Depressed Shelter Cat

[drbobcat]

In Shelters, depression seems too common among cats.  Some cats adjust well to shelter life, but others seem more than usually dispirited.  At my shelter, there is a six-year old lynx point Siamese mix (pretty cat) who was returned after being adopted from us five years ago.  Owners were leaving the area and couldn't take him along.  He has been with us about five months.  He doesn't eat well and has lately stayed in his house even when allowed to walk around.  He dislikes other cats, so we let him out when there are none except maybe another adult he tolerates.  Everyone is remarking on his depressed attitude.  He doesn't play, but he loves to be petted, really rubbed hard.  He has been checked out medically and is fine.  I know this is a broad complaint, but we all feel badly for Mr. Kitty and wish we could make him happier.  Any thoughts?

 

[pinkman]

Definitely possible. 

Like human depression, it is not best to force the cat out of depression. Keep giving him space, playtime, and one-on-one human interaction time. Has the shelter used any pheromone diffusers or flower essences? Classical piano music or harp music? Just throwing some ideas out there.

 

[Ms. Freya]

Some cats really do better in a goster environment...is it possible to bring him out of the shelter area and into the offices with you? The change in scenery plus getting to hang out in an environment with more people to dote on him may help.

 

[drbobcat]

This might be a solution.  This organization has a large multi-room office with several resident cats.  The problem is that Mr. Kitty does not like other cats and is likely to be anxious with several other cats roaming around.  It's possible that he could establish a "base" where he wasn't in contact with other cats, but that would be difficult. 

 

[fhicat]

We have a cat who didn't do well in a shelter environment. She's been bounced around a lot and is generally distrustful. She doesn't like other cats either.

So what did we do? We put her in one of the office rooms, and build a sort of enclosure for her using the desk. It has a kitty door, so she can come in and out if she likes, but other cats who roam into the office doesn't know where the door is. Yet.

Works out so far. She spends most of Herr time in the enclosure, but occasionally ventures outside. May be something you can try.

 

[drbobcat]

This is a good suggestion, but requires the kind of situation that is difficult to provide.  For example, Mr. Kitty really hates other cats.  They make him very nervous.  Anyplace there are possible interactions will not work.  Right now, he is being "re-fostered" while we look for a permanent home for him.  Although he is a sweet cat with people, finding a permanent gig for him will be difficult.  The re-fosterer reports that after some brief hiding, he became very comfortable in her home and seems to be eating well again.  It was a good sign that he pooped in his new box as soon as he arrived!