Why is my cat depressed after spay?
This is an interesting part of the recovery process and it’s wrong to assume the cat is depressed due to its physical changes. A cat will become depressed post-surgery because of the frightening, anxiety-ridden experience it went through at the vet’s clinic.
This is why it’s essential to understand the psychological impact a surgical procedure has on the cat. It may feel overwhelmed at first.
To focus on how your cat is feeling and whether or not it is depressed, focus on the physical signs.
These signs can include:
- Hiding in a Different Room
- Constant Whining
- Refusing to Move
With a cat depressed after spay, it has a lot to do with simply feeling anxious.
The cat won’t trust anything that is happening around it and that is going to include your place in its routine. As a result, you are going to face a cat that’s aloof and may seem like it’s slouching all the time.
For those wanting to deal with a cat depressed after spay, it’s time to read through the tips in this guide. You are going to learn more about how to help a depressed cat and what to use to make it easier on yourself.
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Best Cat Toy for Depressed Cats (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Tips On Helping A Cat Depressed After Spay
Tip #1 – Buy Entertaining Cat Toys
Cats are just like other animals meaning they want to have a bit of fun throughout the day.
While recovery means resting and not running around too much, you still want the cat to have something to do. This can be something as simple as a set of cat toys.
The benefits include:
- Fun for the Cat
- Peace of Mind
- Keeps the Cat Entertained
Cat toys are beneficial because they provide both a physical and psychological boost.
Your cat is going to get a chance to stretch its limbs a bit while also having fun at the same time. It’s a real win-win!
Tip #2 – Set Up a Quiet Place to Rest
Recovery means getting rest during the day.
The cat will want to rest as it looks to restore energy. This means you are going to have to get the basics right including high-grade cat food and a proper resting spot.
Focus on this right away and make sure it’s ready to go for the cat when it’s settled in.
Any issues in this regard will upset the cat and cause it to go into a psychological shell.
With a cat depressed after spay, it is these little details that matter the most!
You have to make sure it is safe and can rest without having to worry about other pets, sounds, or related issues.
Tip #3 – Create a Proper Routine
With a cat depressed after spay, you need to get back to how things were beforehand.
This means you need to follow a set routine the cat is used to. If you change things dramatically, it’s going to turn the cat away from you and make it even harder to get them to perk up.
It’s imperative to focus on following a set schedule and not change things too much.
Dramatic changes may seem like the right idea, but they are going to do more harm than good.
You will have to give them medication, but that is the only change that’s needed. Don’t force other changes that haven’t been recommended by the vet.
Tip #4 – Use Catnip
Catnip is a powerful solution to have up your sleeve as a cat owner in these situations.
Imagine you have a cat depressed after spay and want to make life easier for them. In most situations, you are going to use cat treats, good cat food, and/or cat toys.
All of these are wonderful, but they are not as attractive to a cat as catnip is.
There are many advantages of catnip during the recovery phase and it’s best to make use of this solution.
The benefits include:
- Relaxing
- Enjoyable for the Cat
- Helps with the Recovery Phase
A little bit of catnip is going to get the job done and it’s going to let your cat relax.
A lot of cats never get the opportunity to relax and that is what holds back the recovery phase. Take the time to let them enjoy a bit of catnip and see how it changes their behavior.
Final Thoughts
Why is cat depressed after spay?
If you are looking for an answer, it’s essential to look beyond physical symptoms. Your cat is going to be dealing with a psychological battle due to it feeling vulnerable and not knowing who to trust.
Some cats quickly move on with their lives and ignore what has happened. However, there are other cats that don’t respond as well and end up sulking around those house.
To better manage the post-recovery phase for your cat, it’s recommended to concentrate on entertaining your beloved pet. This can be done in a number of ways including investing in high-grade cat toys.
To learn more on how to entertain your cat, read these articles – how to help a cat sleep after surgery, how to get a cat to rest on your lap, find the right rope for your cat scratching post, and how to help a cat that’s terrified of everything.