Telltale Signs Your Cat Knows You’re Depressed

Cats are the most favourite pets of counsellors and psychiatrists. Why? Despite their badass, nonchalant, and antipathetic outer character, cats are very empathic. In fact, they even show more empathy than dogs can ever do. They just don’t show it outright, especially to their human masters.

But if you look closely, your cat acts differently when you are not in your usual self. It’s because it detects when your emotions are fluctuating. And they also become more alert when you are in your downtime moments, only that you are too preoccupied with your feelings to notice their presence.

So, how do you know when your cat is consoling you? Here are the most visible telltale signs:

1. Your cat suddenly feels the need to stay home.

Cats are known for their independent nature, often going out and exploring the world on their own. But when your cat starts to stay at home more than usual, it could be a sign that they sense something is wrong with you. This is not only to keep you company but also to know more about what’s eating their master’s thoughts and see what they can do about it.

Cats usually go out for their usual nighttime stroll, and no one can stop them from doing that routine. However, if your pet has sensed something wrong with you, either with how you act or react towards the most mundane things, it will defer the routine and stay home instead.

They become extra affectionate towards you. Cats are not known to be overly affectionate animals, especially compared to dogs. But if you notice your cat suddenly becoming more clingy and wanting to be near you all the time, it might be because they know you need some extra love and comfort during this tough time.

2. Your cat keeps walking around you restlessly.

This is more of a protective gesture. Your cat walks around the house restlessly, particularly in your surrounding environs. This is their way of ensuring you will not do anything stupid during this trying time, and if you do so, they’ll be the first to stop you.

If you pay attention to your cat’s movements, you’ll also notice that they tend to position themselves closer to the door. This is their way of keeping an eye on any potential intruders who may cause harm or disrupt your calm state.

You may notice your cat circling your area while you watch TV, walk in front of you while you are staring at the empty space in your house, or purr on your feet while trying to keep yourself down. These small gestures may seem insignificant, but they show that your cat is concerned about you and wants to make sure you are safe.

3. They’ll serve as your alarm clock.

Your cat may not be able to talk or understand your struggles, but they can sense when you need some extra support to get through the day.  Sometimes, you might feel like there’s no reason to get out of bed or do your daily routine, but your cat will make sure that doesn’t happen.

In some ways, cats know when it’s time to fix their master’s bioclock. If you have been feeling down and find it hard to wake up in the morning, your cat may take on the role of your personal alarm clock. They’ll jump on your bed, meow loudly, and even bring you their favourite toy to try and cheer you up. 

While it may seem annoying at first, this is their way of telling you to get up, face the day, and take care of yourself. It’s their way of showing that they are there for you and want to make sure you don’t give up on yourself.

The next time your cat wakes you up, remember that they are just trying to help you get through the day.

4. They’ll ask you to play with them.

Cats are not only empathetic, but they also have a strong sense of intuition. This means that they can pick up on your emotions and try to find ways to make you feel better. One way they do this is by asking you to play with them.

On a regular day, it’s the human who initiates games with their pet cats, much to the latter’s annoyance. However, on a depressing day, the feline will be eager to play with the human, and not the other way around.

You’ll notice a rather exciting way of kneading, and it means that they want you to play with them. They want you to throw a ball or a toy for them to toss back at you, or they’ll show you the tricks you taught them. They might even catch a mouse or a roach and give it to you as a gift, just to cheer you up. This is their way of saying that even in your darkest moments, there will always be something to smile about.

5. Plenty of cuddling.

And yes, when you’re sad, your cat will snuggle up to you. It won’t leave your arms until you finally calm down and fall asleep.  Some of them may even sleep beside you all throughout. This is their way of saying that you’re not alone even if the situation is on the rocks and that they’ll be by your side no matter what.

The simple act of petting a cat can already calm down a person’s nerves and reduce stress levels. This is why cats are often used in therapy for people who are undergoing depression and anxiety. Their presence alone can bring a sense of calm and comfort to their owners, making them feel less lonely and more at peace.

Cats don’t necessarily understand complex human emotions, but they can sense when something is wrong. They may not be able to offer a shoulder to cry on or give advice, but in their own subtle ways, they show that they are there for you and that you will get through this together.

6. Bringing you their favourite toy.

Another way cats show their concern and support is by bringing you their favourite toy when they sense that you are feeling down. This may seem like a simple gesture, but it actually shows that your cat wants to make you happy and distract you from whatever is troubling you.

It symbolises their effort to share something that brings them joy, hoping it will do the same for you. It’s their way of saying that even in the midst of a difficult time, there is still joy and happiness to be found.

Some cats have a specific toy that they love more than others. Pay attention to which one your cat brings during these moments, as it may indicate which toy brings them the most joy and comfort. If possible, try to incorporate this toy into their playtime more often to help lift their mood.

7. Gentle nibbling and love bites.

Cats often communicate their affection through little nibbles or gentle bites. When a cat gently nibbles on your hand or fingers, it’s not just a sign of affection. It can also mean they are trying to comfort you and make you feel better.  This behaviour is similar to how kittens will knead their mother’s belly for milk and comfort.

Cats have scent glands on their teeth, so when they nibble or give love bites, they are actually leaving their scent on you as a way of marking you as their own. These love bites might become more frequent if they perceive you feeling down. It’s their way of giving you a comforting and playful nudge to remind you that they care.

8. Observing you with a soft gaze.

Have you ever noticed your cat just sitting and staring at you with a soft, gentle gaze? This is another way they show their support and concern for you.

Cats are known to be great observers and can pick up on subtle changes in their owners’ behaviour or emotions. When your cat gazes at you like this, it’s their way of showing that they are paying attention to you and are there if you need them.

Their gaze may also be a form of non-verbal communication as if trying to understand what you are going through and empathise with you. It’s their way of letting you know that they are there for you, even if they may not always know how to express it in words.

9. Mimicking your behaviour.

Cats are masters of mimicry and often mirror their owners’ actions and emotions. If you feel low and your cat starts acting the same way, it’s likely because they are picking up on your energy and mimicking it to show their support. 

This mirroring behaviour is also a way for cats to bond with their owners and show that they understand and empathise with them.

If a cat notices that their human is lethargic and less active, it might imitate this behaviour because they are in tune with you and wants to create a sense of synergy, showing their solidarity in your time of need. They may even try to comfort you by grooming themselves in front of you or sitting quietly by your side.

10. Increased vocalisation.

Cats are relatively quiet animals, but when their owners feel down or upset, they may become more vocal than usual. They may meow more frequently or purr louder than usual to show their concern and support for you.

This increased vocalisation can also get your attention and communicate with you, as if trying to say, “I’m here for you,” or “Don’t worry, everything will be okay.”

Cats may also use different types of meows depending on the situation. Some may have a soft and gentle meow, while others may have a more urgent or demanding tone. Pay attention to your cat’s vocalisation during these moments, as it can give you insight into their emotions and how they are trying to communicate with you.

11. Fetching help when needed.

Cats may not be able to call for help or dial 911, but they can still show their support by fetching someone who can. In some cases, cats have been known to alert their owners or neighbours when they sense something is wrong.

There are documented instances where cats have alerted other family members or even sought help from neighbours when their owner was in distress. This behaviour demonstrates a deep bond between the cat and their owner, showing that their companionship can sometimes be a lifeline in critical situations.

If your cat ever acts with unusual urgency or persistence, it could be trying to tell you something important or direct your attention to a pressing issue.

12. Providing a calming presence during rest.

Cats have a keen sense of recognising when their owners need to relax or take a break. One way they offer their soothing presence is by curling up next to you or on your lap while you rest. The rhythmic purring of a cat has been scientifically proven to have a therapeutic effect, lowering stress and promoting healing in humans.

Their warm, soft fur and the gentle vibration of their purring can be comforting during moments of rest, offering a unique form of companionship that eases the mind and can lead to better sleep. This behaviour not only demonstrates their affection but also a deep understanding of when we need to slow down and take care of ourselves.

Cats may not be able to offer advice or lend a listening ear, but they have their own unique and subtle ways of showing support and concern for their owners. Whether it’s through cuddles, bringing you their favourite toy, or mimicking your behaviour, cats are there for you during tough times and remind us that there is always something to smile about. So, next time you’re feeling down, don’t be surprised if your cat comes to comfort you in their own special way.  

Keep a close eye on their behaviour and appreciate the love and support they offer, as it can truly make a difference in our lives.