About 5% of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder during the fall and winter months. This condition might have an amusing acronym (SAD), but its effects are serious. Symptoms include a loss of interest in daily activities, trouble with eating a healthy diet, and an overwhelming sense of sadness that makes it difficult to function.

Humans with this disorder can often benefit from therapy, medication, and other interventions. But did you know your cat can also experience seasonal changes with similar effects? At Dan’s Pet Care, we think your pets’ emotional and mental well-being is just as important as their physical health. While there’s no official diagnosis for cats, many veterinarians and owners report seeing a dip in cats’ energy and mood during the colder, darker months of the year. If you’ve noticed that your cat seems more down as the days get shorter, we’ve got some helpful tips that can help you support their well-being.

Tip # 1: Provide plenty of mental stimulation for your cat

Just like humans, cats can get bored and restless. If your indoor cat seems a bit down this fall, they may need more mental stimulation to keep their mind sharp and active. Feather teasers, laser toys, and remote control mice can provide your cat with something to stalk and chase. They can also become a great bonding activity to share with your cat! In addition, puzzle feeders can sharpen your cat’s mind by turning dinner time into an enrichment activity.

During daylight hours, make sure that you cat has access to an open window. Ideally, you should choose a window that offers a view of movement and activity outside. Cats love watching birds, squirrels, and other small animals, so try to make them visible to your cat if you can.

As an alternative, you can try YouTube channels and other streaming content specifically designed for cats. These often feature close-up shots of moving birds and squirrels. It’s best to turn these videos on for a few minutes and then give your cat a break — otherwise, your cat could become overstimulated or the video could lose its entertainment value. Make sure that your TV is protected from your cat’s paws — they may try to chase the prey they see on the screen!

Tip # 2: Provide plenty of natural or like-natural light for your cat

During fall, the days begin to get shorter, and your cat will get fewer opportunities to bask in the sunlight. As much as you can, keep curtains and blinds open so your cat can enjoy the daylight that’s available. Consider placing a lounger or tower for your cat at window height, so they can sit directly in front of the window and soak up some rays.

Some owners also find that their pets benefit from special artificial lighting that’s designed to mimic sunlight. Turning these lights on during the day can help your cat maintain their natural cycles of day and night.

Tip # 3: Offer opportunities for your cat to get plenty of exercise

One way for some humans to beat seasonal mood changes is to get more exercise. While your cat can’t go to the gym, take a jog, or attend a Pilates class, there are still plenty of ways for them to exercise indoors. Set aside some time each day for active play with your cat, using a wand toy or something else that’s irresistible to chase.

Some owners find that their cat just doesn’t seem interested in play. They may watch the movement of a toy, but they’re not motivated enough to chase it. It’s important to experiment with different types of toys until you find something your cat loves. Some cats get excited about toys with catnip, while other cats demand feathers, bells or bird-like sounds from their toys.

Some cats prefer to play when their owners are watching, so they can “show off.” But when you’re not home, scatter some cat toys around the house in case your cat wants to use them. In some cases, cats become be more inclined to exercise when you’re not around to keep them company!

Tip # 4: Get some cardboard boxes for your cat to hide in

It’s almost a cliche that cats love sitting in cardboard boxes. But providing them is truly one of the best ways to make your home more comforting for your cat. Cats crave small, enclosed places where they can hide out, stalk their prey (in theory), and escape any prying eyes. You might not love the way a cardboard box looks in your living room, but look for a corner of your home where you can leave one out for a while. For maximum coziness, the box should be only slightly bigger than your cat’s body.

Let Dan’s Pet Care help your cat stay happy and healthy this fall!

At Dan’s Pet Care, we love all kinds of pets, including cats! If your cat would benefit from care visits or pet sitting, or you have other pet care needs, contact us today. We’d love to help your cat have the best fall and winter yet!