My cat is not eating…this is a common concern that we hear all too frequently from worried pet owners who contact us. We understand it is so concerning for a pet to suddenly start refusing food when for years they have been rubbing against your legs eager for you to feed them.
There is no need to panic if your cat is not eating as we potentially have some options for treatment. There are some red flags however that if you notice, it would be advisable to report immediately to your vet.
Here are some of those issues that could be worth checking up on:
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of loss of appetite in cats:
- My cat is not eating but drinking
Cats with dental issues or a sore mouth will have difficulty in chewing and swallowing their food. Sometimes your cat might refuse to eat dry food or hard to bite foods like biscuits due to a broken tooth. You can check and eliminate any dental or mouth-related issues by taking them to a vet.
- My cat is not eating much
If you feel that your cat is not eating as much as usual, several factors could be contributing to this symptom. If your cat is eating a small quantity of food, then you could wait for 24 hours to see if there is a change in their food intake. You could also try to give your cat any favourite food that they simply cannot usually resist to see if they are reacting to it positively. After a day or two, if you do not see any improvement in your beautiful kitty cat’s food or fluid intake or if your cat is feeling very sick, you must take them to be checked over by your vet immediately.
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My cat is eating but not drinking
Cats will get dehydrated if they don’t drink water for a long period, especially in the summer months. Drinking water is very important for sustenance for your pet and you should always make fresh water available to them in an easily accessible place and ensure it is topped up and refreshed regularly.
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My cat is old and not eating
When cats start getting on in years, it is quite normal for them to cut down on the amount of food they eat. But this will be a gradual and not a sudden change. If your cat is old and you see that your cat has suddenly stopped eating, it quite possibly could be due to some underlying medical condition and you must get help right away. Vets2Home – Peaceful Pet Goodbyes offers mobile in-home vet services. We have an expert team of vets who can come to your home to make sure that your pet receives the palliative care they need for their ongoing comfort or to ensure a peaceful two-step goodbye in your arms.
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My cat completely refuses food
Complete refusal of food by your pet can be very concerning. Cats generally eat at regular intervals and any pet cat that doesn’t want to eat might be experiencing pain or having digestive issues that need to be addressed right away.
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My cat is hungry but refuses food
Cats that are experiencing jaw pain or a dental issue, as discussed earlier, will often refuse to eat. They will feel hungry because their digestive system will be functioning normally and they want to eat but the pain might be causing them to turn away from food. This can be very distressing for your furry friend and in turn very worrying for you as their owner.
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I have a new cat and she refuses to eat
Stress in cats can lead to less food intake. If you have a cat that you have brought into your home recently, then it is quite normal for the cat to refuse food as cats are very finicky and become very attached to their surroundings and environment. Taking them out of their ‘comfort zone’ – making sudden changes and bringing them to a new place will very likely induce sudden stress in cats. Try to make them comfortable, speak softly, move slowly, give them time and a safe space and do not try to force-feed them. If possible, get to know their favourite food by offering a few alternatives and see if they show interest in eating again once they are comfortable all is well in their world.
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My cat is drinking a lot of water and not eating food
Cats with kidney disease tend to drink a lot of water, urinate frequently, eat less food and this will result in weight loss in your beloved pet. This can be awful for both pet and owner. If your cat has been experiencing any of these symptoms, you must take your cat to a vet for further diagnosis and treatment without delay as the pet could be experiencing pain and discomfort.
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My cat is vomiting and has diarrhea
Cats with gastrointestinal issues might experience vomiting and diarrhea and stop eating food. Stomach bugs can contribute to these symptoms. Make sure that your cat is not dehydrated due to the vomiting and diarrhea and continue giving your kitty cat enough fluid as they would usually drink at regular intervals. Please get help from an expert vet such as Dr Suzen or Dr Jo from Vets2Home – Peaceful Pet Goodbyes to treat your cat for this issue. We will visit in-home with our mobile vet services, respecting all social distancing protocols, if your cat does not like to travel from your home or if your pet needs help right away.
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My cat is constipated
Constipation will lead to less intake of food as your cat might feel already full from the condition and not be feeling hungry. Constipation is a common problem in pets and your cat will be happy and start eating once again after the constipation has been treated.
Apart from the above mentioned reasons, any heart, kidney or liver-related issues can contribute to the loss of appetite in cats. Please schedule a regular checkup with your pet’s favourite vet to ensure that your cat is healthy and free from any ailments.
Peaceful Pet Goodbyes are here for you if it comes time to say goodbye to your beloved pet – your cat will feel safe and loved in your arms at home with our peaceful and unique two step euthanasia process. We take the time to make sure that your pet is relaxed and comfortable and that you are also feeling at peace and comfortable that you have made the right decision when the time comes for your pet to cross over the Rainbow Bridge.