Reasons why your cat isn’t eating

We generally think of dogs as much more voracious pets than their feline counterparts. In fact, in pop culture, you’re probably more likely to see a fictional cat lapping up a bowl of milk than eating from a food bowl. And that’s a problem for a whole separate reason! But make no mistake – your kitty should be eating her food, and if you suddenly notice your cat not eating, you should pay attention and try to figure out why.

If you notice your cat not eating, the first thing to do is ask “Why is my cat not eating?” Though it certainly could be a serious issue, your cat not eating could have a much more simpler reason, too, so there’s no need to immediately rush out to the vet before you’ve at least tried to identify an underlying reason. On the other hand, though, don’t ignore the issue altogether. “Despite their air of indifference, cats are sensitive creatures,” explains Daniel Rotman, Founder of PrettyLitter. “If your cat stops eating, you know that something is up.”

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Your cat may not be sick, but if he’s been impacted by some significant change, his response might manifest in a decreased appetite. Have you moved into a new home? Gotten a new pet? Suddenly started staying home a lot more – or started going out again after months of being home all the time? These external factors can contribute to your cat’s appetite suddenly being a little wonky.

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“If there has been a recent change in your household that could alter your cat’s daily life, and there are no other concerning behaviours or symptoms, some time to adjust may be all they need,” Rotman says. “If this is the case, your cat might start eating again once he gets used to the change.” To help kitty better adjust to the changes, “you can try providing comfort and patience, like making sure they have access to familiar objects or giving them positive attention near their food bowl,” Rotman suggests.

But if the stress is more serious, it might not work itself out like this, and a vet visit might be in order to get your cat eating a healthy amount again. Rotman says to “keep a close eye on your cat’s behaviour and eating habits.” If he’s very stressed, it’ll manifest in other ways besides just his eating habits. “It’s important to observe their behaviour and environment in conjunction with their mealtime behaviour,” he says. You know your cat best, so see if you spot any other behavioural changes that could signal that all is not well with your kitty. Behavioural changes big and small can also be signs it’s time to take your cat to the vet.

The simplest answer to the question “Why is my cat not eating” is that there’s something off about her food! And this is what you should consider “if your cat is not eating but is otherwise acting normal,” Rotman says. If this is the case, it’s likely not a bigger health or behavioural problem but really is about your cat’s chow. “Check for expired food or the introduction of a new flavour they may not like,” Rotman suggests. And even if you didn’t change Kitty’s food lately, keep in mind that the cat food brand itself could’ve changed up its recipe. You wouldn’t eat food that had gone bad or a new taste you really didn’t like, so why would you expect your furry friend to?

Of course, this is the possibility that you’re especially worried about if you notice your cat not eating. Your cat may not feel like eating because he’s sick. If this is the case, you’ll probably notice other behavioural changes besides just not eating, but if he’s shunning the food bowl, that’s a pretty tell-tale sign. As Rotman says, “Ceasing to eat, referred to as anorexia, can be a direct symptom of underlying disease or a side effect caused by pain or distress.” If the issue persists and/or you notice any other signs your “healthy” cat is sick, you could have a bigger problem on your paws.

As for the illness in particular, it could be any number of health conditions, some more serious than others. But Rotman says there are a couple of likely candidates. It could be as simple as a toothache or sore gums: “Dental or gum disease would make chewing on dry food quite painful.” But it could be a host of other issues, too. “Many types of health issues including gastrointestinal issues, respiratory disease, and viral infections could be the culprit of a reduced appetite,” Rotman says.

If you’ve ruled out any issues with the food itself, and you’ve kept an eye on Kitty to see if it’s just a temporary stress reaction, it’s time to consult a vet. And since there are so many potential reasons for a cat not eating, it’s best to have an expert diagnose it.

“It’s important to bring your cat to the vet…not only to address potential health issues but also because it can be dangerous for cats to suddenly stop eating,” Rotman explains. While a cat not eating can be a sign of an underlying health issue, it’s also pretty darn unhealthy for your cat to not be eating, period; that in itself can grow into a bigger problem. For instance, Rotman warns, “Overweight cats who stop eating can develop liver disease that, if left untreated, can be fatal.” Just like any animal, cats need food! Follow your vet’s advice on how best to get your cat to start eating again.

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Source: rd.com