When your beloved cat, typically known for its discerning palate and occasional food-related stubbornness, loses interest in eating, it’s a cause for concern. Just as humans lose their appetite when unwell, your feline companion may exhibit a dangerous disinterest in food while battling an illness. This guide offers practical strategies and essential information to help coax your kitty back to their food bowl.
The Critical Role of Water
Water is paramount to a cat’s survival, far more so than food. A cat can endure a longer period without sustenance than without adequate hydration. Fortunately, many cats who are reluctant to eat will still readily drink water. It’s crucial to ensure your cat has access to fresh water daily. Monitor their intake by keeping their water bowl separate from other pets in the household to accurately gauge their consumption.
If your cat is not drinking voluntarily, you may need to intervene. Attempting to administer small amounts of water with a syringe periodically can be effective. However, most cats dislike having a syringe forced into their mouths, so use this method sparingly. If these attempts prove unsuccessful, seeking professional help for intravenous hydration at a local animal hospital may be necessary.
Embracing Liquid Diets
Liquid diets offer significantly more nutritional value than plain water and are excellent for maintaining hydration. Many cats unable to manage solid food can tolerate a liquid diet. A variety of pre-packaged liquid diet formulas for cats are available, tailored to specific health challenges. These include low-protein options for cats with kidney disease and high-calorie formulas for those who have experienced significant weight loss. Consulting your veterinarian is essential to determine the most suitable liquid diet for your cat’s particular condition.
You can also create a homemade liquid diet by pureeing your cat’s favorite foods. Pureed baby food is another viable option, particularly beneficial for cats with swallowing difficulties or dental issues.
Soup can also be a good liquid diet choice for sick cats. Preparing chicken soup or bone broth without added seasonings is a simple yet effective way to provide moisture and vital nutrients.
It’s important to avoid milk in a sick cat’s liquid diet. Contrary to popular belief, dairy products can cause digestive upset in cats due to lactose intolerance and high fat content.
Tempting Treats for a Picky Eater
If your sick cat rejects its regular food, consider using a special topper to pique its interest. Incorporating sardines, tuna, plain cooked chicken, or gravy can stimulate their appetite. Cats are often drawn to strong-smelling foods, so opt for the most aromatic options available, or try offering cat treats that your pet typically enjoys. Warming the food before serving can further enhance its aroma.
Be mindful that a sudden surge in appetite can be overwhelming for a sick cat. Offer topper ingredients in small, easily digestible quantities to facilitate a gradual and healthy return to normal eating habits.
When adding toppers to your cat’s usual meals, it’s best to stick to lean meat products. Cats primarily derive their nutritional needs from meat. Fruits and vegetables, with their fiber content, can disrupt a cat’s digestive system, especially when they are already unwell. Starches like rice and potatoes can also be challenging for a feline’s delicate system. Similarly, avoid fatty meats.
The Role of Appetite Stimulants
For cats that have lost their appetite, appetite stimulants can be a valuable tool. Catnip is well-known for its natural appetite-stimulating effects in cats. If this readily available and inexpensive option doesn’t yield results, your veterinarian may prescribe appetite supplements.
Commonly prescribed appetite stimulants for cats include mirtazapine, cyproheptadine, and capromorelin. Mirtazapine and cyproheptadine work by modulating serotonin levels, while capromorelin mimics ghrelin, the body’s natural appetite-boosting hormone. Mirtazapine is available as a topical gel applied to the ear, whereas the other two are typically administered in liquid form.
If nausea is contributing to your cat’s lack of appetite, your veterinarian might prescribe maropitant citrate. This medication can be used alone or in conjunction with appetite stimulants. Maropitant citrate functions by blocking the neurotransmitters responsible for signaling nausea and vomiting. As this drug is available in tablet form, it may be administered with food or water.
When to Seek Veterinary Intervention
If your cat refuses to eat or drink anything at all, you are facing a potential crisis that requires immediate veterinary evaluation. Even if your sick cat manages to consume some food, understanding and addressing the underlying illness is paramount. Your veterinarian can diagnose and treat the root cause of the problem, and if necessary, may even insert a feeding tube to ensure your cat remains hydrated and nourished. We wish your feline friend a swift and full recovery!
