What to Do If Your Cat is Not Eating and When to Be Concerned
One of the most regular habits your cat has is their eating schedule, and the cat’s conscientious owners are typically good at spotting when their cat’s habits have changed in some way.
Whether you prefer to feed your cat controlled amounts of food throughout the day or lay out a full bowl for them to come to as they please, it’s important to look out for any changes in eating behavior.
Why Do Cats Stop Eating?
There are many reasons why your cat’s appetite may change. Some are temporary and should fix themselves over time, but some are more worrisome and should be treated right away. Your vet will be able to help you determine the root cause of your cat’s eating changes.
Dental Issues
If your furry friend is experiencing tooth pain or has lost teeth recently, it makes sense that they won’t be able to eat at the frequency they were before, especially if you feed your cat dry food.
Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior when they do manage to eat. Do they seem uncomfortable or in pain?
Disease
Certain diseases can cause intestinal pain or nausea, diminishing your cat’s appetite. Some of these include kidney disease, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal ailments.
If your cat tends to throw up their food, they’re likely dealing with an internal health issue that’s preventing them from digesting properly.
New Food Brand
Cats can be picky eaters, which means a change in your cat food brand could lead to a decreased appetite. If your cat doesn’t like the taste or texture of the new food, they simply won’t eat it if they can help it.
Change in Environment
Pets of all kinds can become anxious or stressed when something about their environment or routine changes, and cats are no exception.
If you’ve recently moved, adopted a new pet, or added a new person to your household, your cat may be overwhelmed, causing them to be too nauseous or stressed to eat normally.
When Is It Time for a Vet Visit?
What appetite changes are significant enough to warrant a visit to the vet? The fact is, changes in your cat’s eating habits don’t have to be significant for them to be cause for concern. If your cat’s eating changes in any way for more than a few days, it’s time for a checkup with Feline Medical Clinic. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!