The Forgotten Side of Pet Care: Why Your Pet’s Mental Health Matters
Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)
Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.
I still remember a cat I used to know, and his owner, a man in his 40s with a clear anxiety problem.
He called our clinic almost every day.
One day, the cat was "maybe nauseous".
The next day, he hadn’t defecated in 24 hours (something he was almost obsessively monitoring).
Another day, it seemed “less playful” or “a bit off", or "he only ate 70 % of his normal food intake".
At the time, we’d roll our eyes when his number came up on the phone.
We saw him as an anxious owner, and we spoke about him during dinner events. The truth is, we failed both of them.
Because our clinic had many locum vets, every new vet seemed to prescribe something different.
By the time I saw the cat again, he was on an endless list of medications, laxatives, anti-inflammatories, appetite stimulants, you name it.
He looked like the shadow of a cat.
When I finally suggested to the owner, in a very polite way, that maybe his own anxiety could be affecting his cat’s wellbeing, he looked at me and said:
“Can we start him on some antidepressants then?”
It still makes me shiver when I think about how badly the case was managed, not just medically, but emotionally.
Understanding Mental Health in Pets
When we talk about mental health, we usually think of humans.
We now openly discuss anxiety, depression, and stress. Society is finally beginning to understand how vital emotional wellbeing is to overall health.
But when I mention “your pet’s mental health”, people often give me a strange look, as if I just said something absurd.
Yet pets experience stress, fear, frustration, boredom, and grief, just like we do. They simply express it differently. A dog that licks its paws constantly may not have "just a skin problem", but rather may be anxious or under-stimulated. A cat that hides or overgrooms might be stressed, depressed, or feeling unsafe. Small pets, like rabbits or guinea pigs, can develop abnormal repetitive behaviors when confined or lonely.
The Connection Between Owner and Pet
Animals are remarkably sensitive to human emotions and I see over and over again in my daily practice how a stressed owner can unintentionally create a stressed pet.
Our pets can definitely pick up on our tone of voice and our energy .
In the case of that cat, the owner’s chronic anxiety created a tense environment, leading to a cycle of over-treatment and worsening mental and physical wellbeing.
How to Support Your Pet’s Mental Health
Just like in people, mental wellbeing in pets requires awareness and prevention.
One of the most important things you can do is provide predictability. We know for sure that pets thrive on routine and feel secure when life follows a familiar rhythm. Sudden changes in feeding times, environment, or your availability can easily trigger anxiety. Obviously, life happens, we can't avoid changing routines, moving houses, etc. Just be aware, so that when these life events happen, we can be there for our pets with some extra tender loving care.
It’s also recommended to offer enrichment through play, exploration, puzzles, and interaction to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Always respect your pet’s personality. I always tell people "Although most do, not all dogs love long walks at the park, and not all cats enjoy cuddles". Understand their individual preferences and boundaries.
Training should always be gentle and positive, using reinforcement that strengthens confidence rather than punishment that damages emotional security.
Also, keep a close eye on behavior changes, such as withdrawal, aggression, overgrooming, or loss of interest, as these can be signs of distress. Go to see a vet if you notice any of these signs.
And finally, mind your own energy. Obviously, we are not robots, emotions do affect us and it is our right to express them. But be mindful that your emotional state profoundly affects your pet’s wellbeing, in the same way it could affect the one of a spouse or a child.
When to Seek Help
If your pet seems persistently anxious, fearful, or withdrawn, please talk to your vet.
When required, we may refer you to a qualified veterinary behaviourist, they may help identify triggers and develop a behaviour plan.
Just like with people, treatment may include a mix of environmental change, training, and sometimes medication, but medications should never be started without a clear diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
That cat’s story reminds us that mental health isn’t just a human issue.
A healthy mind leads to a healthy body in every species.
We, as vets and pet owners, have a responsibility not to overlook this side of their well-being, because caring for their mind is just as important as caring for their body.