Cats Not Eating: Common Causes and Solutions

One: Why Has My Cat Stopped Eating?

When a cat feels unwell, it's quite common for them to stop eating. This could be due to something lodged in their stomach or intestines; it might also be a result of the food you're providing; or, unfortunately, it could be a symptom of an underlying illness. Regardless of the cause, when a cat ceases to eat, it's a serious matter that should not be taken lightly.

Especially for overweight cats, going without food for just a few days can rapidly lead to fatty liver disease and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), which can be lifethreatening in severe cases. This is why it's crucial to ensure that cats, particularly those who are overweight, maintain a healthy eating habit.

When a cat has fatty liver disease, the liver is unable to convert fat into energy, leading to a rapid increase in stored fat within the organ. The liver is a vital organ for all animals, and if it cannot function properly, it can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Two: What Health Issues Can Lead to a Cat's Loss of Appetite?

1. Respiratory Diseases

When there's a problem with the respiratory system, it's a common cause for a decrease in appetite. Upper respiratory issues can lead to excessive mucus production in the nose and eyes, which can impair or temporarily lose the cat's sense of smell and sight. Lower respiratory problems can affect the cat's lung function, making it difficult to breathe.

Some respiratory issues can be resolved with a simple course of antibiotics and antiviral medications, while others may be more complex and require comprehensive treatment. If the cat cannot smell the food, they are unlikely to eat it, as the scent is a major诱因 for their appetite.

2. Digestive System Diseases

Problems with the cat's stomach, intestines, pancreas, or other parts of the digestive system can also lead to a loss of appetite. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain often accompany these issues, but a decrease in appetite is often one of the first signs. This can be due to conditions like acid reflux, tumors, imbalances in gut bacteria, parasites, or enteritis.

3. Ingestion of Foreign Objects

Cats may eat things they shouldn't, or they might have too much fur ball buildup that gets stuck in their stomach or intestines. Anything that gets trapped in a cat's body is called an obstruction, which can prevent food from passing through the digestive tract, causing vomiting and a loss of appetite.

Some foreign objects may eventually pass out of the body, but they can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite. It's essential to keep dangerous items that cats might accidentally ingest out of reach, and avoid feeding them human food as well!

4. Oral and Dental Issues

Painful teeth and gums can also lead to a cat's refusal to eat. Just like humans, if a cat is experiencing tooth pain, it may not want to eat. Issues like broken teeth, gum inflammation, or mouth ulcers can all affect their willingness to eat. However, dental problems in cats can be hard to detect and often require a vet's assistance for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment are key to a higher cure rate.

Beyond health issues, there are also external factors, particularly related to food, that can lead to a cat's lack of interest in eating.

Three: What External Issues Can Cause a Cat to Lose Appetite?

1. Unfavorable Food Ingredients

Cats have their own dietary preferences. If the formula of their regular cat food or canned food has been changed to include a type of meat they dislike, and you haven't noticed, the picky cat will be the first to take notice.

2. Disliked Food Shape and Texture

Have you noticed that your cat is also sensitive to certain shapes and textures of food? Some cats prefer triangular kibble, while others like round pieces, and some cats enjoy the crunch of dry food, while others prefer the soft, meaty texture of canned food.

3. The Eating Container Can Also Affect Them

4. Spoiled Food

Cats certainly won't eat food that tastes off or is expired! It's important to regularly check the expiration dates and packaging of food at home, as some mischievous cats might try to open it themselves.

How to Properly Store Cat Food?

Improper storage of food can lead to the deterioration of vitamins and fats, so proper storage of cat food is essential. Many pet parents pour cat food directly into storage bins, not realizing that this isn't the best approach. The cat food bag itself is a good antioxidant barrier, so to maintain the best freshness of the food, it should be placed directly into a sealed container and stored in a cool, dry environment.

Four: How to Encourage Your Cat to Eat Again?

Depending on the reason for the cat's loss of appetite, treatment and changing the food can help the cat regain their appetite. However, the fastest and most effective way is still to take the cat to the vet for a checkup and proper treatment.

1. If the issue is upper respiratory congestion and excessive mucus production, which prevents the cat from smelling the food, you can first clean the mucus near the cat's nostrils, then drop physiological saline into the nostrils and massage the nasal passages multiple times to help break down the mucus. If possible, a nebulizer treatment can help the cat's nasal passages to ventilate and smell the food again.

2. If the cat's digestive system is affected, you can give them vitamin B12 supplements, which are available in injectable and watersoluble oral forms specifically for cats. You can also use human methylcobalamin tablets under veterinary guidance.

3. If the cat is healthy but lacks interest in food, try heating the canned food in the microwave to make the smell more intense. Also, offer several different flavors and textures of canned food for them to choose from, to see if your little prince or princess has suddenly changed their taste preferences.

4. Remember to check if the cat's sudden aversion to food is due to changes in the formula of the food they've been eating!

Tip: Click on "Why Has My Cat Suddenly Stopped Eating?" to learn more about the reasons why cats may stop eating.