My cat has seasonal depressionšæ: Holistic Tips To Feel Happy In The Winterš¤ø
By Jillian Ricks
Contains Affiliate links
I have a cute little fuzzball named Obie Cat Kenobi. He is all white with a fully black tail and bright piercing blue eyes. He is my cat through and through, and I am his human. What is so curious about Obie cat is around this time, for the last three years, he gets depressed. He wonāt go outside and play. He barely eats any of his food, sleeps a lot, gets moody towards his brother and sister and follows me around the kitchen, looking at me with those bright blue eyes and wanting me to make it all better. He seems sad and bored. He is ready for the weather to warm up so he can once again go outside and play in the grass and catch the birds.
Every year, during the winter, we hear so much about SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. We know that humans experience this condition. But, I never gave it much thought to animals experiencing it until last year when it got really cold and Obie Cat just was not himself. What is curious, as I witnessed Obi cat being humdrum and bored, I noticed that I felt the same way around this time of year. I long for the sunshine, hate the cold, eat more sweets and just feel Blah.
Iām not the only one who feels this way. Iām sure that you too experience some of the symptoms like me and Obie Cat Kenobi. My expertise runs more towards holistic health for humans. I would like to offer a few ideas that might help you stay uplifted, positive, out of or into the pantry (depending on which way your mood swings), get more movement and just feel better as you make it through the last weeks of winter.
For our little furry friends, Iām thinking some of my holistic tips and tricks might help. They wonāt hurt and weāll all feel better in the long run.
šJust dance.
Nothing brightens your mood or lifts your energy like putting on a fun song and dancing around the kitchen. No dance lessons needed. Just wiggle, twist, move and groove and allow a smile to spread across your face.
š§āāļøMeditate
This is not a curse word. Itās actually quite easy to accomplish, just remember it is a practice. There is no one who is perfect at meditating. I try to meditate for 15 minutes every day. Sometimes I fall asleep. Other times my brain does not stop with the worry. Other times I pray and still others I get into a Reiki healing vibe.
All you do is find a comfortable seat, close your eyes and breathe. Let your mind do its thing. When it gets a little crowded in your brain space, just take a deep breath and remind yourself to come back into your body. Your toes, your ankles, your thighs. Be aware of yourself in the present moment. Itās totally OK if you fidgetā¦or think about the time passing byā¦or all the things you have to do. Itās just about sitting, breathing and being still. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with your Smart Body, your breathā¦all of a sudden your nervous system relaxes and your brain is quiet. When the timer goes off, you feel rejuvenated and lighthearted. It just takes a little practice.
š¹Laughter is the best medicine
Surround yourself with uplifting, happy laughter. Maybe you watch a comedy sketch or a sitcom. Call a friend who tells the best jokes. The more you laugh, the more you feel happy through and through.
šøAromatherapy
I am a true fan of essential oils. I know they help me each day feel calmer, brighter, happier and more like myself. Here is a list of the best essential oils to use to combat seasonal effective disorder.
Lemon
Bergamot
Green mandarin
Wild orange
Copaiba
Place these oils on pulse points, the back of the neck, or diffuse them and notice how you feel brighter, lighter and more like your fun-loving self.
Donāt have these oils? Here is a link to my doTERRA Shop to purchase your own.
By purchasing through my link, I earn a small commission which helps Jillianās Healing Arts Center. āI thank you in advance for your support.āš¤
Interested in sampling the oils before purchasing? Reach out through email jillian@jillianshac.com or come in and see me for a therapeutic massage or Reiki Session.
Other than the above tips and tricks, I would like to remind you to drink lots of water, get lots of good quality sleep, find a fun sweaty activity to do each and every day and eat good yummy healthy foods.
Try out one of the tips from above and see how it benefits your entire spirit. Who knows? Even while you are dancing in the kitchen or meditating, your furry family member might join you. And the essential oils listed may benefit your fur baby in small doses when diffused.
**When diffusing essential oils around cats make sure that the kitty has an open door or window to freely leave the room if the oils get too much for their heightened senses.**
Here is to the rest of the winter; may it bloom with even more happiness for you.
May Your Smart Body Bloom
ć°ļø
May Your Smart Body Bloom ć°ļø
Friendly Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog post reflects my personal experiences, opinions, and holistic perspective. I am not a medical professional, and this content is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical or mental health care. If feelings of depression feel heavy, persistent, or overwhelming, please reach out to a qualified medical or mental health professional for support. Always speak with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine, especially when it comes to mental health, medications, or essential oil use.
You deserve support, care, and compassion, and help is always available.
Jillian Ricks is the owner and manager of Jillianās Healing Arts Center, where she truly does her best to offer the highest quality of holistic practitioners and services, allowing for all who visit to feel lighter, more balanced in their Smart Body, joyful, and filled with blooming happiness. When she is not running the Center, she is offering therapeutic massage, Reiki healing sessions, teaching yoga or belly dance, leading specialty holistic events or teaching continuing education classes for massage therapists. On her off days, she loves spending time with her 2 children, being in nature, and reading braille romantic novels.
To check out Jillianās offerings go here and to see her work shop schedule go here.
Sources & Further Reading
1. Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Affect Pets?
PetMD (Veterinarian Reviewed)
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/does-sad-affect-pets
A helpful overview explaining how pets may show seasonal behavior changes similar to humans, even though true SAD has not been formally diagnosed in animals.
2. Do Cats Get the Winter Blues?
Catster
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/do-cats-get-seasonal-depression
Explores winter-related mood and behavior changes in cats, including decreased activity, sleep changes, and boredom, with insight from veterinarians and behavior experts.
3. The Mental Health Benefits of Dancing
Verywell Health
https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-dancing-8749937
Breaks down how dancing supports emotional wellbeing, boosts mood, reduces stress, and increases joy through movement and music.
4. Seasonal Affective Disorder: Coping Strategies
Mindful Center
https://mindfulcenter.org/seasonal-affective-disorder
Discusses common seasonal mood shifts and evidence-based tools such as meditation, movement, laughter, and nervous system regulation.
5. Essential Oils and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Robert Tisserand Institute
https://roberttisserand.com/2016/01/essential-oils-and-seasonal-affective-disorder
A research-informed look at how certain essential oils, including citrus and bergamot, influence mood and emotional balance when used aromatically.
