not only will your cat get to experience the outside world, safely, but the outdoors also stimulates them both mentally and physically.
Playtime
Maine Coons need roughly 30 minutes of exercise each day, to keep them fit and healthy.
Encourage your Maine Coon cat to play, and exercise regularly as this will help them overcome their cat depression, provided the depression is not being caused by ill health.
These toys are great for Maine Coon cats, as they help stimulate their mind and encourage play.
Medication
Speak to your vet about cat depression medicine, to ascertain if this might help your Maine Coon cat feel happy, again.
Sometimes, this is used in conjunction with therapy or training.
Stick To A Routine
Maine Coon cats like routine, therefore, owners should try to stick to a daily routine as much as possible, to help their Maine Coon recover from depression.
Encouragement
Give your Maine Coon lots of encouragement and praise!
Increase Social Interaction
Understanding your cat’s depression triggers is key to finding a Maine Coon depression treatment that works.
Maine Coons love spending time with their family, so it is important that you spend as much time with your Maine Coon cat as possible.
Preventative Measures
There are several steps owners can take to ensure their Maine Coon is less likely to get depressed again in the future:
- Buy a second cat to keep your Maine Coon company.
- Do not leave Maine Coon alone for long periods.
- Spend lots of time with your cat
Natural Remedies For Cat Depression
Have you ever wondered how to cure cat depression?
If so, read on to discover some really useful tips for healing a depressed cat, naturally.
Below are some remedies for Maine Coon cat depression that you can try at home:
1. Catnip
Giving your Maine Coon catnip might offer them relief from their symptoms of depression since it increases serotonin levels in their brain.
If you want your Maine Coon to have fun, whilst also getting a hit of catnip then buy your cat one of these awesome catnip balls, from Amazon.
2. Natural Pheromone Diffuser
Cats respond well to this product.
It mimics natural pheromones that reduce stress and anxiety-related behaviors in many cats.
3. Give Them Attention
It is important that you give your Maine Coon as much attention as possible to make them feel loved.
This will help to improve your cat’s emotional state.
4. Pheromone Sprays
These sprays work similarly to the pheromone diffusers but are more targeted toward a specific cat or area.
Some also have calming scents, such as:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Lemon Balm
The following cat pheromone spray would be ideal for a sad Maine Coon, as it helps them calm down:
5. Quality Of Food
It is important to only feed your Maine Coon high-quality food, so they stay healthy physically, and mentally.
These are our favorite dry foods for our Maine Coon cat.
6. Exercise
A regular exercise routine is essential for any Maine Coon with depression and overall health.
Encourage your Maine Coon to play for roughly 30 minutes each day.
Can Cats Die From Depression?
Whilst depression is not considered to be fatal to cats, the existence of cat depression in any feline is a serious issue since it can lead to deterioration in your cat’s overall health (source 1).
Depression in cats should never be ignored.
Some cat specialists argue that Maine Coons are more prone to depression because they have a low tolerance for stress and anxiety.
Their highly social nature also means they get lonely and sad if left alone for long periods.
How To Get A Depressed Cat To Eat
Whilst some signs of cat depression are easily overlooked, one of the most noticeable signs of a depressed cat is a cat that has stopped eating.
If your Maine Coon has stopped eating and shows signs of cat depression, try the following tips to help heal your cat:
- Treats: Offer your Maine Coon their favorite treat, to entice them to eat.
- Routine: If your routine has recently changed this might have upset your cat. Revert to your original routine, if possible.
- Cat Medicine: Speak to your vet asap to determine if your Maine Coon needs specific feline depression medicine.
- Playtime: Encourage your Maine Coon to play. Offer your cat toys that will stimulate them mentally.
Why Is My Cat Suddenly Depressed?
If signs of Maine Coon depression have come on rather suddenly, make sure you take your gentle giant to the vet asap.
Sudden depression and sadness in cats is often linked to an injury or illness, so a vet will need to inspect your cat to determine if your Maine Coon is in pain.
Your vet will also be able to run blood tests on your feline, to ascertain if they have a hormonal imbalance.
Do Indoor Cats Get Depressed?
Indoor Maine Coons can suffer from cat depression too, just like any other cat.
If you notice your house cat acting sad, consider doing the following things:
- Walking: If you have trained your Maine Coon to walk on a leash, try taking them on more regular walks as this gives them safe access to the outdoor world.
- Catio: Install a catio to give your Maine Coon access to the outside world, safely.
- Cat Fence / Net: Install a cat fence, or netting to give your Maine Coon safe access in your garden.
Conclusion
If your cat is dealing with Maine Coon depression, there are ways to fix it.
Try to establish the root cause of your Maine Coon cat’s depression, and remove (where possible) anything that upsets your cat.
Next, ask your vet to look at your Maine Coon, to check for any pain or illnesses.
Talk to your vet about the available cat depression treatments and remedies, and which option you should choose.
In addition to medicine, there are also several natural remedies that you could try to help to treat your cat’s depression.