Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How to help my senior cat cope with long-term depression and grief?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Tonkinese | Female | spayed | 14 years and 8 months old | 10 lbs

I have a 13 year old cat who for the past 3 years has shown signs of depression and grief over the death of her brother of 10 years without getting better. I need help with how to help her.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2018

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
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 24th, 2019

    Pets do get sad about things like the death of a housemate but they don’t get depressed like humans can.
    Things that can make them happy in general are devoting time every day to play with their humans. Buy a tall cat tree or put in shelves so that Luna has opportunities to climb. A Feliway diffuser can also help.
    You may also get Luna checked out by her vet just in case she is sick. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button