Is my healthy, quiet kitten depressed? What can I do to help?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is definitely a possibility of congenital defect. He could be the runt of the litter, he could have dwarfism, or he could just have an abnormal skeleton. The runt of the litter or a "depressed", poor doing kitten often has an underlying reason for being that way. Is there a liver shunt? Heart defect? Brain abnormality? If you want to know for sure, you'd need to see a vet who may be able to tell some based on the physical exam but who may also recommend bloodwork and/or x-rays. Pain assessment is difficult to begin with in cats but I certainly could not tell you if he were in pain without an exam. My gut says he is likely not painful because he is eating and resting comfortably - but again, no way to know for sure without an exam. Long story short, get a vet involved soon to help weigh in on what might be going on. For now, keep doing what you're doing: feed him plenty, love on him lots, treat him gently, and keep watching. Best of luck to you and the kitten!

I am very sorry to hear that Kent is not himself. I completely agree that our pets form strong bonds, and pick-up on our moods and issues. There is most likely a component of that occurring here. I would suggest trying a new higher quality food brand to begin with. There are only three pet food brands which are approved by veterinarians. These are science diet, royal canin and purina pro plan. Only these three Have undergone research to ensure they provide an adequate and nutritious diet for pets. This research is approved by veterinarians. Any other food brands may not be regulated or researched as thoroughly. For this reason I would only advise feeding one of those three. Here is my best recommendation for a healthy food; http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=29338 If the change in food does not help increase his appetite by the end of the week I would have to advise a check-up at the veterinarian. There could be an underlying medical condition causing the changes to energy and eating habits.

Feliway pheromone plug ins, sprays or collars, as well as VetriScience Composure liquid given daily may help with her depression. Both are available online without a prescription. Introducing new toys, catnip and even a new cat under close supervision (after making sure that the new cat doesn’t have intestinal parasites, fleas, FeLV/FIV or other transmissible diseases and won’t get get your cat pregnant) may help as well! Good luck!

He’s adorable. If he was feral and is now separated from the others he may be anxious and still scared or unsure of his surroundings, especially when he’s taken out of the safe spot in his cage. I’m glad he’s getting medical treatment. I would just be patient, he should learn to relax and eventually play as he becomes more confident in his living situation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Gomez.

There are calming supplements and diets which can be very helpful, as well as pheromone and comfort zone diffusers which can help cats adapt to such situations. A full health check and possibly blood panel should be considered to rule out medical causes especially if there is any weight loss or altered thirst

Yes, this is concerning. First I'd have him checked by a vet to make sure Phoenix isn't sick. If he's healthy, then I would consider getting him a companion. I'm very sorry for your loss of Blizzard.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Mystique! I would start with a Vet exam as she is a senior cat to be sure the symptoms you are seeing aren't medical in nature. At almost 15 I would worry about kidney and liver disease, diabetes, an over active thyroid and cancer or even arthritis for her depression. It has also been 3 years, animals do feel sadness when the house hold changes but that is a long time to assume her behavior is due to that. If she medically checks out fine I would try to enrich her environment to stimulate her and get a few Feliway diffusers. If you want to repost with her symptoms of depression we can get specific with tips. Good luck! https://indoorpet.osu.edu/sites/indoorpet/files/assets/documents/Herron10_EE_for_Indoor_Cats.pdf https://www.petco.com/brand/comfort-zone