What To Do When Your Cat Won’t Eat
Pet owners often find it very upsetting when their cats suddenly won’t eat. Cats are stubborn creatures that dislike change. They also tend to hide their pain and illness, so when lack of appetite hits your pet, it’s time to take a close look at a number of issues that might be creating the eating problem. The problem may be as simple as a change in the formulation of his food, or something more complex like an unsuspected illness.
Health Problems
A number of diseases can cause a lack of appetite, such as gastrointestinal parasites, ulcers, food allergies and some cancers. Even minor bacterial or fungal infections can cause appetite to diminish. Liver disease can cause the build up of toxins in the bloodstream which leads to diminished hunger. Diseases of the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes, can also cause anorexia in cats. Kidney disease can cause ulcers of the mouth and stomach which can cause loss of appetite. Dental problems can also cause your cat to stop enjoying his usual foods. If you notice prolonged appetite problems in your cat, have your veterinarian do a thorough physical exam and blood tests to determine whether an underlying illness is causing the problem.
Allergies
Allergies can cause your cat to be miserable, causing a general lethargy and lack of appetite. Food allergies can develop at any time and may cause a lack of appetite and general ill health. Many cats have an allergy to flea bites, which can be a common pest in the warm months. Humidity in the range of 75 to 85 percent favors the development and reproduction of fleas. Flea allergy dermatitis can cause severe itching, oozing of lesions, scabbing and “hot spots.” The cat can be so miserable that he stops eating and loses weight. To prevent allergy problems from flea bites and the general debilitation that comes with them, use a safe, effective flea control product at least one month before flea season begins and throughout the warm, humid months. Spot-on flea control products are a good way to protect your cat against fleas.
Food Changes
It’s said that cats like things the way they like things. They can be very adverse to changes in the household, and this goes doubly for food changes. Avoid changing brands of food abruptly. If a change is necessary for dietary reason or if recommended by your veterinarian, make the changeover gradually by mixing the food with his regular food more and more over several days until the meal is completely composed of the new food. Even small changes like a different flavor of the same brand of pet food can upset your cat’s eating habits. Try to maintain the same type of food every day, even if it means you have to make a special stop for the right brand and flavor.
Tempting Your Cat
If your veterinarian has ruled out serious illness, you will then have to review all changes in your cat’s diet and return to his previous food, if possible. Even then, the cat may be angry about your negligence in this matter and may still refuse to eat. Then, you have to begin the rigorous routine of finding foods to tempt him back to a normal pattern of eating. This plan may entail favorite foods that he does not ordinary receive, such as shrimp, canned sardines or a small tin of one of the more expensive brands of cat food. Whatever you attempt should have a strong odor to entice him to try it. Once you have found a food he will eat, mix a bit with his normal diet, gradually reducing the “special” food until he is eating his usual diet on a regular basis.