Has your cat been experiencing eating problems, or completely lost their appetite and stopped eating? Our Corpus Christi vets offer some insight into why your cat may not be eating, and explain when to visit a vet.
My Cat Won't Eat
Cats are notorious for being finicky eaters, which can frustrate cat owners. They may find themselves standing in front of a store shelf, eyeing new flavors of cat food and wondering if this or that one will hold their cat's interest.
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 can keep your cat from chowing down.
Dental Issues
Oral health problems can cause pain in your cat's mouth and lead to refusal to eat. A loose or broken tooth, foreign object in their mouth, injury, advanced tooth decay, inflamed gums, periodontal disease, or other dental issues can lead to significant pain, which may prompt them to stop eating.
If you suspect your cat may 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 furry friend's teeth, then diagnose and address any issues that may be causing them pain.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Like people, cats may suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) issues that cause them to lose their appetite and feel nauseated. While cats will sometimes show symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and/or weight loss, this is not always true.
Common GI problems in cats include:
- Parasites
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Colitis
- Cancer
- Changes in your cat's intestinal bacteria
- Foreign object, like a piece of plastic or plant, in your cat's digestive tract
- Urinary obstructions
- Gastroenteritis
If you notice your cat has been vomiting or suffering from constipation, diarrhea, a reduced appetite or weight loss, it's time to get in touch with your vet. Gastrointestinal issues like the ones listed here are serious and your cat may require 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 nasal 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.
Changes in Food or Routine
If your cat's diet has changed recently, this may cause them to stop eating. You may need to slowly change your kitty's diet by introducing their new food a bit at a time. On top of this, a change in your cat's routine at home can cause them to experience stress, anxiety, or depression and they may stop eating as a result.
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.