Cure Maine Coon Depression FAST!

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 can you do if your cat is acting depressed? Keep reading to find out!

Maine Coon Cat Depression

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.

A common misconception about cats is that they are indifferent to human interaction and affection. Whilst this is true for some cat breeds, it’s not for the Maine Coon breed.

These exceptionally sociable felines, are known for their love of human companionship and need high levels of human interaction to be happy. If left alone for long periods, they quickly experience feelings of sadness and depression.

Feline depression is 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, take them seriously because cat depression can last for six months, leading to a deterioration in their health.

This timeframe is based on a study researching how long cats remain depressed after the loss of a companion (source 1).

You should also talk to your vet about any possible causes of cat depression asap. Possible treatments include cat medicine e.g. antidepressants, or therapy sessions with a certified animal behaviorist.

Depression Symptoms

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.

Causes Of Cat Depression

There are numerous causes of cat depression, including:

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.

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 are often linked to an injury or illness.

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 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

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?

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).

Treatment

Cat depression treatment varies, but here are some great tips on how to help them:

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

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.

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

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).

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.

Getting A Depressed Cat To Eat

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.