Cat Suddenly Not Eating & Lack of Energy: Possible Caus
Understanding the Reasons Behind a Cat's Lack of Appetite and Excessive Sleepiness
When a cat seems to lose its spirit, become emaciated, and refuse to eat, it can be quite concerning for pet owners. Here are some common reasons for these symptoms:
Intestinal Hairballs: Cats are notorious for grooming themselves, which can lead to hair being ingested and eventually forming hairballs in their stomachs. If these hairballs accumulate, they can cause discomfort and a loss of appetite. To help, you can offer your cat a hairball remedy or cat grass, which can aid in the elimination of these unwanted clumps.
Digestive Issues: Feeding your cat too much food, especially if it's freefeeding, can lead to digestive problems. Puppies, in particular, may not know when to stop eating, leading to a lack of energy and decreased appetite. It's important to maintain a balanced and scheduled feeding routine.
Unhealthy Gut: Parasites in a cat's intestines can also lead to a loss of appetite. Check your cat's feces for signs of parasites, and if detected, administer an internal dewormer. Avoid feeding your cat raw meat.
How to Improve a Cat's Appetite
It's crucial to provide a nutritionally rich and balanced diet, avoiding a monotonous diet of the same cat food. If the food doesn't suit your cat's taste or has gone bad, it may simply smell it and refuse to eat. Here are some strategies to boost your cat's appetite:
Switch to Canned Food: Try offering your cat canned food, which might stimulate its appetite.
Adjust Feeding Habits: Feed your cat on a schedule, offering meals 23 times a day and ensuring they are finished within an hour.
Regulate Digestion: If the lack of appetite is due to indigestion, consider giving your cat a digestive aid like "Maoxiang Weidai Jianwei" to stimulate appetite. Control portion sizes, aiming for about 7080% fullness at each meal.
Treat Gastroenteritis: If your cat is suffering from gastroenteritis, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, you may need to administer "Changchao Bao” to help manage the symptoms.
Important Tips: Cats may also stop eating if they are ill or experiencing stress from a new environment. Pay close attention to your cat's mood and behavior to identify the root cause and provide appropriate care.