If your cat has been experiencing eating problems, or completely lost their appetite and stopped eating, you may be feeling concerned. In this post, our Parrish vets share some reasons your cat may not be eating and explain when to visit a vet.
My Cat Won't Eat
Many a cat owner has described their kitty as a picky eater. This can be frustrating for many reasons, and you may find yourself standing in front of a store shelf often to peruse new flavors of cat food your feline friend might enjoy.
That said, if your cat has not eaten in 24 hours or more, an underlying health issue like one of the following may be to blame. Here is a list of common health issues that may be keeping your cat from eating their meals.
Changes in Food or Routine
Has your cat's diet changed recently? If so, this may cause them to stop eating if they are hesitant to eat their new food. You may need to slowly change your kitty's diet by introducing their new food gradually. Additionally, a change in your cat's routine at home can cause them to experience anxiety, stress, or depression and they may stop eating as a result.
Dental Issues
Your cat may have oral health problems that cause pain in their mouth and lead to a refusal to eat. A loose or broken tooth, injury, foreign object in the mouth, inflamed gums, advanced tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other dental issues can lead to significant pain and prompt your kitty to stop eating.
If you believe your cat might be suffering from pain in their mouth, contact your vet as soon as possible to book an appointment so this issue can be diagnosed and treated. After the vet has examined your cat, they will perform a thorough dental cleaning of your four-legged companion's teeth, then diagnose and address any issues that may be causing them pain.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Similar to people, cats may suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) issues that cause them to lose their appetite and feel nauseated. Though cats will sometimes display signs of these issues like weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea, this is not always true.
Common GI problems in cats include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Colitis
- Cancer
- Changes in your cat's intestinal bacteria
- Gastroenteritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Urinary obstructions
- Pancreatitis
- Parasites
- Foreign object, like a piece of plant or plastic in your cat's digestive tract
If you notice that your cat has been vomiting or suffering from diarrhea, constipation, unexplained weight loss, or a reduced appetite, it's time to contact your vet. Gastrointestinal issues like the ones listed here are serious and your cat may need emergency care. Having these issues diagnosed and treated as soon as possible is critical to your cat's health.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Illnesses like upper respiratory infections can cause cats to lose their appetite. When your cat has a stuffy nose, this makes it harder for them to smell their food, and they may not eat as a result. If this occurs, you may need to provide wet foods, especially those that have strong smells.
If your cat won't eat their usual wet food, try switching the texture or flavor. Heating up canned food can also make it tastier for a cat who may be feeling under the weather.
Call your veterinarian to book an exam if you notice your cat sneezing, or experiencing runny eyes or a runny nose.
While some infections are viral and may not require medication, bacterial infections sometimes need to be treated with antibiotics. Other nasal diseases like tumors or polyps can also impact your cat's sense of smell and appetite. Tumors affecting the nose may be painful and make your cat reluctant to eat.
Other Potential Causes
If your cat is not eating, the cause may not be directly related to their general physical health, including recent vaccination or motion sickness due to travel.
Any of these issues should not cause your cat to refuse more than one or two meals, or go more than 24 hours without eating. If your cat won’t eat for any longer than this, it’s time to book an appointment with a veterinarian.
If my cat is not eating, when should I see a vet?
If your cat has skipped more than one or two meals or is displaying any behaviours or symptoms that are causing you concern, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Because cats can get severely sick quickly, your furry friend’s long-term health may depend on early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.