5 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Not Eating
If you're a cat parent, you might have asked yourself how long can a cat go without eating.
You know how important it is to keep an eye on your feline Fluffy Friend's eating habits.
Cats are known for being finicky eaters, but what if they refuse to eat altogether?
It can be pretty concerning if your pet cat stops eating, and we'll find out about the reasons why today.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the possible reasons behind your cat's loss of appetite and discuss the potential consequences of prolonged food refusal.
By understanding these factors, you'll be better equipped to address the issue and ensure your cat's health and well-being.
5 Reasons Why Your Cat’s Not Eating
Your feline friend might stop eating for a variety of reasons.
Even a healthy cat can be a picky eater, and occasionally pet parents can tell when they're not hungry.
You should be worried when you find that your cat is avoiding food.
You must determine the cause of your pet's malnutrition.
Among the causes of your cat's lack of appetite are some of the following:
1. Condition or Type of Food
Cats may not eat if they think their food source has gone bad.
It would be best to check for recalls and expiration dates.
Keep the original cat food package to track the expiration date.
Visit the vet immediately if your cat's food is recalled or expired.
Your vet will test them for food poisoning.
It's also a good idea to know your cat's preferences.
Some cats prefer dry food and may reject wet food.
Your cat may like one sort better than the other.
Mixing wet and dry cat food helps your cat become acclimated to both.
If your cat avoids one type of food, give them a variety.
Getting your cat the healthiest food possible to keep him fit and get proper nutrition is also essential.
Remember that commercial and homemade cat foods taste, feel, and look different.
Pick the flavour that will make your feline companion eat.
2. Medication or Medical Conditions
A variety of health issues may cause your cat's poor appetite.
Common cat symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, excessive vocalisation, and weight loss.
Additionally, the following health problems may make your feline lose their appetite:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Bowel inflammation
- Dental problems
- Fever
- Pancreatitis
Also, they may not eat if respiratory difficulties impair their sense of smell.
Furthermore, your fluffball may refuse to eat due to some medicines.
Make sure to check the side effects of every vet-prescribed medication.
Before treating your fur baby, your vet will likely warn you of all the adverse effects of the drug.
Moreover, vaccination causes fatigue and nausea, which leads to messing with your cat’s appetite.
3. Activity Level
If they are constantly active, you might notice your cat drinking and eating enough water and food.
Active outdoor cats sweat a lot and require extra water to cool off, while inactive cats have lower energy levels.
Thus, they don't need a lot of water.
Always remember to walk and run daily with your cat to encourage them to stay active.
This will maintain the health and vitality of your pet.
4. Water and Food Bowl Issues
Food and water bowls may also be why your cat won't eat.
You may want to try a cat food dispenser to help challenge your cat’s mind and appetite.
If you have older cats, you may want to buy an elevated food bowl.
This will enable them to eat peacefully and with untroubled posture.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Your cat may be psychologically unwell.
Stressed and anxious cats are known to lose their appetite.
The common reasons for cat stress include:
- Adopting new pets
- Camping and travel
- Moving homes
- House guests or newborns
- Absence of a pet owner
- Dietary changes
Related: 10 Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Cat
How Long Can A Cat Go Without Eating?
A cat can survive without food for up to 48 hours without getting sick.
This, however, is not recommended.
Specifically, going without eating for a single 24-hour period is OK.
Stray cats frequently go longer periods without eating.
It’s advised that cat owners going on a trip look for a cat sitter who will take care of the cat's needs and prepare food.
They shouldn't rely on the cat's capacity to go without food all day.
Call a veterinarian if your furball stops eating on his own for 24 hours since serious health conditions may need to be checked.
Some indoor cats may not consume a lot of kibble as they’re more of grazer cats.
In this instance, pay particular attention to their weight and energy levels.
It's time to call your vet if you observe a sudden change in your cat’s body such as weight loss.
The vet may then propose switching the cat's food or prescribing medication to increase the cat's appetite.
Related: Cat Behaviour Problems: How To Solve Them
How Can I Make My Cat Eat?
In order to make your kitty eat, you can try the following tricks.
You might opt for different kinds of foods.
Try wet cat food instead of dry kibble if you can.
Because it resembles the food cats consume in the wild, wet cat chow is more enticing to cats.
Utilising catnip is also an option.
As a natural appetite stimulant, catnip can encourage your cat to eat.
Catnip supports the cat's appetite while also promoting relaxation.
Offering organic baby food, cat food with tuna water, or sardines can also whet your cat's hunger.
Also, just by simply cleaning your pet’s food and water bowls may entice your kitten to eat.
Related: Stop Cat Scratches: Protect Your Furniture
Conclusion
It's essential to pay attention to your cat's eating habits and address any changes promptly.
Remember, there can be various reasons why your cat is not eating, ranging from health issues to psychological factors.
By understanding the common culprits behind a loss of appetite, such as dental problems, stress, or dietary changes, you can take the necessary steps to help your Fluffy Friend regain their appetite.
If the issue persists or you notice any other concerning symptoms, it's crucial to seek veterinary assistance.
You can ensure your cat's well-being and keep their appetite in tip-top shape by providing a balanced diet, a stress-free environment, and regular medical check-ups.
Keep your kitties happy and healthy by ensuring that they are well-fed.
Looking for some products that could help you out?
Check out our Online Shop!
Here are some useful products in relation to this blog post:
Hi.
My cat has been eating really small amounts of food in the last few days.
He behaves as usual, but doesn’t want to eat as before.
I noticed that he lost some weight, and refuses to eat his usual food.
I give him some ham occasionally but he eats only a bit and then just ignores It.
What do you recommend?
———
MrFluffyFriend™ replied:
Hi Davor,
So sorry to hear that your cat hasn’t been eating. It’s possible that he’s ill or may prefer a different brand of cat food. Maybe try wet food with a strong aroma. You might also want to try heating up their food. Hope this helps. :)
Cat stopped eating. It’s been hot but he is comfortable. He hides in the closet. I try to get him out. He eats special food CD. 😋 help
———
MrFluffyFriend™ replied:
If your kitty hasn’t had anything to eat for more than 24 hours, please check in with your veterinarian. If he’s on a special diet, you may need more time to test. :)
Create a environment for them as normal as they need on a trip
do cats handle cross country car rides
———
MrFluffyFriend™ replied:
Hey Cynthia,
Some do, some don’t. Some cats get anxious during long car rides but one way to help is to take a break and let them stretch for a few minutes after several hours of driving. You can also let them out of their crate or give them a toy to keep them stimulated.
—From Your MrFluffyFriend Team!