how can I make my cat less depressed?

I've been basically ignoring my cat for the past 6 months because of my new job. When I get home I never have the energy to play with her so I just veg out, sidewatch TV, and sideplay video games. I used to be a NEET so we'd hang out literally 24/7 before. And honestly? This job is making me depressed which I'm sure is affecting her. Because I've been in this workdrained haze, I didn't really recognize this problem until last week. Now when I try to play the games we used to play, she is disinterested. She is eating less. She cuddles less. She literally sighs now. There is this poignant distance between us. It breaks my heart. I tried giving her extra attention, extra treats, and generally trying to make up for my negligence, but it's not working. I fear she has gotten used to this workzombie version of me. Is there something else I should try? I can't believe I fell for the "work makes you free" meme... I can't just quit btw

>>38063 Honestly, just start doing some mild exercise so you have more energy after work. This is how some people have absurd amounts of energy/hobbies despite getting drained for 9 hour days M-F.

>>38064 My job is physical labor. I wish I could just go back to being a NEET. If any of you lains have NEETdom, relish it

maybe your cat isnt depressed. maybe the cat has simply learned to not rely on your presence for stimulation as much and generally doesn't care about you? might seem like im an asshole for saying your cat doesn't care about you, but honestly cats are some of the most sly animals who can troll you into thinking that they care about you (its face shape triggers a natural response in humans that it is 'cute', possibly due to its resemblance to a infants face in some ways) but can do just fine without your existance

what kind of sigh? because for a cat there is a particular type of short huff that means "i am comfy as fuarrrk right now" >eats less yeah that can be a bad sign. you got some wilderness around your home? can she go out? or is she cat in a cage?

>>38066 Nah bro, cats are obviously capable of love. Moreso than dogs actually. Maybe even more than human females. It's precisely because they're so independent. Historically they didn't need to deceive us by looking cute; they were always more than capable of feeding themselves. Dogs will act like they love you if you give them food, women will act like they love you if you give them money, but they won't really love unless you have a deeper connection with them; primarily through 1 on 1 interaction. Having a cat is more like having a roommate than a slave and now my roommate seems to be depressed. She isn't relying on other stuff for stimulation, she just lays around a lot and is no longer interested in playing. >>38067 We go walk around my quarter acre fenced in backyard, but that's it. She def used to be perfectly content just marking our little territory and hunting the occasional mole. I'm not sure about the sigh, but it doesn't matter because it's her whole being that is depressed. Mainly the not eating and not wanting to play (and admittedly my work-induced negligence) lead me to believe this.

Brush her fur, sing to her, buy her toys. Watch some cat videos with her. If all else fails, buy some catnip.

I'm sure you probably thought of what I'm about to propose to you before making this thread, but have you considered getting another cat to keep her company? Of course, I'm asking this knowing little of your situation. You probably don't have the means to get another cat, but maybe introducing her to another being that can stay along 24/7 like you used to will help her cheer up and get better.

When my cats are down in the dumps, I pick them up and sing to them, and comb or brush them while talking to them. I always go and say hello first thing when I get home, cats are big on hellos.

She can sense how your feeling and its making her apprehensive. If you make an effort to play with her and your still stressed out from work, she can sense that and is still creeped out by it. You need to relax yourself before you engage with her. Probably find a new toy or activity to do together or just set aside a day for her. Cats are territorial and tend to see their owners as their belongings. If she is being distant she might be thinking someone else has claimed you.

Maybe she is eating less because she's not as active as she was when you were playing with her all day. She's probably just sleeping most of the time you're gone, so she doesn't need to eat as much as she used to. >>38093 Might work, but it's risky. A lot of cats get stressed and territorial around new cats.

maybe your cat is possessed or senses a negative spiritual energy from you?

>>38093 That would be a good idea if she didn't hate other cats so much. I think it's a tortoiseshell breed thing. If I get more cats in the future, I'll definitely make sure to get 2 siblings at a time. >>38111 >>38116 Yeah... I'm pretty sure my own depression has affected her. Kinda makes me want to not have a pet in the future given I will probably need to work and I'll never be happy working. I don't know what to do other than get some antidepressants. I wish I was tall enough to be a househusband. I figured one thing out: I've been leaving podcasts/YouTube on my phone 24/7 to drown out my thoughts, and she apparently doesn't like the phone being on and taking my attention. So I stopped doing that and I did start talking to her more. To all the guys who suggested that, thanks. I think also just changing up her routine has had a negative impact.

Congratulations! You've successfully become free from being controlled by a cat. It's moping and bitching right now, because it knows you'll never fall under its spell ever again.