Lack of Appetite in Cats: 5 Common Causes and How to Manage Them

Cats are known for being picky eaters. It’s a normal behaviour when cats are introduced to a new food or they prefer a certain type of food. However, if your cat suddenly stops eating and loses weight as a result, it could be a sign of a serious health problem. Know the reasons for appetite loss in cats, the dangers they may face, and tips on how to entice them to eat again.

What causes sudden loss of appetite in cats?

There are various reasons as to why a cat can lose her appetite. It can be due to stress or underlying health issues. Below are the common causes of appetite loss in cats:

1. 1. SicknessWhen your cat is eating less than normal, it can be a sign that she is ill. It is one of the early indicators that something is wrong. There are many different health problems responsible for this including:
      • Dental Diseases
        If your cat has poor dental care, he may suffer from periodontal diseases. Over 85 per cent of cats over 4 years old are affected to some degree by dental issues. Fractured teeth, dental abscesses, gum inflammation, and other dental issues can cause pain your cat which stops him from eating.
      • Kidney Problems
        This is one of the prevalent causes of appetite loss in felines, especially in ageing cats. Nausea, one of the negative effects of kidney disease, will cause your cat to lose her appetite.
      • Respiratory Diseases
        Diseases that can affect your cat’s ability to breathe and smell can lead her to stop eating. Felines suffering from respiratory diseases often have their noses clogged and eyes filled with discharge. This will temporarily restrict their sense of smell and sight.
      • Gastrointestinal Issues
        Digestive system problems such as pancreatitis, colitis, gastroenteritis, acid reflux, tumours, and parasites will make your cat lose interest in eating. Just like kidney problems, gastrointestinal issues in cats can cause nausea which will discourage her to eat.
   2. Ingestion of Foreign BodiesCats are curious creatures and sometimes they eat things that are not edible. Foreign bodies can get stuck and become an obstruction, which will block food from going through the digestive tract. As a result, cats may experience diarrhoea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
   3. Anxiety and StressYour cat’s appetite can be negatively affected by anxiety and stress. Below are the common reasons why felines feel stressed out and anxious:
      • Moving to a new and unfamiliar home and neighbourhood.
      • Sudden changes in the daily routine such as meal times.
      • Loud noises inside the home or outside.
      • Presence of strangers such as house guests or a new baby inside the house.
      • Their human companions leaving the house.
      • Travelling which usually causes motion sickness.
      • Presence of unfamiliar pets inside the house or in the neighbourhood.
   4. Recent VaccinationsIf your cat has just received her shot, she may lose her appetite. It is one of the most common side-effects of vaccines. This adverse reaction is often mild and temporary.
   5. Placement and Type of Bowl

Think about where you have placed your cat’s food bowl. If it is located in a busy part of your home, it may discourage your cat from eating. In general, cats want a peaceful and quiet mealtime. They also prefer not to eat in a corner as it makes them feel vulnerable because the corners reduce the exit points for a quick getaway.

The shape and size of your cat’s bowl can deter her from eating properly. If it is too small, her whiskers might brush against the side of the bowl and cause discomfort. Moreover, if it is too light, it will move around and make distracting noises whilst your cat eats. Try using different food bowls when your cat is reluctant to eat.

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Why should I worry if my cat loses her appetite and stops eating?

Refusal to eat food can be extremely dangerous for cats. Generally, if animals don’t eat enough food, they need to rely on their fat reserves to sustain energy. The fat must be processed in the liver before it can be used for fuel. A sufficient amount of protein is required in order to do this process.

When a cat stops eating for a prolonged period of time, all of the protein supplies in her body will be used up and the excess fat will overwhelm and put a strain on the liver. This often results in a deadly liver disease called hepatic lipidosis which can lead to liver failure.

If you notice that your cat is eating less, consult the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis. Immediate response to the problem will ensure the safety and well-being of your cat and save you a lot of time and money in the future.

How to get my cat to eat?

There are different ways to bring back your cat’s appetite. Here are a few tips that you can follow to get your furry friend eating again:

Tip #1Is your cat’s food cold and mushy? Heat it up to 38 C to bring out its aroma. Cats often respond well to the smell of food than its taste. Before serving it to your cat, make sure to stir well to avoid any hotspots.

Tip #2Add strong-smelling foods in her meals such as sardines, chicken broth, or liver. These are natural cat appetite stimulants that will help in bringing back her desire to eat.

Tip #3If your furry friend has lost interest in eating processed commercial food, consider feeding her with poultry such as turkey. These foods resemble closely to what cats eat in the wild. Before feeding it to your cat, break it into small chunks and add it into her wet food and kibble.

Keep in mind to limit the amount of poultry in your cat’s diet because too much is harmful to her health. It should be no more than 10 per cent of your cat’s overall diet. Make sure to stay away from processed meat since they contain artificial ingredients and have high sodium content.

Tip #4 Serve fresh food to your furry pal. Cats have a keen sense of smell and they can detect if their meal had been out for far too long. When feeding your cat, give her at least 30 minutes to eat her meal. Then, if there are leftovers, place them in the fridge. Heat them up when the next mealtime comes around.

Tip #5Try hand feeding your cat. This method works well for cats that are social eaters. All you need to do is place a small bit of food on your finger and let your cat lick it off. You may also swipe a little food under your cat’s gums. However, if she refuses, don’t force it to avoid making her feel stressed.