Anorexia, the loss of appetite or refusal to eat, is a concerning condition in cats that can indicate underlying health issues. Cats are known for their finicky eating habits, but a prolonged lack of interest in food can lead to serious complications. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and care strategies related to feline anorexia, helping cat owners recognize the signs and take appropriate action to ensure their pet's well-being.
Anorexia - what to do when your cat won't eat
Anorexia is defined as a lack or loss of appetite and voluntary intake of food. In cats this can be due to a variety of reasons and usually treatment of the underlying disease is enough to help with return of appetite. However, some cats require nutritional support during treatment of the underlying disease until their appetite returns.
Causes of Feline Anorexia
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Medical Conditions: Various medical conditions, such as dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease, liver disorders, or infections, can lead to anorexia in cats.
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Dietary Issues: Sudden changes in diet, spoiled or contaminated food, or food allergies can cause cats to lose their appetite.
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Stress or Anxiety: Cats are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment, routine, or the presence of new pets can stress them, leading to appetite loss.
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Pain: Cats experiencing pain due to injury, arthritis, or other medical conditions may avoid eating.
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Dental Problems: Dental issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, can make chewing painful, discouraging a cat from eating.
Symptoms of Feline Anorexia
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Refusal to Eat: The most obvious sign of anorexia is the cat's refusal to eat, even when presented with their favorite foods.
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Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can occur if a cat is not eating enough.
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Lethargy: Anorexic cats often appear lethargic and have reduced energy levels.
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Vomiting and Diarrhea: Cats may vomit or experience diarrhea due to an empty stomach.
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Dehydration: Lack of food intake can lead to dehydration, which can further worsen the cat's overall health.
Care and Treatment
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Consultation with a Veterinarian: A veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, run tests, and may recommend imaging studies to identify the underlying cause of anorexia.
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Fluid Therapy: Intravenous fluids may be administered to maintain hydration and provide essential nutrients.
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Dietary Modifications: Depending on the underlying cause, your vet may recommend a special diet, appetite stimulants, or syringe feeding to encourage eating.
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Treatment of Underlying Conditions: If a medical condition is identified, appropriate treatment will be prescribed, which may include medications, dental procedures, or surgery.
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Emotional Support: Provide a calm and stress-free environment for your cat. Ensure they have a comfortable and quiet space to rest and recover.
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Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your cat's eating habits, behavior, and overall condition. Report any changes to your veterinarian promptly.
How can I entice my cat to eat?
There are several things that can be tried in order to try and get your pet to eat:
- Warming the food - you can try gently warming the food in the microwave to body temperature and offering this to your pet.
- Adding some water to the meal as this may increase acceptability.
- Offering smaller portions of the meal and removing the leftovers after 15 minutes if they show no interest in eating and offering again 2-3 hours later.
- Try feeding in a quiet environment, away from stress and noise.
- Try offering the food on a dinner plate.
- Try offering the food at the same time as when you sit down to eat.
- Try adding additional food items that are known to be palatable for your pet, such as boiled chicken breast, however these additional foods should make up no more than 10% of the daily caloric intake as if they do then they risk unbalancing the commercial cat food that is fed.
- Ask your vet to recommend a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who can help to formulate a complete and balanced home-cooked diet using ingredients that your pet finds palatable and are calorie dense.
Please note we do not recommend force feeding your pet either by hand or syringing into the mouth due to the risk for aspiration and possible food aversion.
Is my pet eating enough?
Weighing your pet on a regular basis—every two to three days, for example—is the best method to make sure they are getting the calories they need each day. To make sure their bladder is empty, this should be done on the same scale, at the same time every day, and ideally after walking. Assessing your pet's body condition and muscle condition scores is another method to determine whether they are getting the right number of calories each day. You can do this by downloading the following charts and using the criteria to evaluate your pet to make sure they are within the ideal range.
Cat Body Condition Score Chart:
https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Body-Condition-Score-cat-updated-August-2020.pdf
Cat Muscle Condition Score Chart:
https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muscle-Condition-Score-Chart-for-Cats.pdf
When should I contact my vet?
Prolonged anorexia can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver disorder, which is more difficult to treat than the initial loss of appetite.
We suggest getting in touch with your veterinarian to go over your choices if your pet hasn't been eating well for at least 2-3three days. Depending on your pet's age, physical condition, and underlying illness, your veterinarian may ask to know if your pet stops eating for a day or two in certain situations. As a result, we advise that you inquire about the criteria you should use to get in touch with your veterinarian when they diagnose you.
How will my vet treat anorexia?
Usually, your cat's appetite will return after the underlying illness is treated. Further steps might be required in certain situations because it might take some time for the medicine to take action or for the pet's appetite to return. Your veterinarian may advise the implantation of a feeding tube or the use of oral or injectable appetite stimulants, depending on the underlying health of your pet. Depending on the underlying condition of your pet, your veterinarian can talk to you about the best solutions for both of you.
Conclusion
Feline anorexia is a serious concern that requires immediate attention and appropriate care. As a responsible cat owner, being vigilant about your cat's eating habits and seeking veterinary care if you notice any signs of appetite loss can make a significant difference in their overall health and well-being. Early intervention and supportive care are key to helping your feline friend overcome anorexia and regain their appetite and vitality.
