Expert: Karen Craft - 5/12/2011

Question
I think my cat Meatball is depressed. My boyfriend and I took her in from friends who were having a baby when she was about 6 months. She was skittish at first, but as she got used to her new surroundings she became very loving and playful. When we first got her my boyfriend was waiting for a new job to start so she had several months on having someone to play with all day. Now that he has started his job and I am working longer hours, we have noticed that she seems very sad. She appears to be eating less and no longer sleeps in the same spots she used too. She now seems to only nap under our bed. In the mornings she used to follow me around as I got ready and we would play together, but now she just stays under the bed. We were debating if we should get another cat to keep her company, but are afraid they won’t like  each other and it just make things worse for her. We love her so much, but Can't change our work schedules. Is getting another cat the answer or should we just allow her some more time to get used to our new schedules?

Answer
Hi Jessica,

First off, have her checked by a vet to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with her. If all is ok then there are a few of things you can do. Make some quality play time with her. Feed her special treats. Groom her with a brush or comb, (cats love this). Also leave either the TV on or a radio. I do this with my furry friends and find it keeps them calm.

If this stuff doesn't work and she still isn't back to her old self read this info on depressed cats and what can be done.

http://www.vetinfo.com/treatment-depress-cat.html

It does sound like she is under a bit of stress. Your girl might not adapt to change easily. I would wait a bit and try the quality time. I think she might respond well to that.

I think getting a companion cat for Meatball is a good idea. There are a lot of  studies showing that two cats living together are happier and healthier. However remember that she might not take change too well. You just have to follow a cat introduction protocol. I usually recommend getting a young fixed male as the companion cat. I find that they are the best for getting along with most cats.

http://www.sdhumane.org/site/DocServer/BT_Cat-Cat_Intros.pdf?docID=621

Good luck and take care. Hope all goes well with Meatball.

Ciao, Karen