It can be concerning when your feline companion suddenly loses interest in food. A cat’s eating habits offer valuable clues about their well-being, making it crucial to pay attention to any changes. If your cat has stopped eating, identifying the underlying cause is the first step to getting them back on track. This guide explores common reasons for appetite loss in cats and offers practical recommendations for concerned owners.
Common Reasons for Appetite Loss in Cats
Loss of appetite in cats can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from simple culinary preferences to serious medical conditions. While some causes are apparent through a physical examination, others may necessitate diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds.
It is critical to understand that a cat refusing to eat for more than a day or two is considered a medical emergency. Cats can experience severe health consequences if they don’t receive adequate nutrition. Therefore, if your cat exhibits a poor appetite, seeking veterinary attention promptly is essential.
1. Underlying Illness
Several health conditions can lead to a cat refusing to eat. Upper respiratory infections, for instance, can significantly impact a cat’s sense of smell, making food less appealing. When a cat’s nose is congested, they may not be able to adequately smell their food, leading to a decreased appetite. In such cases, opting for wet foods, particularly those with strong aromas, can be beneficial. If your cat is reluctant to eat their usual wet food, experimenting with different flavors or textures might help. Gently warming canned food can also enhance its palatability for a cat that’s feeling unwell.
Beyond infections, other nasal conditions like polyps or tumors can affect a cat’s sense of smell and cause pain, making them reluctant to eat. If you notice any of the following symptoms alongside appetite loss, consult your veterinarian:
- Runny eyes or nose
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
While some infections are viral and may resolve on their own, bacterial infections often require antibiotics to help your cat recover and regain their appetite.
2. Dental Problems
Oral health issues are another significant reason why cats may stop eating. Conditions such as tartar buildup, gingivitis, and other painful inflammations in the mouth tissues can deter a cat from eating. Oral cancer is also a possibility. Signs that might indicate a dental problem include:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
Regularly brushing your cat’s teeth with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste can help prevent gingivitis and other dental diseases.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues
Various gastrointestinal problems can contribute to a decreased appetite in cats. These can include:
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal parasites
- Blockages in the gastrointestinal tract
Nausea, often associated with conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, can also cause a cat to lose interest in food. Medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can also induce nausea. Cats experiencing nausea might show interest in food initially but then refuse to eat. They may also drool, drop food while eating, and frequently lick their lips.
4. Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure can manifest in symptoms like coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, all of which can reduce a cat’s interest in food. Furthermore, medications or dietary changes prescribed for heart conditions might alter your cat’s appetite, especially if the new food has a different flavor or texture.
5. Recovery from Illness or Hospitalization
Some cats develop a food aversion, often after an illness or a stay at a veterinary hospital. They may associate a particular food with feeling sick or the stress of hospitalization, leading them to refuse it afterward. Overcoming a food aversion can require patience and experimentation to discover what your cat is willing to eat. Your veterinarian might suggest a recovery or urgent care diet, which is calorie-dense and can be fed in small amounts to ensure your cat receives necessary nutrients during their recovery.
6. Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
Cats are sensitive creatures and can experience emotional and behavioral causes for appetite loss. The loss of a family member, whether human or animal, can lead to anxiety or depression in some cats, causing them to stop eating. Environmental changes within the home can also trigger stress or anxiety. These changes, even if seemingly minor to humans, can significantly disrupt a cat’s sense of security and lead to altered eating habits. Examples include:
- Home renovations or construction
- The introduction of a new pet or person
- Rearranging essential resources like food bowls, water sources, or litter boxes
- Social conflicts with other pets in the household
- Introduction of new scents or odors
Why Is Your Kitten Not Eating?
Kittens typically begin eating solid food and are weaned between six to eight weeks of age. If your kitten is refusing to eat, several factors could be at play.
1. Still Learning Food Preferences
As kittens transition to solid food, it’s beneficial to expose them to various food types and textures to help them discover their preferences. If a newly weaned kitten is hesitant to eat, simply switching their kibble or moistening it with water might resolve the issue. Offering wet and dry foods with different textures and shapes can encourage exploration. Warming wet food to room temperature or slightly above can increase its aroma and appeal, making it more enticing for a kitten.
2. Upper Respiratory Infections in Kittens
Kittens are susceptible to upper respiratory infections, which can lead to decreased appetite due to nasal congestion, fever, or fatigue. If your kitten is sneezing or experiencing a runny nose or eyes, contact your veterinarian.
3. Ingestion of Foreign Objects
A kitten’s natural curiosity can sometimes lead them into trouble. Kittens have been known to ingest items like string, tinsel, or hair ties, which can cause serious gastrointestinal blockages. It is crucial to prevent kittens from playing with small objects they could swallow. If you suspect your kitten has eaten something they shouldn’t have, or if their decreased appetite is accompanied by vomiting, seek immediate veterinary care, as surgery may be required to remove the object.
4. Intimidation by Other Pets
While many kittens are bold, some shy kittens may feel intimidated by other household pets during mealtimes. Ensuring your kitten has a safe, quiet space to eat where they won’t be bothered or chased by other animals is important.
If your kitten refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, schedule an examination with your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to their recovery.
How to Encourage a Cat to Eat
Cats are adept at hiding discomfort, making it vital for owners to observe any changes in their behavior, especially regarding eating habits. The treatment for appetite loss in cats is highly dependent on the underlying cause.
If a medical issue is identified, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Antibiotics
- Surgery (if necessary for specific diseases)
- Dietary changes
- Fluid therapy and hospitalization
- Medications to manage nausea or stimulate appetite
If your vet determines that your cat is healthy but simply a picky eater, consider these tips:
- Experiment with different food textures, flavors, and shapes.
- Warm refrigerated wet foods.
- Purchase dry food in quantities your cat will consume within a month to maintain freshness.
- Adding a small amount of water or low-sodium chicken broth to dry food can enhance its aroma and appeal.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your adult cat has not eaten for two consecutive days, or if your kitten has not eaten for one to two days.
All cats, particularly those that are overweight, are at risk of developing a serious condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) if they stop eating. This condition occurs when the body doesn’t receive enough fat or calories from the diet, forcing it to use fat from the liver for energy. Hepatic lipidosis is a life-threatening illness, emphasizing the importance of prompt action.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat’s loss of appetite is accompanied by:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Understanding your cat’s normal behavior and recognizing the signs of appetite loss are crucial for knowing when to seek professional help.
References
Case LP, Daristotle L, Hayek MG, et al. Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals. 3rd edition. Mosby Elsevier. Maryland Heights, Mo. 2011.
