new life for bengal

Question
we moved from scotland to australia three months ago our one year old bengal cat, Desa arrived two months ago. his behavour has changed dramatically over the last two months. he is less playful and wont go near water or play alot of the games he used to and makes way less noise. he loses alot of hair and yesterday started vomiting yellow foamy bile. we live with inlaws and there was a cat already here who is about12 years old! our cat loves her and trys to play with her but she hates him? do you think our cat is depressed

Answer
Hi Stevie.  Yes, it's very possible Desa is depressed.  Moves are very stressful on cats.  And all you mention may be signs of depression, including hair loss, which is due to overgrooming.  The rough tongue breaks the hair off.

Typically, depression resolves within three months.  Those who are depressed or suffering anxiety beyond three months are generally considered good candidates for medicinal treatment by most vets.  I have used fluoxetine and amitriptyline, both antidepressants, in my cats.  I have no problem endorsing them when a cat is clearly depressed.  And the medications may be discontinued after a few months' use in most cases.

I would, however, urge a vet visit right away.  Vomiting bile is a sign of a very upset stomach.  It may be that he's not depressed emotionally but is ill physically.  There are all sorts of things which may cause vomiting, including parasitic infections like worms and protozoa, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure, pancreatitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, all very serious diseases, but most are manageable if caught early.  Fortunately, aside from parasites, these are rather uncommon in young cats, but I have seen each occur in cats as young as Desa.  

It's quite possible he's got a hairball from licking himself bald (a sign of depression) that he's trying to dislodge.  That may need a lubricant to get rid of if recommended by the vet.  Lubricants are generally not recommended for cats who are actively vomiting, because if aspirated, they can coat the lungs and cause breathing problems.  So don't use anything at this point without first consulting the vet.